Everton Independent Research Data
A GOOD OMEN?
March 3, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
All the leading pools forecasters give Derby County to beat Everton. Maybe that’s a good omen, for they did the same when Tottenham Hotspur were at Goodison, and events proved them wrong. I was wrong myself that time, and hope to be again. Yes, you’re right much as I dislike having to say so, I have a feeling Derby will win. On current form, and making all allowances for the upheavals which the Cup so frequently provides, the most I can visualize for the Goodison lads is a draw. But the most fervent Evertonian will be no more pleased than I if I’m right off the mark, and the Blues get through at the first time of asking. Despite the better showing Everton have been making of late, and their undoubted increase of fighting spirit and determination, there is still a great need for better marksmanship in front of goal. Providing the Blues can reproduce the vim and vigour of their first half against Arsenal last week they will give Derby plenty to worry about and any side which is best by anxiety in a Cup-tie is at a disadvantage.
Cut Out The Frills
Everton’s defence will have all its work cut out to hold Stamps if he is in the sparkling form he was when the pair met last October at Goodison, to say nothing of Morris and Steel, and the tricky Powell. They can do it if they approach this game in the right spirit. The crucial problem is whether the attack can master Derby’s rearguard. To do so their shooting will have to be quick and on the mark and the last unnecessary bit of over-elaboration in front of goal must be ruthlessly cut out. Providing Everton will do this and not concentrate too much on defence as they did at times against Arsenal after the first flush of their assault had died down, then they are in this tie with a good fighting chance. Derby have re-cast their forward line by bring in Harrison, who has had only two senior outing in the last three months at outside right thus allowing Powell a utility forward to take over at outside left, where McLaren has been dropped. McLaren has scored ten league and cup goals since making his debut at the end of October. He cost £7,000 when signed that month from Kilmarnock. Harrison has scored five goals in 16 appearances. As Leon Leuty is not fit – his inflamed toe is still very painful – the centre half berth will be filled by Ken Oliver, who has made ten previous senior appearances this season. Finally a word to wise the Everton players the best of luck. They have done well to get so far. If, for a change, the luck runs for them, they may go still a stage further towards Wembley. Here’s hoping. Derby County; Townsend; Mozley, Parr; Ward, Oliver K), Musson; Harrison, Morris, Stamps, Steel, Powell. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Farrell; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding, Eglington.
Noon Rush At Baseball Ground,
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 04 March 1950
Then All Quiet VAN TOURS TOWN APPEALING FOR CUP-TIE SUPPORT "
There's plenty of room at the Baseball Ground —no queuing, no waiting, walk right in." An hour before the kick-off of the Derby County- Everton Cup-tie to-day a loudspeaker van toured the centre of the town making this announcement. At the same time, up at the ground, there were hardly any queues at all, and shortly before the game began it was estimated that there was room for several thousand. Everton supporters turned up in strength. Six of them, including ten-years-old boy. Flew from Liverpool Burnaston and were rushed to the ground taxi just in time for the kick-off. First to arrive at the ground: was 71-years-old Mr. A. Yates, of 14, Wingerworth-terrace, Grassmoor, who was there at 6.35 a.m. Mr. Yates has been following the Rams for more than 50 years. He was soon joined by Mr. and Mrs. T. Farnon and their 10-years-old son Pat, who live at 8, Church-street, Pinxton. First of the Everton sup| porters were Mr. F. O'Hare, Birkenhead, and two of his friends who left Liverpool at midnight and reached Derby in the early hours. They were joined at 9.30 by Mr. J. McCormick, of Liscard, Wallasey, who left Liverpool at 5.45 a.m. By ten o'clock 300 were waiting and they were able to buy hot drinks, sandwiches and cakes from mobile coffee stalls In Vulcan-street. Supporters of "The Toffeemen" started to arrive in force by bus at 10.30 and the car parks in the vicinity of Elton road began to fill up. By 11 o'clock the crowd outside the ground had grown to more than 1,000; 45 minutes later there were 2,500 waiting. Then the rush began. The gates were opened just after noon and by that time the estimated crowd outside the was 7,500. The queue Osmaston terracing stretched from the Malcolm-street at noon- that for the Railway was 150 yards long. Normanton end of the & there were several ue l longest of these being Vulcan-street terracing- Police were out control the crowds who in orderly fashion
SO MUCH FOR EVERTON’S FIRST PROBLEM
March 4, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Derby County may not have heard the last of revelations over the dropping of their outside left McLaren for the cup-tie against Everton today. It is possible the interviewer of the McLaren-Steel left wing will show on the score-card. Of one thing, I am certain, if Derby had been meeting Liverpool and not Everton the news of Mclaren’s outgoing would have been the most awful sitting heard at Anfield for seasons. While Fagan and Ray Lambert have not forgotten, I imagine (and probably never will) the uncanny way the McLaren-Steel partnership worked at the Baseball ground a month ago. Derby of their own violation, seen to have solve some of Everton’s most pressing problems. The reason for bringing Powell to the left to partner Steel is reported to be because the intricate inter-passing of McLaren and Steel has monopolized the game to the neglect of the other wing. Well, the ball cannot be on two flanks at one time and I should have through that such monopoly as Steel and his partner practiced was just the thing to win matches. It very nearly did after Liverpool’s led 2-1. To fill the Powell gap Derby introduce Reg Harrison a member of their cup winning eleven. This will be his first cup game this season. Another import change brings in Kenneth Oliver for centre half Tom Leuty, whose toe injury has not mended. One way and another estimate Everton’s chances to be have improved two-fold overnight. Allowing Derby their tremendous inside-forward portents, one cannot escape the conclusion that here is a defence liable at times to lose a game inside half an hour. The unchanged Everton, if they will rely more on accurate shooting than on the luck contingency which is said to always work against them, have a better chance, here than most of us suspected when the fixture was made. Derby County; Townsend; Mozley, Parr; Ward, Oliver (K.), Musson; Harrison, Morris, Stamps, Steel, Powell. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Farrell; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding, Eglington.
BUCKLE GAVE VICTORY TO EVERTON AFTER 78 MINUTES IN DOUR STRUGGLE
March 4, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Derby County 1, Everton 2
By Stork
A great win in a hard rather than a classical game. Everton fought back against a goal and eventually became the better side. Derby County; Townsend, goal; Mozley and Parr, backs; Ward, Oliver (K.), and Musson, half-backs; Harrison, Morris, Stamps, Steel, and Powell, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. E.S. Vickery (Bristol). With the idea of bringing more punch into their attack. Derby County made a number of changes in their forward line, McLaren, who played so well against Liverpool, was dropped because his short passing game with Steel was not conducive to goal scoring. Powell came in and was not a stranger to the outside left position for I understand that he has played in all forward positions. Harrison was at outside right, while Oliver deputized for the injured Leuty. Everton kicked off and immediately set the pace on the right wing, and when play was transferred to the other wing Mozley headed the ball out to the waiting Eglington, who scooped it into the middle, for Catterick to make a fine header which Townsend caught and ultimately disposed of.
Lively Start
From the clearance the County broke away and Steel came along with a low shot that passed a couple of feet outside. So far the game had been very lively and Wainwright started a movement on the Everton right and Buckle carried it forward with a pass clear of the defence to Catterick. Oliver, however, was able to get across and tackle the Everton leader as he shot. There was a tussle between the pair, which finally ended in a corner for Everton. The exchanges were fast and furious. The county to get that all important opening goal gave the Everton defence some hot stuff to deal with. Burnett had to punch away, but there was real danger when Musson shot with the power of a rocket and the ball crashed against the Everton cross-bar with the goalkeeper beaten. This was the forerunner to another determined attack and when Falder scooped a ball high in the air Burnett had to dash out and fist away.
Grim Defence
For some minutes it was tough going for Everton, and it was only by some defence that they prevented Derby opening their account. A ball that slipped past Falder was lashed right across goal by Powell. There was no doubt that the County had made up their mind that shots would be needed to beat Everton, but they were shaken when Eglington swept beyond Ward and Mozley and Catterick took up the challenge. He fired in a hard drive which Townsend did well to save. This was heartening to the Evertonians present, for they had not relished the way the County had monopolized matters. It was a case of Greek meeting Greek and Oliver was penalized for pushing Catterick in the back. Eglington, when at inside-right sent Buckle off, and when the return came the Irishman, who had run forward in anticipation, kicked right over the ball. Had he made contact Townsend would have had to be slick to get across to the ball. Steel was finding Grant a worrying little fellow, who was never beaten. Stamps tried his best to beat his way through the Everton defence, but was unsuccessful most times. Everton were interchanging with skill and the County defence had to deal carefully to prevent trouble. Steel at last saw an opening and he made full use of it by producing a great shot which was stopped just under the Everton bar. Burnett reached for the ball and turned it outside – a good shot and a good save. There was undoubtedly more danger in the Derby attack and Stamps went close with a header from Powell and from the resultant corner kick, Morris drove outside. A long lob upfield by Moore was taken immediately by Catterick but he was sadly off the mark.
Not on the Mark
Everton were having their fair share of shots and there was only one fault with that –the shots were not on the mark. Buckle slewed one very wide of the target. The next few minutes were devoted to midfield play until Stamps picked up a ball and then found Steel who crashed his way through only to be finally involved in a foul for an infringement on the Everton goalkeeper. Moore was a having a grand innings against Steel; cool and sure in his kicking many of his clearances going straight to the half-back. The half hour had turned, yet the crowd were eagerly awaiting a goal but the defences of both sides gave nothing away. Buckle and Wainwright won a corner between them which sent the Everton fans cheering wildly, but it was energy ill-spent, for the corner was easily disposed of. From the clearance stamps beat both Moore and Falder by some neat dribbling but his final shot had no power behind it. Wainwright deemed it necessary to help in looking after Steel, and he once cut in to take the ball off the toes of the Derby master. The Derby half-backs were very keen in the tackle, but Grant was no less keen when he tackled Stamps single-handed and beat him when the former New Brighton leader looked as though he would plough his way through. So far I had seen little semblance of good class combination, Eglington was spoken to for attempting to kick the ball away. It was a hard rather than a classical half. Half-time; Derby County 0, Everton 0.
Steel contrived to gain a corner in a first minute of the second half, but it caused only a few moments of anxiety for Everton. Wainwright with a first time pass got the ball through to Catterick but Oliver was standing sentinel and won the duel. Musson by a long pass out to Powell created trouble for Falder and company for when the winger cracked the ball over to the right Harrison pulled the ball back for Stamps –a forward pass was the thing. However, at 50 minutes Derby County took the lead through a goal that was hotly disputed by Everton, who claimed that Harrison had handed the ball into the net, but it was Powell’s shot which went into the net. I was later informed that Harrison touched the ball before it entered the net from Powell’s centre. If this is so the Derby goal must go to Harrison. Everton were so persistent in their appeal that the referee decided to call in the aid of the linesman, who sided with the County so that it was a goal; a very unsatisfactory one from Everton’s point of view. To have held out so long and then to be in arrears to a doubtful goal was desperate luck. There was still time to redeem themselves, but it was the County who called the tune for the next minute and Powell had another attempt, but this time shot outside.
Equalizer
Everton took a drubbling for some minutes, but at the hour were able to level matters through Wainwright. Everton had shown power down their right wing, and a through pass by Buckle saw Wainwright race through and shoot wide of Townsend into the far side of the net. This was a good goal. This was a blow to the County, and Everton almost snacked in another when Catterick burst through, but he was offside. Oliver may not have the craft of Leuty, but he was very sure in his tackle of Catterick when the Everton man appeared to be to be running through to a second goal. The County were not now so dominant although Burnett had to cut out a long shot by Harrison. Immediately after this Wainwright had a great opportunity of giving Everton the lead, but he scooped the ball high over with Townsend lying on the ground. Everton had a lucky break when Harrison sped past Hedley and drew Burnett out of his goal. It was touch and go, but Burnett was the winner of his tussle. Harrison went off with a knee injury, and while he was being attended to he was able to see Burnett catch a cross-ball by Powell. It was anyone’s game, and when Everton got another corner Catterick got his head to the ball but only flicked it to a Derby man. Townsend used his height to sweep away a ball that was destined for Eglington’s head. Harrison was back. A throw-in by Catterick enabled Wainwright to lob the ball over the far side of the Derby net, where Eglington “handed” the ball into the net. The trouble to the County was not cleared and Everton won yet another corner, and this time it proved fatal to Derby, for Buckle’s corner kick curled direct into the Derby goal at the 78 minute. Everton had hit back so gallantly that their success was fully merited. They had not laid down to Powell’s goal. In fact they were the better side in the last half hour of the second half. Wainwright was injured so severely that the stretcher was called for and he was carried off. Manager Cliff Britton went on the field to have a word with Catterick and was ordered off by the referee. This happened with nearly ten minutes to play. With ten men Everton had to battle hard and Hedley almost threw himself in front of Steel to prevent the latter’s shot finding it’s billet. I learned that Wainwright is suffering from a kick below the knee and has gone to hospital for an X-ray. Everton’s defended stubbornly to the end. Final; Derby County 1, Everton 2. Attendance 32,128. Receipts £4,473.
STEEL WILL SEE GRANT IN HIS SLEEP
March 6, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Derby County 1, Everton 2
Few believed Everton would negotiate the sixth round Cup-tie at Derby, yet they upset all calculations and Derby County in particular. What is more they won on merit. Having taken the defensive strain in the first half they worked up a tempo too fast for the Cup favourites. Everton’s trek to Wembley makes glorious reading for, of the four games played, three of them have been away. To win away against any opposition is a first class job. Then there was that victory over Tottenham. Should Everton reach Wembley they will have right to plume themselves. Victory at the Baseball ground was undoubtedly their best. Even after Derby had scored first Everton buckled to and set out to retrieve themselves. They drew level and the County light was dimmed. Everton became the better team in the last 35 minutes. Everton may not be a great team, but no one can accuse them of lacking fighting quality. They had the right spirit, and the great Derby, which includes some expensive material had to fall when all the advantages lay with them. Many teams would have lost their spirit following the Derby goal which seemed piloted into the Everton net with the assistance of Harrison’s hand it would have been injustice if that goal had pulled Derby through within 10 minutes. Everton had equalized through Wainwright’s –a really well-worked effort. A draw would have been accepted to Everton, but they had reached form better than anything County had produced. Everton, swinging into a better rhythm, produced better movements and won several corners one of which provided Buckle with the opportunity of scoring direct from the corner flag. This was the second uncommon goal Buckle has scored for Everton in Cup-ties. He beat Allen, the Q.P.R international goalkeeper, with a “curler.” With a few minutes to play, Wainwright was injured in a tackle with Ward and it looked like a “break.” The extent of the injury is a faceration of the leg and a knock on the knee. Wainwright was taken to hospital for an X-Ray and was brought home by ambulance. Derby will claim Everton were lucky when Musson shot against the crossbar and the ball dropped on to the line but they must not forget the occasion when Catterick hit the crossbar with Townsend beaten. It was not a great game of football but it was full of excitement and honest endeavour carried through at a fast pace with stern defensive measures on the part of both defences. Billy Steel is classed as the best inside forward in the game. He did not look it on Saturday and the reason for his quietness was Jackie Grant, who “worried him to death.” Steel will be seeing this little terrier in his sleep. Moore played his part and Jack Hedley had what I considered his best game when I tell you that Stamps who played well did not give a single shot it pays high tribute to Falder’s equality. But let us not individualizes. This was a team victory in which all played a part. I must say one save of Burnett’s from Steel bore the hallmark, for he could not have seen the ball, until it was almost under the bar.
