Everton Independent Research Data
BOLTON’S DANGER MEN
March 2, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton have a stern task before them in visiting Bolton Wanderers no managed by our old Tranmere friend Bill Ridding, for the Wanderers are one of the most improved sides of the season. Everton also can claim some distinction in that direction and the Blues will further set the seal on their recent performances if they can bring back both points. Maybe that is being a bit too optimistic, but remember that Fulham won at Burnden recently and Everton have twice beaten the Cottagers. Unfortunately, that is nothing to go by. Form doesn’t pan out on such simple equations. Everton, however, may well get a point. Their away record since November contains only one defeat in six League matches and the confidence which comes from such a run, plus the lifting of the anxiety which has so long beset them should put plenty on heart into the players for this testing game. Unlike some sides, Bolton have not just one star forward whose subjection means that much of the punch is taken from them. Lofthouse Moir and Websters –with 17, 10 and 14 goals respectively to their credit –all need careful watching, while wingers Langton and Hughes are among the best at the present moment. John Wheeler, formerly of Tranmere will be making his second senior appearance for the home side this time in his normal position, provided he is passed fit in time. Bolton; Hanson; Ball, Howe; Wheeler, Barrass, Edwards; Hughes, Moir, Lofthouse, or Codd, Webster, Langton. Everton; Sagar; Moore, Rankin; Grant, Jones, Farrell; Buckle, Hold, McIntosh, Potts, Eglington.
Everton Reserves; (v. Wolves ay home); O’Neill; Clinton, Saunders; Donovan, Lindley, Lello; Harris, Lewis, Catterick, Hampson, Parker.
DODDS BACK IN CIRCULATION
March 3, 1951. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Jock Dodds, former Everton centre forward, who was expelled from the Football League last June because he acted as agent for the Millionarios F.C, of Bogota, will be in football circulation again next August 1. But he may not play. “I only applied for reinstatement to clear the air, as others concerned in the Bogota business are playing” he said yesterday. On Wednesday Dodds saw Everton beat Fulham as a guest of the Fulham club. Lincoln City, Dodds club are holding a meeting on Tuesday when they hope to hear the player’s views on the possibility of his playing for them again.
EVERTON MADE SOME NICE MOVES –BUT THERE WAS ALWAYS ONE PASS TOO MANY
March 3, 1951. The Liverpool Football Echo
Bolton 2, Everton 0
By Stork
This should rightly be-claimed Langton’s match. He was brilliant throughout. His Matthews like dribbles often had the Everton defence non-plussed. It was forward where Everton failed. Some of their approach work was good, but there was no finality when they were near goal, Sagar made some sparkling saves. Bolton Wanderers;- Hanson, goal; Ball and Howe, backs; Wheeler, Barrass and Edwards, half-backs; Hughes, Moir, Codd, Webster and Langton, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Grant, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Hold, McIntosh, Potts and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. PH Gerrard. Nat Lofthouse was eager to play against Everton, but after a tryout this morning he was found to be not completely fit, so he stood down for the Sheffield-born Codd, who is acknowledged as No 1 Lofthouse deputy. Codd is only a youngster and plays a similar type of game. Everton were represented by the side most defeated Fulham last Wednesday. Potts had a plaster on his forehead, where a boil had formed. The first fifteen minutes were attractive. They included everything. A liveliness that delighted the crowd and many excellent rounds of passing, which pleased the students of the scientific side of football. Everton started on a bright note, attacking almost immediately, but the Wanderers were just as astute when they moved forward so that there were plenty of things for the crowd to shout about. Hold here beat two men and then transferred the ball to Buckle, whose centre was claimed by a Wanderers defender. This was followed by a Codd shot which flashed outside. The chances of fortune was quick, play being in one penalty area one minute in the other the next and neither defence could afford to make a slip. Langton always a danger man, once moved into the centre and offered Codd a chance, but he did not use the opportunity quite so well as he might have done. But Codd showed his wisdom when he pushed a nice ball through for Webster, and Sagar had to make his first save. A free kick to Everton saw McIntosh come up for Buckle’s centre and head into the hands of Hanson. The pace was a cracker, the football sound, and Codd appeared to be treading his way to a shot, if not a goal, when he was successfully challenged by Jones. Grant put a free kick into Hanson’s hands, and Moore had the audacity to move up and have a shot the ball passing outside.
Shade Better
The crowd were undoubtedly getting plenty of good entertainment and Everton were giving as much as they received. In fact, I rated their football just a shade better than that of the Wanderers. At 21 minutes, however, the blow fell on Everton and how Langton ever got his oblique shot past Sagar was mystifying. The ball landed at the back of the net, which rather suggested that it had touched someone, in flight and had been deflected into the Everton goal. Codd, by his dashing tactics, gave the Everton defence little rest. Wheeler was pushing the ball through for Hughes and Moir but it was Everton who came close to scoring the second goal of the day. Eglington by his speed was able to keep the ball in play and hook it across the Wanderers goalmouth. Potts was there and got his forehead to the ball, but it passed over the bar. Langton must be one of the strongest shooters in the game. He gave Sagar a real pile driver from 20 yards. It had been a case of Greek meeting Greek and Potts in particular was doing Trojan work in the Everton attack. But I must not forget the valiant work of the Everton half-backs and backs to their task had been no light one against the fast-moving Wanderers forwards.