EVERTON’S BEST WIN
March 6, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
The most discussed point after Everton’s win at Derby was the County’s goal. The majority of the Press box “boys” gave Powell the credit of scoring. I thought Harrison was the man who put the ball into the net, and as things turned out it was Harrison. But how did he score? I thought he fisted it in and my opinion was confirmed when Farrell and others hotly disputed the goal. Farrell is not one to appeal without just call but he was standing two yards away from the incident, and saw everything. “The ball was beating Harrison, so the Derby winger thumped the ball into the net “he said. The referee consulted his lineman, but the goal “stood” it would have been a terrible thing had that goal knocked out Everton. It could easily have taken the heart out of Everton but fortunately it had the reverse effect. They realized that a goal was needed to clear that one off the slate and set about the business of getting the equalizer with a heartiness that was grand to watch. They had been on the receiving end most of the time up to then, but that goal got their “blood up,” and within ten minutes they had cleared it from the memory. From then on Everton got their teeth into the game and Derby had to play the role of “second fiddlers,” with Everton calling the tune. It was a grand show of fighting spirit; the work of the team as a whole, and whatever we may say about Everton, they cannot be accused of lack of fighting spirit. It needed all the spirit they possessed to battle against the first goal in an important Cup-tie. Everton had plenty of it much more than Derby in whom I saw a distinct slump when Everton equalized (writes Stork).
Buckle’s In-Swinger
I saw Ted Buckle score a freak goal against Allen, of Queen’s Park when he curl he applied to the ball completely mesmerized Allen. He put the same “stuff” on a corner kick, and the ball went curling into the County net for the winning goal. Everton Cup progress has been better than any of the other three semi-finalists, for three of their ties have been away from home; the other against the prospective First Division team, Tottenham Hotspur, but their Baseball success was the best of the four. No one could see them winning there, yet here they are in the last four, and it has been brought about by team spirit as much as anything else. There are no personalities in the present-day Everton, but there is a wholeheartedness; a do-or-die spirit which is overcoming teams chock-full of personally. The County is one of the most expensive teams in the country; Everton’s one of the cheapest which proves that money is not everything. Derby flung everything they had in their early play in their effort to score a goal or two and it was during that time that we saw the greatness of the Everton defenders. They held on against some really heavy pressure and that to some extent had its effect upon the County forwards who could get so far but no further, for Falder and company aid; “They shall not pass.” Nor did they. Having taken the strain without damage for “45” minutes Everton were well satisfied and then came the blow below the belt in the form of Harrison’s goal. To be in arrears to such a goal was tragic. However, it’s influence was soon seen in Everton’s attacking ideas, for they produced some good movements in beating off the Derby defence and ultimately Wainwright was put through to score a clever goal. Derby were shocked and lost their grip of things and Everton, producing the best football of the game, were by far the better tacticians from then until the end. They won several corners in quick succession when Buckle came along with his match winner.
Worked For It.
Musson hit the crossbar in the first half for Derby, but did not Catterick hit the Derby bar? Furthermore, Eglington in his enthusiasm knocked the ball into the net with his hand, when, had he left I alone, it would have gone in without any help, so you see the “breaks” were not with Everton. What they got they had to fight for, so their victory was all the more refreshing. You will want to know about Wainwright’s injury. It is not so bad as we first thought. It looked as through it must be a break when he was carried off on a stretcher, but the hospital examination showed bad lacerations of the leg, and a nasty bruise on the knee, and it will be about a fortnight before he is fit again. This incident caused a sight rarely seen on a football ground, Catterick thought the injury was intentional, and lost his temper. To calm him down Manager Cliff Britton went a few steps on to the field, and was ordered off by the referee. The last time I saw this was in the famous cup replay –Everton v. Sunderland –when Johnny Cochrane, manager of Sunderland, was ordered off. Wainwright was taken home in an ambulance as a precautionary measure. Steel, the County master mind, could do little against Grant, who must have worried the soul case out of the famous Scot, and Stamps played good football, but was not allowed to settle down to make a single shot. Such was the impregnable Everton defence, but the secret of Everton’s success was team work, fighter quality and the will to win.
BOLTON W. V EVERTON
March 8, 1950. The Evening Express
By Radar
Everton introduced Billy Higgins at inside right in placed of the injured Wainwright for today’s League game against Bolton Wanderers at Burnden Park. Manager Walter Rowley, of Bolton decided to gave a chance to Walter Bingley, a young Sheffield born part-timer at left back. Bingley in his second season at Burnden was making his First Division debut. Bolton; Hanson, goal; R. Banks and Bingley, backs; Barrass, Gillies and Howe, half-backs; McShane, Corfield, Lofthouse, Bradley, and Langton, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder, and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Higgins, Catterick, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Black (Kendall). Bolton were first to make headway, but first Hedley, and then Moore stepped in with timely interventions to prevent Burnett being tested. Farrell coolly tapped the ball back to his goalkeeper when Lofthouse looked dangerous. Eglington was an early casualty, but the knock on the head, he received, quickly responded to the sponge. Grant livened matters with a powerful long range drive which as it happened found Hanson perfectly positioned to save comfortably low down.
Quick Pick-Up
Burnett was quick to leave his goal to pick up as Lofthouse moved in to try and take advantage of a short Langton offering. In eight minutes however, Bolton went away to take the lead. Langton back-heeled the ball near the half-way line to Howe, who promptly lobbed it into the penalty area. There seemed to be no real threat about it, but the bounce of the ball completely deceived Falder and Lofthouse had a simple task to move in and hook the ball into the net over the advancing Burnett’s head. The Everton attack had not really settled down but Fielding flicked out a neat pass to Catterick which had Banks moving the wrong way. Catterick on the left wing, lobbed in an inviting cross but Hanson came out to take charge before the in running Higgins could make contact. After Langton had crossed one which beat everyone, including his own colleagues, Everton made tracks and there seemed every prospect of an equalizer when Banks completely miskicked to open up the way for Catterick. Unfortunately Catterick did not find the ball running kindly for him and Gillies was able to come from behind and dispossess him before he could apply the finishing touch. Burnett was next in action to deal with a fierce low drive from Lofthouse, taken on the turn. A free kick just outside the penalty area saw Bradley hit it miles over the top. Up to now Bolton had shown greater speed in moving to the ball and their new boy, Bingley, was having quite a fair innings against Buckle. Everton had come right into the game now and it was no more than they deserved when they drew level in exactly 27 minutes. Persistent pressure ended in Fielding flicking a choice header forward for Higgins to move in an pilot the ball gently wide of Hanson from no more than four yards. Burnett did well to cope with a surprise shot from Lofthouse. Yet it was Everton who looked the more likely force at this juncture. Half-time; Bolton 1, Everton 1.
EVERTON GAIN THE LEAD
March 8, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Goals for Higgins and Catterick
By Stork
Bolton; Hanson, goal; R. Banks and Bingley, backs; Barrass, Gillies and Howe, half-backs; McShane, Corfield, Lofthouse, Bradley, and Langton, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder, and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Higgins, Catterick, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Black (Kendall). There was only a small attendance for the rearranged League game at Burnden Park this afternoon, although the game was of vital importance to both sides. Each was in need of points, particularly Everton, who were desirous of easing their position before their semi-final tie with Liverpool. The only change in the Everton team was Higgins for the injured Wainwright, but the Wanderers made a switch at full back, Banks passing over to the right to accommodate Bingley, a Sheffield youth, who has been playing well in the reserves. He has been with the Wanderers a couple of seasons, but this was his first appearance with the seniors. Bolton kicked off, and played towards the railway goal. The early minutes had some dainty moves and many thrills, and the speed of Eglington often surprised the Bolton lads, for he came inside at lightning pace to upset Bolton defensive plans. From one of the movements Grant was able to make a 20 yards’ range shot which Hanson caught cleanly and confidently. Eglington received a head injury when he and another went up for the ball together. The game was stopped and when it was restarted Langton used the old-fastioned “jink” in an effort to defeat Moore. It did not come off.
Lofthouse Scores
The next minute proved fatal to Everton, for the bounce of the ball beat both Grant and Falder, although the latter seemed to touch it, other-wise I think Lofthouse would have been offside. When the ball came to Lofthouse, Burnett was placed at a great disadvantage. He did the only thing possible when he came out of goal, but the Bolton centre forward lobbed the ball over his head and into the net at eight minutes. There seemed to be a lack of life among the crowd. There was no great cheer even when Lofthouse scored. There, was, however, a deal of tension from the Bolton people when Higgins pushed the ball through for Catterick, who appeared to have a great chance of drawing level. He was to the left-hand side of the Wanderers goal, but the ball did not arrive to him quite as he wanted it and while he was endeavouring to get it placed the chance was lost. Lofthouse came along with another good shot, this time saved by Burnett, when the Wanderers were awarded a free kick. There was very little chance of the ball finding a way through the barrier Everton built up. The shooter cracked in a hot rising shot which went whizzing high over the crossbar. Buckle, having disposed of Bingley, tried one of his inswingers. This time it did not materalise, but the next move by Everton was full of potentialities. Just as Hanson had saved from Catterick, Higgins tried to rush him over the goal-line –no venom about this, as they patted each other on the back afterwards. There was some extremely good football on both sides, although I thought the Wanderers right wing was neglected. Neither McShane nor Corfield got much of the ball, play taking’s place on Langton’s wing. Everton were exploiting the cross field pass to good effect, and Eglington in particular paid special attention to the needs of Buckle, who was giving young Bingley rather a worrying time.
Higgins Equalises
At 25 minutes Everton equalized, and it was a simple looking goal. Higgins shot had no great power behind it, in fact it bounced en route to the back of the net, and Hanson seemed to be at fault in not moving quicker to the ball. Lofthouse spear point of the Wanderers attack gave Burnett a long and awkward shot to deal with. It was here that McShane came into the game, and he finished off his job with a shot that passed outside, but only narrowly outside. Wanderers should have recaptured the lead when McShane centred at speed across the Everton goalface. Bradley had come up in anticipation, but he hooked the ball outside, much to the disappointing of the home crowd. Higgins tried to beat Hanson in the same way as Lofthouse beat Burnett but he did not get enough loft on the ball and Hanson was able to jump up and catch it.
Spare Wing
Wanderers had now transferred play to their right wing, and McShane was the source of worry to both Hedley and Falder. One of his centres gave the Wanderers an opportunity which they did not take and Langton tried his luck with a shot, but he was very much off the target. Fielding was here, there and everywhere and one of his dribbles produced a free kick when McShane followed him across the field and then almost brought him down with a tackle from the rear.
Half-time; Bolton Wanderers 1, Everton 1
Without The Dash
Everton had been the more constructive side in the first half without that little dash which makes all the difference. The Wanderers had that quality but not the construction in saying this I must except Howe who had a fine half. Wanderers were soon testing the skill of the Everton defence in the second half, and Lofthouse had the misfortune to see one of his fast shots cannoned away. A free kick against Everton was of no value to Bolton in fact it was the other way about, for it enabled Fielding to send Catterick away. The result was that Hanson had to catch a simple-looking lob. There was a little more liveliness among the small crowd and they did not fail to see Moore put a stopped on a Langton-Bradley idea. Catterick scored for Everton after 54 minutes.
QUEER GOALS AT BOLTON IN EVERTON VICTORY
March 9, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Bolton Wanderers 1, Everton 2
Relegation clouds are passing over. They have not vanished entirely, but Everton’s victory over Bolton Wanderers, at Burnden Park has eased the position. It was far from a good game, for the Wanderers form was too bad to raise it above a very ordinary standard, Everton were always the better side without distinguishing themselves. With a crowd of only 11,000 spectators there was little enthusiasm and the longer the game progressed the worse Bolton became. The first half was not too bad; there was a deal of sound football without thrills and Everton always looked the more capable side. They further proved they have the right spirit in their two recent games they have fought ultimately won through. The team gave me several anxious moments in the last 15 minutes when it was obvious that they intended to hold what they had, instead or pressing on with their attack. I suppose it is only natural but at the same time it is a risky business. Twice Wanderers had shots kicked out by Moore and Hedley and another struck the crossbar, so you can imagine how anxiously we watched the clock. In the second half Everton had played so well they had Bolton where they wanted them, but they handed over the initiative in the final minutes. Bolton had not the craft of the Everton side and too much was left to Lofthouse who was left standing out on his own. As against that the Everton wing halves gave strong support to the forwards and there was a powerful link between them and their inside forwards. The Wanderers relied on the long ball upfield which played into the hands of Falder and his colleagues.
Half-Back Power
Recent success of Everton is undoubtedly due to the power of their wing half-backs. Grant had another grand game and so did Farrell while those behind stood firm when Wanderers were making their big effort. This was not one of Everton’s best games, but it was good enough to account for Bolton, who will be in trouble unless they bring more pinch into their attack. Fielding was outstanding of the Everton forwards. He cuddled and coaxed the ball to do his bidding and Eglington maintained his recent form while Buckle was much better than he has been. The goals with the exception of the last, were scratchy ones. The first was due to the awkward bounce of the ball which beat two Everton men and touched Grant to put Lofthouse onside. Burnett came out in an effort to save, but Lofthouse calmly lofted the ball over his head. Higgins goal was a slow-motion affair which Hanson should have saved. He went much too late for the ball which bounced before it entered the net. Everton’s second was worth everything else, for it was beautifully made Fielding, after drawing the defence, slipped the ball out to Buckle who returned it close in to goal and Catterick’s head did the rest, I thought Hanson’s at fault in no cutting out Buckle’s centre. There were many missed chances, Higgins had a grand opportunity of copying Lofthouse’s goal and Bradley should have equalized from four yards out. The main point from Everton’s point of view is that they won two points from an away match, always something of which a team can be proud. Liverpool must not get it into their heads they are going to walk through to Wembley on March 25. They will have to fight hard for any success.
FIELDING’S BEST
March 9, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s success is described by colleague Radar as follows;- “To Manager Cliff Britton, undoubtedly the most encouraging feature arising from Everton’s victory must have been the return to his best form of Wally Fielding. That, allied to the fact that all his players came through without injury. “In previous games this season Fielding who had been affected by a stubborn leg injury, had been a shadow of his real self. But at Burden Park yesterday we saw something of the Fielding who made the critics search for new adjectives, and who won a place in the England Victory international team in his first season at Goodison. He was easily the most constructive forward in a game in which Everton were a vastly superior football force, and who would have won far more comfortably if they had accepted some of the chances they created for themselves in the ten minutes immediately after Catterick had headed the leading goal. The many club managers who saw this game were all on the Fielding topic after the game. His passing of a moving ball was the essence of accuracy; he was stronger in his tackling besides playing a vital role in both goals. “Yet it must not be thought that this was a one-man victory. It was just another case of this revitalized Everton refusing to be thrown off balance by being a goal to the bad within eight minutes. They buckled to took charge of the game, and treated the 12,000 spectators to a delightful exhibition of studied almost causal approach football. “The defence played its vital part in the last ten minutes during which matters were not helped by the fact that Billy Higgins who notched the first goal in 27 minutes was little more than a passenger owing to a violent attack of cramp. Then we saw the value of the Britton defensive covering plan. First Moore and then Hedley forced the ball off the goal-line when Burnett had been beaten while near time Burnett brought off the saves of the game – a brilliant angular dive to turn the ball round the post as he was tackled by Langton. Both Full backs were right in top gear, and to them must be attributed the “blame” for the fact that Bolton’s policy of exploiting their wingers at every opportunity proved a complete failure. Moore refused to be lulled into the Langton trap of tackling the left winger as soon as he received the ball, while McShane can rarely have had a leaner afternoon than he did against Hedley. “If not perhaps so masterful as they had been at Derby all three half-backs still contrived to dominate their opponents and Falder kept a strict watch on the industrious Nat Lofthouse. It was unfortunate for Falder that the bounce of the ball should surprised him to let in Lofthouse for the Bolton goal. The forwards would have scored more goals had they been a little steadier when within striking distance. Catterick worked himself to a standstill and his header for the second goal provided an appropriate finishing touch to what was one of the best moves I have seen for many a day. Buckle mastered young Bingley in the second half, while Eglington and Higgins both played their parts effectively. Yes this was a well-deserved success earned by a team which has taken on a new lease of life.
BONNY FIGHTERS
March 9, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton are gradually creeping away from the lower regions and their latest success at Bolton may by the means of them escaping relegation. The Wanderers themselves are involved in this fight for Division 1, existence but they did not show the spirit that has caused Everton to bubble over in recent weeks. The last quarter of an hour was really testing. Fraught with danger, such danger that the Wanderers hit the cross-bar and both Moore and Hedley kicked the ball out of the net. Then there was Burnett’s punch away with a ball that looked like squeaking inside the post. No doubt the end justified the need, but was there a need? I don’t think so had Everton maintained their football superiority which kept the Wanderers on the defensive and produced the winning and best goal of the match, writes Stork.
Everton were far and away the better football side. In fact they played some really good “stuff” in the first half and in the early part of the second term. The Wanderers had not the moves of Everton, while the defensive barrier set up by Falder and his co-defenders was such that must seemed far away. The present-day Everton team is a fine fighting machine. They have been a goal in arrears in their last two goals, but have fought back and come out triumphant. That to me is more pleasing for I can recall the time –not long ago – when they had no fight about them. It is just a case of one for all and all for one and the rest they put into their play bodes well for the future. Give me a team of triers and I am prepared to have the destiny of the club to them. They may not be champions but they are champions fighters.
FULL POINTS ARE NEEDED
March 10, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Victory Over Chelsea Will Ease Everton’s Task
Ranger’s Notes
Everton can make their league position reasonably secure for the rest of the season –barring a sudden collapse, which we need hardly fear after their recent encouraging displays –if they succeed in taking both points from Chelsea at Goodison tomorrow. When suggesting some months ago, that supporters should have patience and let Manager Britton work out his own and the club’s salvation without interference, I felt he had a very stiff task ahead, and confess that I could hardly envisage any outstanding improvement without some new blood in the camp. I was not alone by a long chalk. Buckle apart, there have been no first team debutants from outside sources but there has been something what has, perhaps been even more vital –a revival of faith and confidence. Long may it continue and flourish. Everton with Wainwright still unfit, field the same side as defeated Bolton on Wednesday, viz; Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Farrell; Buckle, Higgins, Catterick, Fielding, Eglington. Chelsea; Medhurst; Winter, Hughes; Armstrong, Harris, Mitchell; Gray, Williams, Bentley, Billington, Jones. Everton Reserves (v. Stoke City, away); O’Neill; Clinton, Saunders; Bentham, Humphreys, Melville, Corr, Powell, Hold, McIntosh, D. Easthope. Easthope, is a 17-year-old boy, formerly in the “A” side. This is his Central league debut.
HONOURS EVEN IN QUIET GOODISON GAME
March 11, 1950, The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton And Chelsea Took Few Risks
Everton 1, Chelsea 1
By Contact
This meeting of semi-finalists told us little, because Chelsea appeared to have a nonchalance which cannot be expected in the intensity of a Cup-tie. They were the better side in many respects and Everton, although at one time leading by a goal did well in the end to save a point. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Higgins, Catterick, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Chelsea; Medhurst, goal; Winter and Hughes, backs; Armstrong, Harris, and Mitchell, half-backs; Gray, Williams, Bentley, Billington and Jones, forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Trenholm (Stockton-on-Tees). Although it was cold there were 40,000 at Goodison Park to see a match which may prove to be a cup final rehearsal. Everton had Higgins at inside right in place of the injured Wainwright. Cyril Lello tells me that his knee injury is improving rapidly now and that he hopes to be fully fit quite shortly. Chelsea played in red, an unaccustomed colour for them, and one which gave the occasion a semi-final look. Among the spectators was Harry Makepeace who played for Everton in their semi-final appearance in 1906. Farrell won the toss and defended the Park goal. Little Gray caught two Everton defenders napping in the first minute, but Fielding had dropped back to help and won a free kick award, which ended the Gray gallop.
Dangerous Centre
Then Billington, too, got a free kick award which Mitchell used cleverly, putting up a straight ball to Williams, who had gone to inside left position, from which was delivered a dangerous centre which Everton were vastly relieved to collect in front of goal. It was not long before Gray was showing wonderful skill when working in confined space, but this time Hedley deflected his centre for a corner. Gray’s lofted pass to Williams was a perfect piece of artistry, but once again the right winger could not get in a centre, and the movement fizzled out, with Bentley conceding a free kick almost on the goal line. So far Everton just could not get going, and the Chelsea side, in their special wasp-waisted shorts, played neat attractive football.
Confident Defence
Catterick got a blow and winced from it, and the Chelsea defence now played with consummate confidence, moving the ball among themselves when in difficulty and rarely seeming likely to be beaten. Bentley came close to brushing the ball out of Burnett’s grasp as Burnett caught a long free kick from Hughes and Gray was slightly strong with a centre after a Hedley mistake. In Everton’s first real attack, which came after 15 minutes, Farrell drove the ball in fiercely and Medhurst pulled it down in a really fine feat of goalkeeping. Williams had to leave the field without the game being stopped to have his massaged, and Everton now seemed to be coming a little more into the picture with the crowd firing them into greater spirit.
A Lucky Moment
The tale of minor injuries was continued as Buckle obviously had a body blow and Catterick seemed to have had a knock on the face. Williams offered up a perfect pass to Billington, who called for the ball, and it was a lucky moment for Everton when he was jockeyed into shooting over the bar, when the chances were that a goal would come. Best half back display so far was by Armstrong, who seemed incapable of doing anything wrong. With the reservation that both sides seemed intent on avoiding risks it was good football, but the trouble was that most of it was coming from Chelsea.
Catterick’s Surprise Goal
Bentley at outside right bamboozled Hedley by merely pushing the ball ahead and rounding him and went on to square the ball for Billington to hit as he ran in. Happily for Everton Farrell arrived on the scene at the same time and became the barrier between the shot and the back of the net. Catterick’s goal at 35 minutes set the crowd alight as well it might, Farrell’s centre seemed to be safe at Harris’s feet, but he stumbled and Catterick pivoted round with the ball and without further ado shot it just inside the post. Medhurst appeared to have got it covered with his left hand, but there was pace and direction there and the ball beat him with completely.
In Rip-Roaring Mood
Catterick dispossessed Medhurst as he came out a few moments later, but his shot with the goalkeeper out of position was picked up nonchalantly by the Chelsea defence. The revived Everton were now in rip-roaring mood, and Buckle by wisely selecting not to make a header offered an opportunity to score, the shot this time curling quite harmlessly over the bar. At last Chelsea worked a move which opened the way for a shot, and Gray, after moving the ball to his liking on his right foot produced one which Burnett picked up none too confidently.
The Equaliser
Within a moment Medhurst was making a truly magnificent save from Catterick, who connected with head or knee as Buckle’s corner came to him standing not more than five yards out. Chelsea’s goal came almost with the half-time. a through ball in the direction of Grant and Billington had no special merit about it, but Grant did not get it away with his header, and as the ball dropped Billington swung round and looped it almost casually into goal. Burnett had come out a few yards and was powerless, and the desperate attempt of Farrell also failed. Half-time; Everton 1, Chelsea 1.
Chelsea at times seemed to have a devil-may-care attitude to the game, but when Gray, who seemed to be operating in an area of the field completely devoid of Everton players, centred and Burnett came out to make his catch there was a grave danger that Bentley would get there first and nod a leading goal.
Spread-Eagled Defence
Billington hereabouts spread-eagled the Everton defence with as nice a pass as one could wish, and Bentley who received it on the left wing, after having a centre crowded out, elected, with no success at all, to try and dribble his way through parallel with the goal line. Gray’s only failing was that he was not quite strong enough with his centres. At last Buckle and Higgins got to work as a partnership, and after a splendid bit of combined play Higgins centred, Medhurst punched away, Eglington returned the ball in front of the goal, and Buckle hit tentatively, Medhurst scrambling to stop the ball on the line. Hedley handled rather than allow Gray’s centre to pass on when standing only a yard from the penalty box, and one of the results of the free kick was a grand shot by Bentley and an even finer save by Burnett when all seemed lost. The Everton goalkeeper flicked the ball over the top acrobatically when Bentley’s shot seemed to be a winner.
Chelsea On Top Again
Chelsea were now on top again, but they were lax in front of goal and apart from the Bentley case Burnett was not often in action. Catterick got cheers for persistence and a shot which was so angled to have little chance of scoring and the South African, Mitchell, now scintillated in a wonderful solo work in midfield feinting and dummying his way past three men in succession. Chelsea’s only shooting was long distance stuff, and Bentley, with a solid drive, almost attempted the impossible when standing ten yards outside the penalty box. Catterick, picking up a Buckle shot, and turning it sharply inwards put his shot over the bar and damaged himself in the process. Catterick appeared to have wrenched his shoulder when falling Catterick looked in bad shape, and finally had to leave the field a quarter of an hour before the end. Billington, with two shots, hit the ball one a few feet from the post, with Burnett dashing across to watch them to safety. At this point Williams limp developed sill further and he went outside right.
Catterick Returns
Buckle tried to beat the defence single-handed, and very nearly succeeded before Catterick came back again to outside right, holding his arm as though it were strapped and looking rather pale. Twice Everton gave corners needlessly and they were being taken by Williams. Gray sent the ball speeding in with a double shuffle flick of the foot. Medhurst brought off a magnificent one-handed save from Higgins who did not get a lot of power on the ball. Final; Everton 1, Chelsea 1.
STOKE RES V EVERTON RES
March 11, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Stoke Res; J. Flamery, goal; Mould, and Meakin, backs; Hampson, Giblin and Kirton, half-backs; Hughes (D.), Beckett, Whiston (D.), Peppitt, and Ormston, forwards. Everton Res; O’Neill, goal; Greenhalgh and Saunders, backs; Bentham, Humphreys, and Melville, half-backs; Corr, Powell, Hold, McIntosh and Easthope, forwards. Stoke pressed from the start. After four minutes’ play Whiston put them ahead, heading a good goal over the advancing O’Neill. After 11 minutes’ play they were further ahead with a goal by Beckett from a narrow angle. Everton were kept on the defence against the lively Stoke forwards, but improved towards the interval. McIntosh reduced the lead with a good shot. Hampson restored the margin with a goal from a free kick.
EVERTON 1 CHELSEA 1
March 13, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
What of the Cup Final rehearsal, so called? Can we depend on Chelsea and Everton missing so many chances if they reach Wembley” it is to be hoped not. Can we depend on Chelsea finishing many of their attacks in the almost nonchalant and devil-may-care style which characterized their forward play at Goodison Park? I fear not. Chelsea moved through an Everton team, which took long to settle down and was even then not impressive, by football neat and penetrating. That they did not win, one felt, was chiefly because they minds were more at Wembley than at Goodison Park.
A Great Trio
Yet rarely have we seem such a triangle as the one formed by Gray and Williams and half-back Armstrong. Until Williams was hurt after 20 minutes, this right wing was a poem, its only failing being that Gray did not always hit his centres to a good length. Everyone senses Chelsea as likely to be much in the Wembley picture. They seem to have everything, I would say that anno domini’s touch on Hughes is their only weakness; yet his experience helps to counter any life and speed he may lack through the passenge of years. Gray, with Liddell’s propensity for boring in and with Liddell’s physique would be the best wing man in the game. His control of the ball matches that of Gallacher. Moreover he plays cleanly and with admirable sportsmanship. Everton, though outplayed had moments when they might have won Medhurst made two splendid last-moment saves against Burnett’s one. But this Everton was not flawless in defence; and had only snatches of threatening forward play, mostly when Buckle came to life late in the game. Catterick I thought, played hard and well and got his goal brilliantly. His sharp pivot and even sharper shot was first-rate centre forward play and Medhurst for once was hopelessly beaten. But for Farrell’s help against Gray who seemed to be left –as a matter of policy –with a clear field to himself the Chelsea right wing must have won this match. Bentley and Billington is great shot if he cares to show it; were not as much in the picture as one would expect players of their calibre to be I suppose it is natural that all due shortly to play in Cup semi-finals should say to themselves “Whatever happens, I intend to be there!”
EVERTON’S 14 OFF FOR SPECIAL TRAINING
March 13, 1950. The Evening Express
Injured Players at Buxton
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Fourteen Everton players set out this morning for special F.A. Cup training at Buxton, and in the party is the Blues’ latest casualty, Harry Catterick, the centre forward. Catterick fell heavily in the game against Chelsea on Saturday and tore a muscle behind the right shoulder. Catterick finished the game at outside-right, and although it was hoped the injury was not serious. Harry did not have a good night on Saturday, and Manager Cliff Britton had a note of gloom in his voice when I spoke to him. However, Catterick goes to Buxton where he will be given special treatment at the spa thermal baths, and while it would be merely conjecture to forecast anything for Saturday’s visit to Stoke City, I am sure that things will work out all right, for the Cup-tie on Saturday week. Those thermal baths worked wonders with Everton injuries 17 years ago and can do so again. Of to Buxton, too, went Eddie Wainwright, who was injured in the cup-tie at Derby, and Cyril Lello who was injured in the match against Aston Villa on February 4 and who has not played since, Mr. Britton is happy about the position of both these players and in fact added; “I think Cyril will be quite fit by the week-end.” That news should hearten the Everton fans. The following players in the party. Burnett; Moore, Saunders; Hedley, Grant, Falder, Farrell; Lello, Buckle, Wainwright, Higgins, Catterick, Fielding and Eglington. They will remain at Buxton, the Blues favourite training centre until Saturday when they travel through to the Victoria Grounds to play Stoke. After the match the players will come home to train until the following Thursday when they will return to Buxton to rest until the game with Liverpool at Maine-road.
Those Chances
Definetely let us pay tribute to Chelsea for their neatness of first half football in their 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park, and also to their complete nonchalance and “lets take our own time,” demeanor, but when one looks back over the game the stark conclusion to be drawn is that. Everton should have had both points. The chances were there for the taking. Let me take them in order in a match which could quite easily have been a pre-view of this year’s Wembley, but which will need to be better if the final fans are to be satisfied completely. First Eglington expected the tackle following a free kick, and so shot just over (it almost grazed the bar) when, as it happened, he had time to measure his shot as did Catterick in scoring. Tommy didn’t know what we knew –that no one was near him –and so could be excused. In the second half the best movement of the match left Buckle only a few yards from goal, but he scooped the ball aside instead of really hitting it and so Medhurst could dive back on to the ball. Then Catterick got through badly angled, and made a really good left foot shot, but Eglington was positioned for the pass which would I think have brought a goal. Then Harry lost his balance when going in after another of the many well executed schemes of the Blues, and his left footer became hurried and went off the mark, with only Medhurst to say him nay. That was the occasion when Catterick’s shoulder muscle was torn. There you have four instances to prove that Everton had far better opportunities of winning than ever fell to the lot of Chelsea whose best effort brought out a great leaping save by Burnett –a grand effort for Roy-Bentley can hit them. Luck was dead against Everton in the first half when Catterick headed in brilliantly from Buckle’s corner and the ball was beating a failing, sprawling Medhurst when it struck Medhurst’s toe and bounced around the post for another corner. Add to all this Medhurst’s great save in the last minute from Higgins and you will see that this was not a particularly pleasing day for Everton in matters goalmouth. Had Chelsea been beaten, as they certainty should have been on chances, it would have been an injustice, for I rated a draw a pretty fair assessment of values and virtues and with Chelsea never once touching their Anfield form. The game itself lacked sparkle and this may have been because of the midweek matches. Allowing for the unhappy afternoon Gray gave Jack Hedley, I rated Catterick the best forward of the game, with Eglington speedly and dangerous. Fielding grafted tremendously hard in a defensive way and Buckle and Higgins took time to settle, but came with “wet sails” late on. Grant, Falder, and Farrell did more than their share in making this an encounter of half-back supremacy and Moore generally was master of Jones. The goalkeeping of Bunrett and Medhurst was splendid, even though George did move out too really when that Williams lob bounced over Grant’s head and so was ill-positioned for Billington’s speculate shot on the turn which lacked pace but had direction enough to gain the point. Quite a pleasant afternoon this and good wishes all round among the players at the final whistle for the Wembley “re-union” Chelsea may have been keeping something in hand in view of the fact that their semi-final with Arsenal is next Saturday. We cannot blame any cup team for not taking undue risks.
TARGET FOR ALL
March 13, 1950, The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Chelsea were affected by it just as much as Everton, but the Pensioners were more together as a team playing some delightful football at times, even if without any very impressive finish. They always appeared to have a bit in hand. Really hot shots from either side were few. Best of the lot was Bentley’s in the second half, brilliantly saved by Burnett and Higgins late effort which Medhurst parried just as effectively. For the rest, it was confined largely to long-range efforts of the bow-at-a-venture type, which had precious little chance of finding the right billet. There were nearly as many scoring attempts by half-backs as forwards.
Inaccurate Passing
So Everton players appeared to suffer temporary colour blindness judging by the number of passes which went to a red shirted instead of a Blue-shirted player. Catterick took his goal excellently, with acknowledgements to Farrell for a well-judged centre, and Grant’s only error, when lack of injuries meant which the Chelsea man took with avidity. Chief honours went to the respective half back lines, both of them sound, constructive and reliable in their covering. Hedley was not quite as good as usual, though he did nothing very wrong. Buckle was seldom seen to advantage, Eglington was aggressive but had no better luck with his shooting and Catterick stood out to his injury, as the most dangerous Everton forward, Wainwright was badly missed. Grey delighted, as he did at Anfield, with some old-fashioned winging work Bentley and Billington often promised more than they were able to accomplish and Hughes proved once more that studied defence and thoughtful distribution of the ball are more useful than full-blooded but haphazard clearances. Though rarely seeming to hurry, Hughes was always at the right spot at the right moment.
Licence For Former Dundee Footballer
Dundee Evening Telegraph -Tuesday 14 March 1950
Jock Thomson, Scottish internationalist footballer and manager of Manchester City F.C., was to-day granted a licence for a public house at 38 Wellgate and 1 Baltic Street. Dundee. Mr C. Lowson, solicitor, Dundee, told Dundee Licensing Court that his client was and at one time a well-known member of Dundee F. 0., being transferred from that club Everton. He placed for them until the outbreak of war. He joined the army in November 1939, and served until September 1945, when he rejoined Everton coach. was at present manager Manchester City who were to relieve him of his contract to allow him to take over personal supervision the business May 28. Mrs Thomson was to assist running the business. Bailie Whitfield said Jock Thomson was admirable person to hold a licence and moved should be granted. Bailie Clark said that Mr Thomson conducted his business well he played football they would have no cause for complaint Chief Constable J. C. Pattison told the court the applicant had had no experience of running a public house but was to get tuition. Bailie George Croft, who presided in the absence of Lord Provost Fenton, quipped, " Points to pints. I take it ?" Two Thomson's football friends, Mr William Mlntosh and Mr Sam Irving, both city publicans, attended the court to hear his application.
BLUES’ INJURED PLAYERS DO WELL
March 15, 1950. The Evening Express
Buxton Tonic
Cyril Lello the Everton half-back, who has been nursing an injured knee received in the match against Aston Villa on February 4, participated in a six-a-side match at Buxton and came through splendidly. Manager Cliff Britton also reports favourably about the other injured players Eddie Wainwright and Harry Catterick. Both Eddie and Harry have been having the thermal baths for their injuries and are making splendid progress. This touch of Buxton should bring all three to fitness in time for the F.A. Cup semi-final. The players are having excellent weather at Buxton, and yesterday afternoon spent their time playing golf over the Cavendish course. Morning training is being done at the ground of the Buxton club –the same ground Everton used when winning the Cup in 1933.
36 Hours Left
Clubs of the Football league have now only 36 hours left in which to complete the signing of players who can play without restriction. Midnight tomorrow is the “dead Line” for unrestricted transfers.
HOLD LEADS THE BLUES
March 17, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton away to Stoke City, have been forced to make a change in the leadership of the attack, as Catterick has not fully recovered from the shoulder injury he received last week against Chelsea. Oscar Hold, signed from Chelmsford three weeks ago, making his senior debut. Hold and formerly with Norwich City and Notts County. The team elsewhere is unchanged. Catterick, Wainwright, and Lello have been making good progress and having special treatment at Buxton and are expected to be thoroughly fit before the F.A. Cup semi-final. Everton have the chance to register their third “double” victory in League games this season. But the Blues, just as much as Liverpool, will have that vision of Wembley in the corner of their eyes, and with possibly the same result, that they will not go out holus-bolus” for victory at any cost. While Liverpool would lose no sleep over sacrificing the championship, if they had the compensation of a Wembley appearance, Everton cannot altogether forget their need of League points. True, they seem reasonably safe now, bar either a collapse of their own or an unexpected revival by the clubs below them. Yet they dare not take unwarranted risks. A draw would be a useful performance under all the circumstances. As Everton shared the points at Wolverhampton, a much stiffer proposition than Stoke, they stand a good chance of repeating the prescription, particularly as they should have benefitted by their toning-up week at Buxton. Should both points come their way, then they will be able to tackle their Anfields rivals at Maine Road with a still easier mind, for their League anxieties would then be pretty well over. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Farrell; Buckle, Higgins, Hold, Fielding, and Eglington.
Everton Reserves (v. Sheffield United Reserves at Goodison Park 3.15); O’Neill; Clinton, Rankin; Lindley, Jones, Melville; McNarama, Donovan, McIntosh, Hampson, Easthope.
FALDER AND BURNETT WERE HEROES IN EVERTON’S FIGHTING DEFENCE
March 18, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Stoke C 1, Everton Nil
By Stork
This was a false result, for Stoke should have had more than the one goal. At the same time, Eglington could have saved a point in the last few minutes. It was duel between Stoke forwards and Everton defence. Stoke City; Wilkinson, goal; Watkin and McCue, backs; Mountford (P.), Franklin and Sellars, half-backs; Makin, Bowyer, Whiston, Johnston, and Oscroft, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder, and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Higgins, Hold, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. R.J. Flanagan (Sheffield). Bowyer, who has scored a lot of goals for Stoke in his time, tried a long one and rather a surprise one, and although it was off the mark. Burnett saw the wisdom of moving across his goal in case anything untoward might happen. Franklin elected to be rather fanciful inside his own penalty area and when he did finally get the ball away it made no difference. It went to Fielding, whose shot went over the bar. Sellars was injured but soon resumed and he saw Franklin put a free kick straight into Burnett’s hands. It was following this that we saw the first real Everton movement when Buckle and Higgins engaged places, ad had it not been for the quick intervention of McCue there would have been trouble for Wilkinson. Then came the greatest escape of all when Whiston slipped a ball nicely through to Johnston, who smacked the ball hard and true to the far side of the Everton goal, and Burnett had to act smartly to get his hand to the ball and turn it away from the inside of the post. The danger was not cleared then, but Hedley had taken full precautions and nipped in to clear. So far Wilkinson had not had a single Everton shot to deal with.
First Blow To Stoke
This is not to say that Everton had no attacks, but it did say that the Stoke defence was very sound and sure of itself in dealing with any ideas the Everton forwards may have had. Stoke had promised an early goal by their persistent pressure, and Burnett had to make a punch away from McCue, while Falder and company had to pull out all they knew to step down the City’s lively attack. However at 18 minutes Stoke City struck their first blow, and it was Bowyer who did it. He picked up a pass by Oscroft, and without the slightest hesitation cracked it into the net, hiving Burnett no chance. Everton won a corner and Buckle tried to repeat his Derby Cup-Tie performance with an Inswinger. The ball carried much swerve, but was not destined to deceive either Wilkinson or his colleagues who were standing on the goal-line. At this point Everton were doing a little more in attack and it was the first time I saw Hold get away from the tentacles of Neil Franklin. He did it by exploring the left wing triangle of Eglington, Fielding and Farrell, but once again the idea was not carried through and Stoke were soon back testing the Everton defence and goalkeeper Burnett in particular. That Everton were not more goals in arrears was due to the sterling work of their defensive units, in which Falder stood out pre-eminent because his head was there so often nodding the ball away. Everton could not get together. Passes went wrong and the opposition often took a ball which was not intended for them, but the next big thrill so far as Stoke were concerned was when Bowyer produced another of his high-powered shots which Burnett saved in thrilling fashion.
Moore saves The Day
Near the interval Stoke almost chalked up a second goal and it was only by the sheerest good luck that the Everton goal escaped. Mountford and Burnett had a little duel between themselves and the Stoke half-back won it, after which he slipped the ball forward and Whiston headed for the Everton goal with no goalkeeper about. just on half-time a Fielding shot which had plenty of curl about it but no great pace was confidently fielded by Wilkinson, who a second later, saw Hold out head Franklin to head just outside the upright. Half-time; Stoke City 1, Everton nil.
Everton might well have been no level terms in the first few minutes of the second half, for Fielding set in motion an attack that had all the look of a goal-making effort when he swept the ball across to Buckle, who, instead of doing the obvious, put through a short ball to Higgins, situated well inside the penalty area. The Everton inside right put plenty of steam behind his shot, but the ball went swirling away towards the far corner flag. This was more promising from an Everton point of view than anything we saw in the first half, in fact it was the forerunner to some nice football ideas by Everton without bringing the desired result, an equalizer.
Wilkinson Wary
After Bowyer had shot outside Eglington from the inside right position, followed suit, but when next Everton came on the scene it might have meant the downfall of Wilkinson had he not been wary and kept a watchful eye on things. Higgins made a sort of back-header which was dropping just under the bar when Wilkinson got his hand to the ball and flipped it over. Higgins tried to improve upon that in the next half minute when he shot with pace and accuracy, only to find Wilkinson in a position to save. Then followed a storming attack by the City, but they could not quite master the Everton defence which showed plenty of fighting spirit when it was most needed. With five minutes left Eglington had the opportunity of making fame. He received a ball well out on his own on the far side of the field, and with only Wilkinson to beat he shot fiercely but he had got too much bottom on the ball which went flashing over the cross-bar. Final; Stoke City 1, Everton 0.
RANGER’S LETTER BOX
March 18, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Old-Timer Memories
When Everton beat Derby 11-2 it was not at Goodison. At that time (1890) Goodison was waste land. The match was played at Anfield. Your letters are most interesting but can readers only remember when “Sandy scored a goal”? Everton were in two finals before that. When we met the Villa in 1897 a London paper promised a gold medal to the best player on the field. We lost the match 3-2, but Jack Bell got the medal. Before that we met the Wolves at Fallowfield. This was a match that should never have counted. The spectators were over the touch line, ground passes missed by the players hit the crowd and bounced back, yet the game went on –Jay S. Walton.
Happy Days
I also saw the 1906 Final at Crystal Palace, when W. Balmer came back to the side after being out since November. When he got his medal he gave it to Bob his brother, who had played in all the other. Cup games, saying; “You deserve this more than I do.” I am probably the only Liverpool man alive who also saw the famous 1897 Everton v. Villa final. I livened in London then, and it was the first time I saw periscopes used by spectators to see over those in front. There were no goal nets or penalty kicks then. Had there been penalties Everton would have won easily. I can remember bald-eagle Reynolds tripping from behind our centre forward Hartley three times when about to score well within what is now the “area” You could harass the goalkeeper in those days, and Menham always had three or four ready to rush him while the man with ball shot –H. George, Mossley Hill Road, Liverpool.
EVERTON RES V SHEFF RES
March 18, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Sheffield played with more spirit and understanding in attack. McNamara, for Everton, was a constant danger to the Sheffield defence when breaking away. After 40 minutes a smart pass by McNamara to Hampson met with its just reward. The goalkeeper, saving the first time, failed to save the second. The remaining period of the first half became more spirited, both teams going into the attack. Half-time; Everton Reserves 1, Sheffield United Reserves nil.
BADLY MISSED PLAYERS
March 20, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Stoke City 1, Everton 0
I have watched our two semi-final teams during the last week and what I saw has not been encouraging. Today it is my fate to have to record another Everton defeat when a victory was badly needed. It was well Charlton and Manchester City failed to leave Everton as they were in the table. Everton did not deserved to win because they did not play like a winning team. Had it not been for the defence and some bad shooting by Stoke the result would have been far heavier. On paper, a one-goal defeat away does not make bad reading, but viewing the game from the stands one could only say “This was a false result.” How can it be explained away? The answer comes from; Wainwright and Catterick were badly missed, the forward line had no thrust about it, no hitting power. I felt sorry for the new man, Hold. Up against England’s centre-half he was “pocketed as completely as ever a centre forward will be. He did his best.” It was not good enough against Franklin.” It may seem paradoxical to say that Stoke should have won handsomely and in the same breath state that Everton should have come away with a point, but it is nevertheless true. Had Eglington steadied himself when he had all the goal to shoot at with Wilkinson the sole sentinel, he must have scored. In his anxiety he bashed at the ball and it went over the bar. Stoke had the bulk of the game. They were faster, had more fertile moves without being a super team. The Everton defence had to work double time with nary a minute’s respite practically throughout. It was one-way traffic and the wonder was that Stoke had only an orphan goal to show at the end of their endeavour. Burnett was mainly responsible for making the result respectable, but before he was reached, Moore and Hedley worked themselves out checking and halting the lively City forwards.
Moore’s Confidence
I don’t think I have ever seen Moore clay with more confidence and skill. His interventions and his tackling frequently put the stopper on the Johnston-Oscroft wing which was quick act and extremely dangerous. Burnett was another big man of the game. He had lots to do and did it well, although it is a long time since I saw him make so many “punching” saves. There may have been a reason. The opposition went in so he dared not risk holding the ball. It was no use courting disaster. Time and time again he thumped the ball away, nearly always to a point of safety. Bowyer’s shot at 18th minute was a full-bloody affair which flashed away from the goalkeeper. Everton forwards were curiously out of joint. They seemed as though they could not frame a decent movement to outwit Franklin and his colleagues. They lacked subtlety and were therefore easy prey to the opposition. Not one of the five could claim distinction although Fielding tried hard to get the line moving but there was no heartiness in their play, no bite. Farrell and Grant were too busily engaged chasing Stoke players to give a through to their own attack, which suffered for supply of the ball. Wilkinson’s work in the Stoke goal could have been done by any one of the spectators, so few were the calls made upon him. Falder was not so dominating as usual, yet I could not fault him. His head, was always bobbling up to hold up the fast moving City attack. There is every indication that Wainwright and Catterick will be fit for Saturday’s semi-final tie and this may make all the difference. They were both at the match itching to be on the field, leading their bid in the heavy task of getting away from the bottom of the League table. However, they can conserve themselves for Maine Road where a vastly different display must be produced if they are to make the Wembley trip. Lello is also getting along nicely, so the news from the Everton sick bay is bright.
• At Goodison Park today (12.30) Liverpool Colleagiate school and St. Francis Xavier’s meet in the final of the Senior Shield.
BURNETT SHINES
March 20, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Looking at the Everton result at Stoke one would naturally say “Not so bad for an away game. Looking at it from the stand, however, it was vastly different, a travesty of the run of the play, for Stoke had so much of the attack that they should have scored a comfortable victory. In a game of this sort a goalkeeper usually hits the headlines at Sidlow did at Manchester last week. It was Burnett’s turn at the Victoria ground, for he played magnificently throughout. Had he not been at his brightest and best the City would have “murdered” Everton, for they had all the aces up their sleeves, so far as attack was concerned. This was a one-way street game. It led to nowhere else but the Everton goal area, which was the scene of activity for practically the full 90 minutes (writes Stork). It took some stern defence by Everton to keep the score down to a single goal and to that section of team must go all the honours, for the forwards were never in the game with a chance. Wilkinson’s two saves – neither very difficult – should tell its own tale as to Stoke’s supremacy. The latter were no world beaters, but they carried too many guns for Everton ho greatly missed Caterrick and Wainwright, both looking on at their side being completely subdued by the City. Not at any time did Everton look like winning team. Their attack was easily handled by Neil Franklin and his hence men, and one began to wonder how many goals this sprightly Stoke side would collect before the final whistle. They would have got half-a-dozen had not Burnett cut them down to an orphan goal, scored by Bowyer at 18 minutes. Burnett had few idle minutes, for if the Stoke forwards were not pestering him with direct shots they were sending in long swirling balls for the wings which needed the utmost care.
Moore’s Best
Burnett decided that these had to be swept away with the fist. To have attempted to hold the ball would have been disastrous, for the Stoke forwards would have been at him in a flash. The Everton goalkeeper usually thumped them to the point of safety, so the methods proved the correct ones. This could safely be “dubbed” Burnett’s match. He had willing helpers in Moore and Hedley, who never let up for one single second –they dared not for the Stoke forwards were quick to act when an opportunity showed itself. Moore has never played better. He intervened at the right moment, kicked cleanly and with confidence; in fact, he did not put a foot wrong during the whole course of the game, although he was slightly injured just above the knee. Hedley was not far behind him, and Falder, without being quite so dominant, put in some solid work which was needed, for Stoke were right on their toes. Their football may not have been of top-class, but their pace was worrying to Everton. The great difference between the sides was at wing half. Neither Farrell nor Grant had the prompting power of Mountfield and Sellars. That was understandable for they had to give their full attention to defence, so heavy was the Stoke pressure. It required an augmented Everton defence to hold the rampant City forwards who came sweeping in like a tidal wave in their attempts to tumble down the breakwater which often groaned under the strain. It was a 90 minutes grind for the Everton defenders and to them must go any awards that had to be pinned on Everton. The forwards! What can I say about them? Very little, I regret to say, for they were never together as a whole.
• Everton and Liverpool supporters who intend travelling to Manchester next Saturday by the special trains from all three Liverpool stations must book their railway tickets in advance before 9 p.m. on Thursday evening next. British Railways propose to run 31 specials.
T.G. JONES –MINE HOST
March 21, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Tommy Jones, Everton’s Welsh international, has now finally completed the purchase of the Tower Hotel, Pwllhei, and taken over for the coming summer. He is under-contract to Everton, however, to the end of this season, and still trains regularly, so that for the time being he is only able to devote his energies on a part-time basis to the new venture. He will take full control in May. He will assist Pwllhei F.C. next season.
MERSEYSIDE’S BIGGEST DAY
March 24, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Tomorrow is the biggest day on Merseyside sporting annals for over a generation, with the Grand National exerting its appeal upon racing enthusiasts and the semi-final between Everton and Liverpool at Manchester just as thrilling a tit-bit for the football folk. It was a great pity that something was not done earlier, when the inevitable clash of interests began to be obvious to ensure that a separate date was not fixed for the Maine Road semi-final. Happily, the F.A. by bringing the semi-final dates forward a week next season, have made such an occurrence impossible in future. But it may be a long time before we have the double-barreled interest in the semi-final that we have tomorrow. It is 44 years since our two city sides fought their only previous semi-final battle, when Everton were victorious. This is only the third occasion in 57 years of football history that they have both got to this advanced stage in the same season. Tomorrow will be Everton’s eleventh appearance in the semi-final and Liverpool’s sixth. The Goodison club has fought a final tie on five occasions, two of them successfully, while Liverpool’s only Cup final venture was he ill-starred match at Crystal Palace, which saw them fall victims to Burnley through a goal scored by a former Evertonians.
What of Tomorrow?
What of tomorrow’s Maine Road prospects? At one period of the season few would have given much for Everton’s chances against the Anfielders whose 19 opening games without defeat set up a set up a new modern record. Bu Liverpool have been slipping a little lately, whereas, Everton, though far from being a thoroughly convincing side in some aspects, have been playing recently with a vim and determination that makes them opponents worthy of respect. It was a big blow to Liverpool when the specialists report last Monday put Laurie Hughes out of the team. While Bill Jones is a most capable deputy and there is little or nothing to chose between them in the pivotal position, most of their followers feel that had Hughes been fit and Jones available to cross to left half, the side would have gained in strength. Though Liverpool have had an easier passenge to the semi-final than Everton, the Reds have not always given the tip-top displays in Cup-ties that we knew they can at their best. They made heavy weather of it against Blackburn Rovers and Stockport County, left it very late before clinching matters against Exeter City, and had a fairly close call in the last round against Blackpool. Their followers need not be unduly upset over that. The Reds are notoriously an unpredictable side, often producing only a mediocre and uninspired performances when it seems that their task is easy, yet contriving to pull out something especially good when it is most needed. The effort will be required tomorrow if they are to realize their long-cherished ambition of a Wembley appearance. Liverpool supporters can rely on them for it, and there is a feeling of confidence in the Anfield camp as the outcome.
Surprise Packet
Everton also have a belief that they can do the trick. They have been the surprise packet of recent rounds. They put an end to the hopes of Tottenham, by general consent one of the finest sides of the season, and emphasized that this victory was no flash in the pan by their splendid win against Derby County, all the more meritorious when we remember they were a goal down at one time and without Wainwright in the closing stages. Games which seem reasonably certain to produce a thrill-packed struggle do not always live up to expectations. On the face of things tomorrow’s semi-final should be a close fought and exciting tussle, which will keep the crowd on tenterhooks from start to finish. It may pan out that way, or it may develop into something not quite so enthralling. Here will be 75,000 people there to give it “atmosphere,” anyway.
How To Get There
On arrival at Manchester, Liverpool people will find a service of buses leaving the Piccadilly bus station at one minute intervals from 11.30 onwards. At Albert Square the ordinary service will be considerably augmented by direct buses to the ground, and there will be special transport from Miller Street for Victoria Station arrivals.
LIVERPOOL FOR WEMBLEY
March 25, 1950. The Saturday Sports News (Worcester)
Everton Attack Fades Out
Liverpool 2, Everton 0
Despite the disparity in their positions in the League table Everton, still in danger of relegation, were not overawed by their city rivals, Liverpool, who held a chance of the Cup and League “double” in the second F.A. Cup semi-final at Maine Road, Manchester today, Arsenal have already reached the final by beating Chelsea. With both teams possessing dour defences a hard struggle resulted. On recent form Everton, with their key forwards Wainwright and Catterick fit, appeared most likely to snatch a vital goal, for in their last four League games Liverpool had not scored. Liverpool were without their injured centre-half Hughes for whom Jones deputized. Twice cup winners Everton have appeared in five previous finals, Liverpool claim only one final when they lost 1-0 to Burnley in 1914. All all-ticket crowd of 70,000 watch the match. Liverpool; Sidlow, goal; Lambert and Spicer, backs; Taylor (captain), Jones and Paisley, half-backs; Payne, Baron, Stubbins, Fagan, and Liddell, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. C. Fletcher (Cheshire). Radio cars and walkie-talkie apparatus were used by the police to control the traffic converging on the Maine-road, Manchester football ground. The sun blazed down from an almost cloudless sky as the first of 500 motor coaches and 36 specials trains arrived in the city. Trains left Liverpool stations every few minutes for Manchester. At Liverpool Exchanged Station there were exciting scenes as thousands of football fans, queuing for the special trains, exchanged noisy greetings and humours badinage with the race goes in the separate queues for the trains bound for Aintree and the “National.” Long before the start excited spectators kept up a continues roar of rattles, cheers and counter cheers. Their mingled blue favours for Everton and red for Liverpool, made a colourful scene. In the early stages, the players on both sides appeared too excited for calculated play. But Everton began to make good progress through their wingers Eglington and Buckle, one move ending with Wainwright shooting strongly but wide.
On The Mark
Payne, the Liverpool right-winger, was much more on the mark when he received a good chance after Stubbins and Baron headed a left wing centre on to him. His quickly-taken shot forced Burnett to concede a corner. By swinging the ball about vigorously, Liverpool enjoyed a spell of ascendancy and Stubbins sent just wide when Baron put him through after intercepting an Everton pass. Then Baron dived full length in trying to head home across from Payne, but failed to reach the ball. Everton played the more attractive football, keeping the ball more on the ground in several good moves which, however, were broken up before becoming menacing. Liverpool were the more dangerous, and after 25 minutes they claimed a goal when Stubbins headed in a low centre from Payne which Burnett missed, Moore stopped the ball on the line and Burnett grabbed it and cleared. The referee waved play on, but it must have been a near thing.
The Dander Man
Payne was the danger man of the Liverpool attack and he led up to their taking the lead after 31 minutes. He lobbed the ball over tantalizing, Liddell headed it in and Burnett could only half punch out the ball. Left half Paisley quickly lobbed the ball back and this time Burnett could only help the ball into the net. Liddell was again on the spot but it seemed Paisley’s goal. Everton wasted no time in fighting back and Buckle seemed a likely scorer with a header, but Spicer headed away. Nevertheless, Liverpool just about deserved their lead, for their attack carried the more punch, with Liddell and Payne lively wingers and Stubbins thrustful in the centre. The Liverpool wing halves, Taylor and Paisley, saw that their forwards got plenty of support and Stubbins brought Burnett to his knees with another good scoring effort. Liverpool continued the more aggressive side until the interval.
Half-time; Liverpool 1, Everton 0.
Everton began the second half as if determined to wipe out their deficit but the nearest they could get to a goal was a wild and wide shot by Buckle. In fact the Liverpool backs, Spicer and Lambert, and centre-forward Jones, seemed to have things well under control. Everton’s defence was much less reliable and only a quick dash out by Burnett prevented a goal when Payne raced through the middle. Liverpool’s grip on the game continued and little was seem of the Everton attack. Burnett was forced to tip over an awkward dropping shot from Baron, a nasty ball to take when looking into the bright sunlight. Then a huge kick by right-back Lambert sailed just over the Everton bar. Liddell scored a second for Liverpool. Liddell’s goal was a just reward for Liverpool’s superiority. He shot without hesitation when Baron gave him a gilt-edged chance with a short pass from the left of the goal-line after 62 minutes. The ball appeared to have crossed the line for a corner before Baron hooked it back, but the goal stood. Far from fighting back Everton were forced to continue desperate defence and the match at this stage looked as good as over. Sidlow, the Liverpool goalkeeper, was almost completely idle during the second half, so effective was the keen tackling of the men in front of him. In contrast, the Liverpool attack developed added thrust as the game wore on and an uncertain Everton defence found its work cut out against the determined play of Stubbins, Liddell, and Payne. Liddell came near to scoring again when he hit a post with one of a series of corners. No until the last few minutes did Everton succeed in attacking and then a wide shot by Wainwright and a corner on the right was the limit of their achievement. Final; Liverpool 2, Everton 0.
IT’S A LIVERPOOL – ARSENAL FINAL
March 25, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Paisley and Liddell Did The Trick
Team Had Better Balance In Attack Than Everton and Deserved Their Win
By Ranger
Liverpool 2, Everton 0
Liverpool deserved their victory in a game which was hard, dour and fought out at top speed throughout, though always in good sporting fashion. There was not a tremendous lot in it, though Liverpool were always more constructive in attack, and looked more dangerous in front of goal. Everton could count themselves unfortunate with Liverpool’s second goal, for it seemed that the ball had definitely gone behind for a corner when Farrell screwed it back to Liddell’s a chance which he was not slow to accept. Liverpool thus make their first appearance in the Cup Final since 1914. This will be only their second time and a colour clash will mean that both sides will have to change shirts. Liverpool had forced 15 corners during the match, ten of them from Liddell’s flank, to five by Everton. Anfield were worthy winners, but they had to fight hard. Official attendance 72,000 £13,497.
Liverpool; Sidlow, goal; Lambert and Spicer, backs; Taylor (captain), Jones and Paisley, half-backs; Payne, Baron, Stubbins, Fagan, and Liddell, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. C. Fletcher (Cheshire). Maine Road looked a picture in the bright sunshine with red and blue favours dotted about in such profusion that the terrace looked almost like a herbaceous border. With the crowd fixed at just over 73,000 compared with a record attendance of 84,000 the terrace spectators did not appear to be unduly crush though in one or two corners, they were packed perhaps a little tighly. The first incident of note was a rather tender pass-back by Moore which saw Stubbins dashing in quickly in the hope of picking it up before it reached Burnett. Burnett got there first, however. Straight from this Everton dashed away on the right, and again we saw a faulty pass-back, when Spicer was well off the mark, and instead of putting the ball to Sidlow presented Everton with a corner. Buckle pulled this well back to Farrell, who slipped it forward to Fielding for the latter to hook the ball just over the bar. A praiseworthy effort. Everton came again with some dangerous looking work by Eglington, which finally went for nothing, however, when Catterick, trying a long shot, put the ball behind. Liddell, Fagan, and Stubbins combined in Liverpool’s first upward move of real note, which was characterized by two stylish back-heel passes and a final shot by Liddell which caused Burnett no more work than to watch it go behind. Falder set Fielding in motion for the latter in turn to swing a long pass out to Eglington, whose centre was cleared by Jones before it reached Catterick. Everton’s attack in the early stages, had certainly been more forceful than Liverpool’s and another well-judged Fielding pass saw Wainwright fire in a cannon-ball effort which was only a couple of yards wide of the post.
Helped by Wind
Offside pulled Catterick up in yet another advance by the Blues and the wind, which was of fairly stiff calibre appeared to be definite help to Everton. Then came the first real high powered thrill of the match. From a throw-in Stubbins back-headed the ball to Baron. Baron swiveled round and put it on still further to Payne, who, in almost the centre forward position, eluded Hedley, and fired in a grand right foot shot from about ten yards’ range which Burnett saved in brilliant fashion at the expense of an unproductive corner. Only a few moments later Payne again called Burnett into action, this time with a long effort from 20 yards or so, which the Everton keeper hugged to his chest in very careful fashion. Liverpool forced their second corner, this time on the left flank, Stubbins heading outside from Liddell’s in swinger. Liverpool’s right wing dovetailed in a tricky little move which saw Stubbins rather badly angled when in possession, from Baron’s final pass. He screwed the ball round well, but could do no more than hit the side netting.
Minor Injuries
The second excursion by a trainer on the field came when Fielding had to have attention for a knock on the thigh. Earlier on Bill Jones had also called for the ministrations of Trainer Shelley. Liverpool were no showing better ideas in attack, and another grand move saw Payne cut in quickly, on the inside of Hedley, and put across a shot-cum-centre to which Baron literally threw himself, but just failed to make heading contact. Baron bamboozled the Everton defence again, to such good tune that it took the united efforts of Moore, Falder, and Farrell to get the ball away, then, in anything but convincing fashion. The Everton defence just now was having an anxious time, so much so that we saw the unusual sight of Eglington actually tackling Liddell- who had come over to outside right – right on the line near the corner flag.
Paisley Scores
At the 24th minute there came an incident which will long be debated by fans of both sides. Fagan chased quickly to a ball which seemed to be going out, and screwed back a centre which Stubbins bent down to in deliberate fashion and headed out of Burnett’s reach. More was standing behind the goalkeeper, however, on the line, and cannoned the ball out a couple of yards where Burnett on his hands and knees, regained possession and booted it up field. Several Liverpool players immediately appealed for a goal on the ground that the ball had actually been over the line, but Referee Fletcher waved them aside and beckoned play on. From my point in the Press box, two-thirds of the length of the field away, it was impossible even to guess, whether the ball had gone over or not. But the referee was fairly well up with play. At the 30th minute Liverpool supporters went wild with jubilation when the Reds took the lead. The movement was started by an upward pass by Taylor to Baron, just inside the Everton half, Baron slipped it back to Taylor. Taylor on to Payne who beat Hedley, cut in and centred with his left foot for Burnett to punch away to Paisley. Paisley lobbed the ball goalwards high in the air, where Libbell, boring in at top speed, jumped for it at the same time as Burnett and two Everton defenders. It looked as though Liddell might have connected, but actually he did not, and it was Paisley’s lob which entered the net direct, and the half back must go down as the scorer. Everton dashed away after this to such good purpose, that Eglington found himself with an unimpeded shot from 12 yards range but sliced his effort a yard wide. Payne and Baron were giving the Everton left defensive flank a lot of anxiety just now, and on the other side the referee wagged an admonishing finger at Moore when he brought Liddell down. For some minutes now play had been almost entirely confined to Everton’s half, and when Eglington did manage to get away there was only Catterick up to lend him support so that assault was short-lived. It needed good work by Jones and Spicer however, to hold up Everton when at last the Blues returned to a full-blooded attack, with all their line up, and the wing halves on the spot to give support. The best save of the day had been a Sidlow tip over the bar from Eglington’s high shot, almost immediately after Liverpool’s goal, though one just now by Stubbins brought a very confident collection by Burnett. Payne was jinking his way in and out of the right flank in a disconcerting manner to the Everton defence, and just on half time he forced Liverpool’s fourth corner of the half, from which Liddell headed the ball downwards to Baron without the latter being able to get in a shot. Spicer robbed Buckle and put the ball up to Stubbins, half way in the Everton half, where he was tackled by Wainwright, of all people, who for some time had been playing as an auxiliary half back. It had been a grim and hard first half, characterized by tenacious tackling and sheer determination rather than any outstanding classic touches, though Payne was prominent at times. I thought Liverpool just deserved o be in front, because of their better balance in attack, where the line dovetailed more impressively than Everton’s.
Half-time; Liverpool 1, Everton 0.
The second half opened with Everton, for a few minutes, providing some of the most entrancing combination we had seen so far and it took the combined efforts of Lambert, Jones and Spicer to hold them at bay. Then one of Liddell’s electric runs gave the Liverpool supporters a thrill. He dashed down the middle to beat both Falder and Moore, and collect a Stubbins pass, but he booted it too far forward, so that Burnett was able to dash out and get there first to save a very ominous looking situation. When Liverpool came again there were no fewer than six Everton defenders congregated in a close knot around the penalty spot, so that though the ball bobbed about for or five times Liverpool were unable to see a way through to test Burnett. Fielding piled Eglington with two beautiful passes, which in turn led to centres from the left winger. Paisley headed the first away, and Buckle, who had come too far in, was unable to make contact with the second. Paisley had to receive attention following his headed clearance, but the tough little Anfielders shook himself a couple of times and then dashed into the fray.
Tense Moment
Liverpool, this half had the sun and wind behind them, and after Everton’s early exuberance had worn off a little the Reds were back in the Blues half, though without giving Burnett anything very testing to worry about. Burnett made a spectacular save when he tipped a high dropping shot from Baron over the bar at the last split second when it seemed almost certain to go in. A free kick to Liverpool when Moore brought down Liddell, saw the Scottish winger lob over a centre which Burnett came out to catch but missed. Stubblins tapped the ball back towards Baron, but this time Burnett retrieved himself by smothering the pass. Although Liverpool were now throwing everything into attack, I thought they were fortunate to get a second goal through Liddell’s at the 62nd minute, for when Farrell turned the ball inwards to Liddell in order to avoid a corner, I am quite certain the ball actually had been well over the dead ball line. I could see the line on the near side of the ball from where I sat in his anxiety to save a flag kick. Farrell pulled it back right to Liddell’s feet. Although angled Liddell shot hard and true, and managed to squeeze it into the goal, just inside the far post, to put Liverpool in what appeared to be a commanding position. A couple of minutes later Burnett made a brilliant save from Stubbins; Liddell fired into the side netting, and a moment later went topple-tall over a group of photographers crowded near the dead ball line. The referee came up and moved them further back. In the first 20 minutes of this half Liverpool had forced four corners three of them gained by Liddell’s persistence. Everton, however, were not taking it lying down, and a determined bit of work by Fielding, Wainwright and Catterick carried the battle into the Liverpool penalty area, where Jones, who had played calmly and confidently all through, stood like the Rock of Gibraltar between Catterick and Sidlow. As a matter of fact Everton’s only hope now was to throw everything into attack. They had nothing to gain by further defensive measures. That this was their plan was obvious, but it was easier said than done, for Liverpool were now riding the crest of the wave. A two goal lead in a match of this description must be a comforting feeling to those who posses it. Catterick and Wainwright paired off in a move which petered out with a simple pick-up for Sidlow, and then at the other end Stubbins tried two shots in succession the first of which cannoned back off a defender to give him a second opportunity. Liverpool were also throwing everything they had into attack when they got away, and on one occasion even Lambert tried a long lob from the centre line which went just over the bar. Liverpool’s defenders successfully appealed for offside when Fielding sent Catterick away on the right flank. With a quarter of an hour to go, Liddell again forced a corner, the 12th which Liverpool had gained so far, to Everton’s three, nine of which had come from Liddell’s flank, with his twelfth one Liddell appreciably and struck the near post. Baron was continuing to do some grand foraging work for Liverpool. He has never played a better game. Liddell was a real thorn in the flesh of Grant and Moore. Closely though they struck to him he frequently beat them by speed and persistence. Everton’s best move in this half came from a free kick against Fagan taken by Moore, and helped on by Farrell to Wainwright, who shot first time in strong fashion, but only into the side netting. Catterick won Everton’s first corner of the second half off Paisley the outcome of which was a lob by Falder, who had come up, into Sidlow’s hands. Everton won another corner with only three minutes to go, but could not turn it to advantage. The pace appeared to be telling more on Everton than on Liverpool, and the Anfield team still looked the more dangerous side when they bore down towards gal. Final; Liverpool 2, Everton 0.
MR U RES V EVERTON RES
March 25, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Manchester United Reserves; Wood, goal; McNulty and Redman, backs; Whitefoot, Lynn and McGlen, half-backs; Birkett (C.), Clempson, Cassidy, Birch, and Byrne, forwards. Everton Reserves; O’Neill, goal; Saunders and Rankin, backs, backs; Lindley, Humphreys, and Melville, half-backs; McNamara, Cowell, Hold, Hampson and Easthorpe, forwards. Referee; Mr. T. Robinson (Burnley). Manchester made one change, but the Blues were as selected. In a few minutes Manchester took the lead when Byrne luckily received the ball close in to beat O’Neill from close quarters. Everton responded to this early setback with some clever midfield football. Hold made several dangerous thrusts down the middle. Hampson might have made the scores level, but he shot hurriedly and wide. Manchester responded with a swift raid, but O’Neill showed splendid anticipation when he gathered a shot from Birkett. In Everton’s next raid the Manchester goal had a remarkable escape. Hampson just failed to hold the ball close in. The second half saw Everton put on pressure. Wood first saved a shot from McNamara, which he tipped over for a corner. The Manchester goalkeeper also saved a point blank drive from Hold. McGlen and Clempson scored for Manchester in the second half. Final; Manchester United Res 3, Everton Res 0.
Everton “A” v. Formby
Both goals had narrow escapes, Gibson and Donovan combined well for Everton, and Cain and Cannon caused the Everton defence much anxiety. E. Moran saved a penalty kick for Formby. Half-time; Everton “A” nil, Formby nil.
THE FINEST LIVERPOOL V. EVERTON OF ALL TIME
March 27, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Liverpool 2, Everton 0
Pardon me while I search for more superlatives. Not to mark Liverpool’s first entry into the F.A. Cup Final since 1914; nor to mark the twenty minutes of Everton’s combined operations to shower on both teams for the magnificent spirit in which they fought. Because it is so much more difficult to lose than win with grace; Everton, beaten surely as they were, will never lose with greater credit. If there had been a gentleman’s agreement to decide the issue purely on football, it could not have been kept more strictly. Because this was so and because so much was at stake I rate it as the finest of all city inter-club matches. There have been others fuller of fire and of drama and good football, but none so to inspire our admiration by the good conduct and good sense of all, who played. Fouls, none serious, numbered about five decisions, except one went unquestioned; players injured in tackle or collision found opponents with regard for their hurts. And when players walked off at the end shaking hands to the accompaniment of a sound which can only be likened to the noise of 10,000 tons of granite chippings dropping on 10,000 Nissen huts (the cumulative effect of 10,000 whirling rattles) it was almost poignant moment for anyone with even the remotest interest in either club. Liverpool won because they had greater punch and because their defence had one of its particularly brilliant days, Everton lost, I thought because they seemed to want –in their twenty minutes supremacy –to beat Liverpool by too ornate forward movement in which the final thrust never came in short Liverpool were strictly utility (until they lead 2-0) and Everton were frilty and fine to watch until the will to fight wore off and they retrogressed to the stage when they were not even tentative.
Discussion Points three points –two of them producing goals –make the game’s discussion points. Was the ball over the line when Stubbins header was stopped by Moore after it had passed Burnett? Liverpool appealed for a goal; the linesman’s flag was raised. The referee said; “Play on.” From where I sat I got the impression Moore was some distance from the line when he dropped on the ball. Let us accept the referee verdict. Point number two; Who scored for Liverpool at 29 minutes? Paisley returned in lobbed form. Burnett’s punchaway from Payne’s centre and up went the bold Liddell challenging Falder and Burnett with Moore and Hedley both standing guard on the line. The ball seemed to take a sharp dive downwards, but neither Liddell nor Burnett admits making contact with it. Goal to Paisley. Point number three; The tragic error of judgment (if it can be so termed) which created for Liddell the opportunity to get his side the confirmatory second goal at 62 minutes. Baron twists and turns at outside left to find space to centre. The ball strikes an Everton defender and spins on the goal-line short of the post and almost over it Wainwright merely to save a corner flings his left foot at it and screws it back into play –but straight to the eager feet of Liddell, who finds the inside of the post off a none too easy chance. And then the sound again of a few tons of granite chippings on a few more Nissen huts.
Paisley’s Secret
There is always an inside story to a match like this and I make no apology for intruding into a little secret between the scorer of a vital goal. Paisley and his manager Mr. George Kay. Times without number Paisley in the past has followed up his own forwards, as wing half-backs to pick up the unconsidered trifle in the way of the headed clearance or punch away to make his shot. Results have not been encouraging. Mr. Kay therefore chatted with Paisley and suggested that he might profitably elect in future not to court glory and marry failure, but to bring his forwards into play. Paisley said on Saturday night; “I was just going to have a stab at a shot when I remembered what you told me and thought better of it.” Did you sense his hesitation? I did. And so We go on, without your leave (because thus, above all Everton-Liverpool games) is the greatest of all time to make note of all facets of an occasion appropriately bathed in sunshine and by its sea of faces and its colour making an unforgettable scene. Let us dwell on the work of Liddell, on his feet which had magnetic influence on the ball, on a man who surely went as far as most (I have not yet touched on Jones) to make triumph possible. At close quarters with Liddell almost at the standstill. Moore succeeded wonderfully in his negativing work it was when Liddell came surging through in full flight, that Moore was beaten, but only occasionally. No full back could have done more. The outstanding contribution from the losers. Moore could not follow every Liddell wandering. And Liddell’s goal and his share in Paisley’s –his nuisance value against Burnett –was notable on a ground on which he once scored three times from outside left as a boy of 18. If Liddell was the fire of Liverpool’s attack, Jones was the water of a defence which drenched and quenched Everton after a great 20 minute battle to decided which should be master. With Fielding spearding the ball beautifully and Buckle at his best the Everton line for awhile made forward movement look absurdly easy. It was then the almost casual Jones did his greatest job, with fine support from those about him. When Liverpool had the game pocketed Jones still went on doing the right thing, measuring his passes and his intervention like a passes and his interventions like a Freebooter measuring his fences. But, unlike Freebooter, he never put a foot wrong. Not even when he strode to the wings to put the ball out of play. There may have been better exhibitions of the art of the centre half-backs but if there have been I have not seen them. This was Jones match. Add Paisley’s best game for seasons, even allowing for his construction not equalizing his destructive havoc –how could it? –and the confidence his colleagues must have gained from Phil Taylor’s quiet assurances and unhurled wing half-back play and you have a Liverpool solid as a rock with Spicer and Lambert at top form. Allow Everton credit for their smooth attack until the game slipped away beyond hope, and the Liverpool attack never moving as a five some but Liverpool still contrived to work the chances and smash in shots. By comparison with Sidlow, Burnett needed two pairs of hands. Sidlow almost sat the game out.
Came and Went
Everton’s big chances came and went too quickly. Again Eglington was best placed to hit the back of the net for the important leading goal again he could not do it. But chances missed and defeat and the absence of any fight back when Liverpool went 2-0 are of little importance. We shall remember Catterick and the way he retrieved and placed the ball for a Liverpool free kick, and Everton’s refusal to do other than go out sportingly long after we have forgotten any of their football fallings. People rubbed their eyes and could not believe the well-contrived man-to-man moves Everton employed for a time. and even when Liverpool became uproariously confident and full of fire, Everton ironically produced, perhaps the best of the game’s long-distance attacks. It might be said with more than a grain of truth that a defence which played as well as Everton’s –and they were never overwhelmed even with Liverpool riding easily –hardly deserved to lose by two goals. Certainly Wainwright’s trap is pass was the invitation to one. The other was not of the spread-eagled defence kind. Eglington and others may have lost some of the fire they needed when they tried to pull the game round through having gone back so often and so far to help defensively, although Everton’s safety-first policy in other circumstances, might have paid better.
No Fight
Moore had a great match and so did Falder, but once the side became a goal down few others touched their best form. The team did not carry through with it’s new-found fighting qualities and one sensed the hopeless outlook of players who had put all into their early play and had found it countered. There was scarcely a moment when an Everton revival seemed imminent, try as Catterick and Wainwright did. As at match it too soon became one-way. But no matter. It pedestalled Everton and Liverpool as Cup fighting forces and enabled them to reach a new high level of prestige in good conduct and sportsmanship. We are proud of them both. Manchester, too, must be proud of their admirable transport arrangements and of her Billy Meredith (cup finalist with Manchester United and Manchester City) who joined Tom Johnson (formerly Everton and Liverpool and Cup finalist with Dean and company) and Billy Lacey (ex-Everton and Liverpool Cup finalist with Liverpool in 1914) at this match. They tell me that now Liverpool meet Arsenal at Wembley a discreet word may be dropped that Joe Mercer the Arsenal captain should not train at Anfield. Surely this cannot be true in these enlightened times?
TALKING POINTS
March 27, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Saturday’s game had some talking points which will long be discussed by supporters of both clubs. Liverpool claimed that Saturday’s header from Fagan’s pulled-back centre was over the line before Moore “shinned” it back into Burnett’s hands to clear. Everton’s defenders assured me afterwards this was not so. Paisley’s goal might not have eventuated had not Falder and Burnett both tried to make sure. Either one left to himself, might have got it away, though that is something we can never settle. From where I sat I Thought the ball had definitely gone behind for a corner before Wainwright pulled it back through Falder’s legs to present Liddell with the Red’s second goal. The Everton players on the spot, however, said it was never out of play, which just shows how distance can lend deception to the view. For the first twenty minutes or so I made Everton the better side, but once Liverpool, always calm and collected had settled down to their work, and Reds always looked the more impressive and better-balanced team. Yet there was always the possibility, even when Liverpool were two goals up and territorially well on top, that a sudden breakaway might have produced a goal which would have given Everton just that incentive they needed in the second half.
Vital Turning Point
I wrote down the vital turning point of the game, apart from Liddell’s goal, to be when Eglington missed Everton’s best chance of the day immediately before Paisley’s opening goal. In the end of course, there was no disputing Liverpool’s convincing victory, which was built on the foundation of their brilliant half-back line –Taylor, classic and stylish and always making wonderful use of every ball; Paisley, the terrier-like tackler and “shadower” who blotted Wainwright out and Jones, the epitome of ice-cold confidence, never hurrying or scurrying, but always in complete command. Liddell was brilliant in his own inimitable way. If the Scottish selectors haven’t already O’K d’ him for Hampden Park against England then I don’t know what they’re waiting for. The rest of the forwards all came up to expectation with Baron a great forager and worker, Stubbins the spearhead and complete foil to Liddell, Payne in great form in the first half if a little less prominent afterwards, and Fagan a tower of strength in defence as well as attack. Sidlow with a sound pair of backs in front of him, has rarely earned his money so easily. His tip over the bar from Eglington was the only really difficult shot he had to negotiate. For the rest it was a “piece of cake.”
Too Much Defence
Everton appeared to me to be so concerned to preserve their goal intact that they contributed to their own attacking weaknesses. When we saw Wainwright, Fielding and even Eglington so often back in their own penalty area it was no wonder that Catterick rarely got the support that was vitally necessary if Liverpool’s well-knit defence was going to be harassed out of its stride. Grimly through the Everton defence struck to its task, in the last half hour it began increasingly to will under the strain despite some great work by Farrell and Falder. Everton fought galliantly and never gave up. They were just not quite up to the task. All honours to both sides.
MAINE ROAD WIN DESERVED AGAINST A GALLIANT EVERTON
March 27, 1950, The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
The semi-final at Maine-road was completely satisfying to the thrill-seekers even if the game did not itself come into the “super” category. For 30 minutes this was an intense battle, for Everton looked really good, while Liverpool were getting over the amazingly nervous and uncertain opening, but then Liverpool began really to “feel” the game, and even before they had gained the lead which virtually ended, Everton they had got on top and never for a moment looked back. The second half was nearly all one-way traffic-towards the Everton goal.
Those Goals
Liverpool I think, deserved to win by a more convincing margin for two goals hardly represented their superiority and especially as they were themselves scratchy goals. Bobby Paisley deserves great credit for the manner in which he chased Burnett’s punch away, and with the ball running away from him, contrived to hook it back with his left foot so that it dropped straight into the net with neither the arriving Liddell nor Burnett touching it. The second goal was a semi-tragedy for Everton and Eddie Wainwright in particular. Little Rev Baron gave the Blues the jitters, forcing Farrell to keep in play a ball which was going out, and then Wainwright (not Farrell) as it at first appeared from the angel rather previously to push the ball diagonally to the penalty spot where Liddelll did the rest coolly comfortably and accurate the brave Burnett having no chance. It was a nightmare moment for Wainwright and he has the sympathies of all. Many Evertonians contended that the ball had already crossed the line before being sent to Liddell, but every Everton play states emphatically that the ball was in play all the time –another example of grand sportsmanship and in itself another tribute to Referee Fletcher who also was proved right by photographic evidence that Eric Moore did keep out the Stubbins header in the first half which brought such a strong Liverpool claim for a goal. The referee was right both times. Liverpool should have had more than those goals but once they had scored they never looked like losing the advantage for the Everton forwards crashed on the Liverpool half-backs rocks, and eventually became an idea less and dispirited fine lacking in design .
No Finish
Everton’s midfield work early on provident much of the football joy of the game, but their was no conviction in finishing, and that despite some goal worthy centres which swept through to vacant spots. When Everton failed to crown their clever approach with good football, Liverpool took the heart they needed and we began to see the machinations of that great half-back line of Taylor, Jones, and Paisley which eventually completely controlled and decided the game. That is the line which smashed Everton hopes as brilliant and masters footballers of varying style, which obliarated Everton attack so effectively that they were able to devote time plus to keeping their own attackers services. That little believe me will lay the foundations for Wembley success too. Liverpool unlike Everton always did look like scoring when they proved, and it is a tribute to Everton’s brilliant sound defence that the Reds failed in the many missions. Everton defeat there was reason for prominent satisfaction in the Everton mind, and none more so than the display of Eric Moore the youngest man in the game and one of the best. Not the best in my opinion for without qualication. Whatever I hand that tribute to Bill Jones but Moore was great and on this form an England player of the future. No full back has played Billy Liddell more successfully, Billy knew this and that is why quite early on he was ready to escape to some Moore-less spot so that he could gain effectiveness. It was Hedley’s luck to find Jimmy Payne in dazzling mood ably supported by the darting clever, working Baron. Neither of this pair ever have played better or stood the pace so well.
The Decoy
The orthodox of Liddell was used by Liverpool as a decoy to get the Everton defence out of position Liddell moved here there and everywhere to strike fear into Everton hearts and there was subtleness and delight in the manner in which partner Billy Fagan managed to find him wherever he went, Taylor’s creative abilities were a positive joy, while I doubt whether Bobby Paisley ever has had such a complete game. Stubbins was most-improved and besides his individual manipulation and alertness, he did hold the line together. Had Stubbins been faced with a less accomplished centre-half that Ted Falder he would have ended his non-scoring spell. Falder pleased me but neither Farrell nor Grant were as commanding as usual, due partly to the masterly of Baron and Fagan. Everton’s forwards promised so much, but fulfilled so little, and for the most part were overwhelmed by the bigger strong Liverpool defence in which Lambert and Spicer soon got over their shaky moments, and walked through to rest to make Cyril Sidlow for the most part a mere onlooker. Fielding juggled well but faded out and Eglington looked menacing without being able to get the ball to his left often enough. The Wainwright –Buckle wing started finely but soon fell to Liverpool mastery, and Catterick although promising things when moving wide to accept the long pass, was generally as clay in the hands of the Jones potter. This Jones was mighty. Make no mistake about that. For 90 minutes he was the supreme controller of the centre and never made the slightest sign of a mistake. All the Liverpool players played well and all the Everton player fought well, and with Jones and Moore the outstanding men of each side, in a game which Liverpool will never forget; which Everton can forget because they were below standard; and which we shall always treasure as the last great Reds’ stride to Wembley. The two chairmen with the respective Secretaries Theo Kelly and Jack Rouse travelled to London yesterday in time for today’s Football League meeting in private.
EVERTON AT HOME
March 28, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
After the hectic excitement of Saturday’s semi-final, Everton and Liverpool return tomorrow to the humdrum business of disposing of the two Football League fixtures which had to be postponed last week. The Blues are home to West Bromwich Albion (kick-off three o’clock). With their Wembley interest extinguished Everton, can now set about improving their League position, which is still a little less secure than one could wish, bearing in mind the stuff nature of some of their remaining games. These include two Easter fixtures with Blackpool, and away matches against Manchester United, Derby County and Sunderland. They meet Manchester City on the last day of the season at Goodison Park, before which time I hope that all lingering doubts about their safety will have been satisfactorily dispelled. It’s not going to be a simple job, though much will depend on what the clubs immediately below them do in the interim. At the moment Everton rest on the same points tally as Charlton (25), with two games in hand, but with Charlton having the superior goal average. They have four points in hand over Manchester City for an equal number of matches, and three points advantage over Birmingham City, who have played one more game. Birmingham are creeping up fairly steadily. After appearing hopelessly doomed at one stage, they now have a fighting chance. Though very slender, it would be foolish to minimize the threat. Everton must go all out to take maximum points from their remaining home games. They should manage this against West Bromwich, who though 4-0 winners when the pair met at the Hawthornes earlier in the season, are not a very convincing away team. So far they have only two away wins and five draws to their credit. Everton’s defence looks capable enough of keeping the Throstle’s forwards at bay, which again leaves it to the Blues’ attack to win the points. There will have to be more punch in the front line than there was against Liverpool to ensure success, however. Stylish approach work is no use without the right finishing touch. The inside forwards cannot be in two places at once. If they spend too much time in the vicinity of their own penalty area, then the attack is bound to suffer.
EVERTON IN TROUBLE
March 29, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Gain Lead and Lose It
West Brom Fight
By Contact
Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Saunders, backs; Grant, Falder, and Lindley, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Higgins, Farrell (captain), and Eglington, forwards. West Bromwich Albion;- Sanders, goal; Pemberton and Millard, backs; Hood, Vernon and Ryan, half-backs; Allen, Smith, Walsh, Barlow and Lee, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis (Halifax). It was a dry hard ground the ball wanted a lot of controlling, and Everton in the beginning, did only indifferently. Nearest to scoring was Lee, who drifted in to take a long clearance kick by Pemberton moved the ball quickly from one foot to the other, are delivered a surprise shot, which flew just wide. Everton at last got their attack going, and Farrell’s pertinacity led to Eglington coming in and poking the ball across to Buckle, who might well have done better than fire over the top. It was essential that Everton should win, but after the Cup-tie defeat it was hardly surprising that not more than 25,000 spectators were present when Vernon led out West Bromwich. The only worthwhile attack for five minutes came when Albion won a corner, which Allen swung in dangerously, Burnett getting his hands to the ball and maintaining his grasp despite being too closely attended by Falder. Buckle had a second chance, which he was quick to seize, but again his shooting was faulty.
“Play On.”
Everton were luckless when Ryan threw himself at the ball with Wainwright sailing through with every chance of shooting a goal, but his last-moment tackle had the merit of securing the ball, and the referee said “Play on.” It was an undistinguished game in many respects, possibly because both sides were liable to lose more than two points. Farrell worked hard and well to get some spirit into the attack, but his prompting of Eglington led to an indifferent pass when a shot would have been more effective. Eventually Farrell swung round on the ball just outside the penalty area and hit a true low shot just inside the post, where Saunders did well to turn the ball round the foot of the post. Both Albion wingers showed up well, and Lee was just as unlucky to make a deliberately –aimed centre from an Allen corner and find Burnett edging the ball round the post one-handed a magnificent save which mystified Lee as much as anyone. Some of the moves y both sides were dreadfully obvious, and the more Everton tried to do the right thing the less success they enjoyed. Everton’s most dangerous move came when Lindley’s fast long pass was headed on by Buckle and Saunders brought off a first rate save.
Scoring Chance
Eglington’s header, from a Wainwright centre, must have created a scoring chance for Farrell if that player could have brought the ball under control. When Wainwright scored, at 26 minutes, Albion were caught napping in a free kick incident. Buckle had been fouled by Hood a few yards outside the penalty area, and Eglington, before the defence was set slipped the ball a few yards forward to Buckle, who, in turn, put it through for Wainwright to go on and score almost as he pleased. Ryan, with a big throw, caused Falder to head away direct for a corner, and from this Barlow headed the equalizer in 32 minutes. Three minutes later came another Albion goal, also from a header. Walsh and Lee between them worked the left wing opening, and although there was a bevy of Everton defenders awaiting to head away Lee’s centre, they headed the ball direct to Walsh, who instead of shooting, as many centre forwards would have done, merely poked a pass to Lee, who came in fast to head a good opportunist point. The goal at 35 minutes. T. Lee, who was performing such distinction, was the man who played a grand cup-game against Liverpool for Notts Forest two seasons ago. For Everton there was a silence of apprehension and the game went on its rather uneventful way until Barlow set it alight with a lazy dribble and a fierce shot, which skimmed the bar, travelling as though jet propelled. Allen made a good hooked shot for which Burnett had to dive. Eglington put the ball into the West Bromwich net, but was adjudged offside. Half-time; Everton 1, West Bromwich Albion 2.
Lindley Knock-Out
Higgins found things going wrong for him all day, but a last when he veered to the left wing he produced a good length centre, which Millard was glad to head for a corner. Ryan was knocked out by a Lindley shot, but was able to continue. The game had gone into a new phrase of dullness, enlivened only by one good Everton attack, the finale of which was a hectic centre which unhappily found a West Bromwich head. Certainly Farrell was the inspiring force in an Everton line plainly not happy to accept the onus of shooting. Buckle in particular, failed to put to good use a pass which found him clear of everyone and in a perfect position to fire. Allen, who cost Albion £1,800 from Port Vale, showed his shooting wares with a snap shot, which found the side net, but receiving a special hand-clap from Walsh.
EVERTON V WEST BROM
March 29, 1950. The Evening Express
By Radar
Everton, who had not won a home game since mid-December, made changes affecting four positions for today’s important rearranged League game against West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park. Hedley and Catterick both received knocks in the semi-final against Liverpool and were declared unfit this morning. George Saunders came in as deputy for Hedley, and Higgins led the attack. Skipper Peter Farrell reverted to inside-left to the exclusion of Fielding and Maurice Lindley came in at left-half. Albion, who had not played since a week last Saturday made one change, Hood appearing at right-half in place of Kennedy, who was down with a severe head cold. Cyril Lello to whom I spoke before the game told me that he has now almost completely recovered from his injury and may be fit for Saturday’s game against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Saunders, backs; Grant, Falder, and Lindley, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Higgins, Farrell (captain), and Eglington, forwards. West Bromwich Albion;- Sanders, goal; Pemberton and Millard, backs; Hood, Vernon and Ryan, half-backs; Allen, Smith, Walsh, Barlow and Lee, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis (Halifax). Although conditions were spring like there could not have been many more than 20,000 to see Everton make early strides on the right, only for Higgins to impede Buckle as he tried to force a way through. Albion’s first raid also came via their right flank, and Saunders had to concede a corner, but Burnett dealt comfortably with Allen’s in swinger.
Nasty Moment
There was a nasty moment in the Everton penalty area when the defence got itself into a tangle but Walsh, the Irish international seemed surprised to find the ball coming loose to him, less than ten yard out, and Falder was able to nip in and clear. This Everton defence, in fact, did not look any too happy and a bad clearance by Grant gave Pemberton the opportunity to lob the ball into the middle invitingly. Walsh seized on it, and let go on the volley, but the ball swung a yard the wrong side of the post. A free kick just inside the Albion half enabled Everton to return to the offensive and Wainwright set his colleagues the right example with a fierce low drive from 20 yards which Saunders saved. A leading goal should have come Everton’s way, however, when Eglington force a way through on his own but after beating two men, he elected to pass to Buckle whose first time drive was lofted high over the top. Yet again there were prospects of an Everton success as Buckle swept through and then cut sharply into the middle but again the finish was lacking a half hit shot slewing wide of the target.
Everton Move
Everton’s best move so far was initiated by Falder whose accurate clearance enabled Eglington to sweep through a perfect ground pass to Wainwright who had moved to the inside left position. Wainwright tried to go through on his own but found weight of numbers proving too much for him. There was no denying the liveliness of these Albion forwards and following a corner on the left Burnett did exceptionally well to pull down a teasing lobbed shot from Allen,. Everton revealing tactically easy in attack, continued to have a slight edge, but so far there had been the old fault of inaccuracy on the final pass and over-anxiety in finishing. There was no doubt that the reintroduction of Farrell into the front line was making a difference, and after Eglington had spoiled one choice pass from his captain Farrell went through again and this time cracked in a vicious left-foot drive which Saunders just managed to parry by the foot of the post as full length. Just previously Millard had been guilty of a miss-kick which let in Higgins, but the Everton leader’s centre was pulled too far back to be of use. Albion went close with a well directed header from Lee, which looked all over a winner until Burnett who seemed to dive rather late, just succeeded in finger-tipping the ball round the foot of the post.
Unfortunate
Wainwright was unfortunate to see a strong first time drive from just outside the penalty area strike Farrell’s body, which deflected it from its objective. Everton kept it up and Lindley dropped a menacing pass just inside the penalty area for Buckle, who had wisely moved into the centre, to head in obliquely, and Saunders had all his work cut out to save at full-stretch. Saunders was again brought into action to deal, again at full-length with a point-blank drive from Eglington who appeared this time in the inside-right position. There was no doubt that Everton were all out for goals, and the Albion goal several times bore a charmed life. In exactly 25 minutes Everton deservedly took the lead. It was a free kick, awarded for a Hood tackle on Buckle a yard or two outside the area, which led to it. Eglington flicked the ball forward before the Albion defence had time to compose itself, and Wainwright sped in unchallenged to whip the ball into the net. Albion came desperately close to equalizing within a minute and it needed a desperate Moore tackle to prevent the flying Lee getting in his shot from point-blank range.
Off The Mark
Saunders must have been more than a little relieved to see a strong Buckle first-timer flash just off the mark. Albion were still a force to be reckoned with and a corner, conceded by Falder to dispose of a surprisingly long throw-in proved fatal in the 31st minute. Lee placed the corner high towards the far side for Barlow to leap above everyone else and steer the ball just beneath the angle of the bar into the top corner of the net. The dazzling sun was hampering the Everton defence, but both defences made errors. To complete a remarkable swing round Albion went away to take the lead in 34 minutes. It was the enterprising Dave Walsh who sighted a clink in the Everton defensive armour and crossed a perfect ball diagonally for Allen to fling himself forward and head it well out of the reach of Burnett.
Good Chance
A good chance of an equalizing came Everton’s way as the outcome of a rebound off Ryan running in Higgins favour. Higgins flicked the ball through for Wainwright to race in but just as he was about to shoot Pemberton came across with a desperate saving tackle. There was always a menace about these Albion forwards and Barlow beating two men in the space of a couple of yards, caused the crowd to gasp with a magnificent rising drive from 20 yards which beat Burnett all the way but shaved the bar and dropped behind. A great effort this! Eglington had the ball in the net for Everton almost on the interval but the joy was short-lived for the whistle had previously blown for offside against Higgins.
Half-time; Everton 1, West Bromwich 2.
The Everton forwards set about first task in determined fashion, but Higgins was having a particularly unhappy outing and could make no progress whatever against the dominant Vernon.
Farrell Effort
Farrell was striving might and main to open up the way for his colleagues and now he linked up with Eglington before slipping through a nice ball for Higgins to lob the ball towards the far post. It took Saunders all his time to edge the ball behind for a corner. From this the ball bumped about the Albion goalmouth, first a Lindley drive being charged down, and then Buckle hitting one across the face of the goal. An Everton movement came to nothing because Millard was right there to head Eglington’s cross out of danger. Relief did not come completely to Albion, however, until Buckle, who had weaved his way towards the penalty spot, lashed the ball yards wide when well positioned. A much better effort was Eglington’s snappy right-footer, which crashed against the barrier at the back of the goal. Farrell was playing a great captain’s part.
THE GULF WIDENS
March 30, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
The wide gulf between Everton and Liverpool shown unmistakably in the Cup-tie, because more apparent yesterday. Everton, who wanted very much to beat West Bromwich Albion not only could not do so, but lost 2-1 and now not only need points, but need them from fixtures which even on paper look formidable. Everton due to end their programme against Manchester City at Goodison Park the season seems likely to have something in store for everyone until its dying kick. That a side which did not need to win succeeded where one which wanted to win failed is just another irony of football. Everton must have earned something had they taken early chances, even when Albion recovered from 1-0 to stand 2-1, the others seemed likely to get a draw until Saunders mixed goalkeeping with the other art of happening to be in the right spot at the right moment. In this luckless spell, Everton hit everything and everyone except the back of the net.
Looked the Better
On the whole, Albion looked and were the better and faster side. They not only overcame the handicap of being a goal down they finished (despite Everton’s forward switches) completely on top. For a rather patchwork eleven, Everton contrived more scoring chances than we had a right to expect, but once again, they not only shot badly or not at all, but gave the impression that the onus of scoring did not sit happily on their shoulders. It was a quick and cute free-kick ruse which led to Wainwright scoring after 26 minutes, but finely headed goals by Barlow and Allen within the space of five minutes changed the game and from that point, until Everton’s late ten minutes rally, Albion seemed to have the match “sewn up.” Characters in the order of their importance in this drama of relegation were J. Allen (W.B.A); 2, Farrell (Everton) and 2; Lee (W.B.A). For a small, almost insignificantly built winger, Allen (signed from Port Vale at a fee of £18,000) was impudently cheeky and pertinacious at outside right, allowing for the fact that Saunders has not been in Division 1, football for some weeks. His snap shooting when a shooting chance did not seem “on” was probably his strongest point, though it was hard to find fault with him in his general work. Peter Farrell has never worked harder or with more success as individual. That such unflagging effort should not have led to a least one goal was tragic. Lee, the other Albion winger, who once played a fine cup game here for Notts Forest, was almost as dangerous as Allen. And the tall young Barlow, once a Swindon half-back, had ideas, and a trusty foot.
Few Excitements
Normally games on hard, dry surfaces are unsatisfactory; this one, with an Everton team which often seemed incapable of doing the right thing for getting an even break was dull and almost tame except for its few spells of incident and excitement. Everton will rarely play with less effect in front of goal and that is no criticism of Higgins because Higgins effort was there as plainly as Farrell’s. but the further the game went the more surely it was evident that even an Alex James wearing the label, Higgins yesterday could do no right. None is immune to the off-day –not even you Mr. Spectator!
TOUGH FOR THE BLUES
March 31, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton have a hard task at Old Trafford in tackling Manchester United, who bear the look of possible champions, though it is by no means certain that United are going to finish in that position. Everton’s immediate programme is a very testing one, and with Birmingham showing an improvement, and Charlton also better of late, Everton cannot afford to be complacent about any match. They need the points badly, but to get them they will have to be more penetrative and forceful in the front line. The Blues had periods against West Bromwich on Wednesday when they looked promising, but they faded out unaccountably in the closing stages of each half. Compared with Wednesday’s line up, Hedley returns in place of Saunders, and Catterick resumes the leadership now that he is fit again Eglington, however, received a knock against West Bromwich Albion which keeps him out tomorrow. Aubrey Powell takes over at outside right, and Buckle crosses to the extreme left flank. Team;- Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lindley; Powell, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Buckle.
Lello injured against Aston Villa on February 4 has his first out since that date in the reserve eleven at Goodison Park against West Browmich reserves, the team being; O’Neill; Saunders, Rankin; Woods, Humphreys, Lello; Corr, Higgins, Hold, Hampson, Easthope.
March 1950