Fiery Drive
Langton with another fiery left-footed drive, forced a corner, but this was dealt with successfully. Barras and McIntosh had some tremendous tussles but there was little between them. A combined movement looked like producing a goal to Everton, but Hold was successfully tackled by Ball. Just on the interval Potts engineered an opening for McIntosh who cleverly outwitted Ball and then shot low towards the near upright and Hanson was glad that he had to concede no more than a corner kick, which was cleared. It had been an interesting half, which concluded with Codd trying to run through only to beaten off by weight of numbers. Half-time; Bolton Wanderers 1, Everton nil.
Bolton were soon in their stride in the second half and Codd with his left foot forced Sagar to a grand save. The Wanderers were definitely the more punishing forwards near goal yet Everton had a chance when a ball from a defender came straight to Hold, but he shot at the goalkeeper and although the ball came back to him, Hold lifted his second effort over the bar. Everton were able to frame nice attacks but they appeared to make one pass to many. The Wanderers were never guilty of this and Langton after running to the centre of the penalty line was brought down by Moore. The free kick was taken just outside the line.
Grand Save
Hanson, had little or nothing to do and when Farrell shot, the ball only travelled slowly so it was not the slightest trouble to the Wanderers goalkeeper. Bolton were dictating matters and Sagar had to make a catch from Hughes. A much finer save went to the credit of the veteran goalkeeper when he flew across his goal and with one hand turned a terrific Webster drive outside. The corner, however, proved fatal, for the ball after being cleared a couple of times went to Codd rather luckily, and he slapped it into the net at 62 minutes. Langton was in brilliant form. No one seemed capable of holding him. He led most of the Wanderers attacks. Buckle, Hold and McIntosh got together in an effort to reduce the lead, but McIntosh was a little hesitant with his shot and was robbed at the critical moment. Codd was a worthy deputy for Lofthouse, for apart from his energy he had plenty of ideas. Hanson came out of goal to punt away the ball from Pott’s head, but the Wanderer’s keeper had a quiet afternoon, for the Everton attack was not thrustful enough to break down the Wanderers defence. Eglington claimed a penalty but the referee waved the appeal aside. With a few minutes to go McIntosh sent Hold through, but Hanson saved his low shot. Final; Bolton Wanderers 2, Everton 0
Attendance 32,782
EVERTON RES V WOLVES RES
March 3, 1951. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Res;- O’Neill, goal; Clinton and Saunders, backs; Donovan, Lindley and Lello, half-backs; Harris, Lewis, Catterick, Hampson, and Parker, forwards. Wolverhampton Res; Parson, goal; Crook and Ford, backs; Deeley, Hewitt and Baxter, half-backs; Smith, Broadbent, Whitfield, Clark, and Long, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Clark (Accrington). Everton faced strong opposition in meeting the League leaders. The open exchanges were exciting, with Everton holding the balance of the play. The Blues missed a great opportunity of taking the lead when Harris from five yards shot wide. The Wolves made several break-away but found Clinton and Saunders two stout defenders. Half-time; Everton Reserves nil, Wolverhampton Res nil. Everton played delightful football and deservedly took the lead when Parker beat Parsons with a great shot. The Wolves at this period were outplayed and they rarely passed the halfway line. In the 69th minute Harris increasing the home lead.
LANGTON UNPLAYABLE
March 5, 1951. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Bolton W 2, Everton 0
It may seen ironical to say that Everton played too much good football against Bolton Wanderers at Burden Park, but that was the plain fact. They produced some lovely moves in the first half, yet missed the vital factor of the game –goals. This story has often had to be told about Everton during the last two seasons, but it was patent at Bolton that unless they could find the means to penetrate the Wanderers defence to round of their clever play they could have little hope of success. The Wanderers defence gave nothing away and it soon became apparent that Everton were making one pass too many to the detriment of their own chances. Up to the penalty area they were better tacticians more spectacular to watch but there their bid ended as prospective winners. When I tell you that Hanson never had an easier match it will give you some idea as to Everton’s ineffectiveness. Bolton were more alive to the need of directness and it was their speed, their quick tackling and their good shooting which won through. To emphasizes this let me quote you the first goal. Langton in his most dazzling form having beaten Moore, ran into what appeared an impossible shooting position, yet he struck and the ball went sizzling into the net. From the moment Langton never looked back. He became the man of the match, and Stan Matthews never had a defence so worried. He got better and better and was finally unplayable. No matter how many went over in an attempt to stay his progress he beat them all. It was one of the finest exhibitions of wing play I have seen for an age. There were others in the Wanderers forward line capable of carrying on Langton’s good work for young Codd who led the line played so well that Lofthouse was not missed. He had the dash of the senior plus footwork and the shot. Then there were Moir and Webster all up and doing so much that Sagar had to bring off many fine saves. Yet Everton could have been on terms at the half stage had Potts header not been an inch or two too high. Hold should have scored with a clear opening but Everton never looked like scoring despite their good ball play and joyous combination. The defence was so hard pressed that he had little or no time to lend a hand to those in front at least after the interval when it became one long tussle between the fiery Wanderers attack and themselves. Twice Moore kept the ball out but the second goal came because the Everton defence did not clear a Langton centre. Codd stepped in to clash the ball to the back of the net. Everton’s lustre left them at the interval, for after that the Wanderers overran them. It was undoubtedly Langtons day and Moore will not forget the experience for some time.
• Everton Res 2, Wolves Res 0
LANGTON’S WIZARDRY
March 5, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
There is an old axiom in football which says that one man does not make a team. After watching Langton’s display against Everton I began to doubt the wisdom of that saying for the Bolton winger was the man who put the cat among the Everton pigeons. I have seen Matthews dazzle and bewilder opponents but he never did it more completely than did Langton the completed artist who was never at any point mastered. He was the them in the Everton flesh and his goal set the Wanderers on the winning path. What could be done to surb this elusive personally. He swerved his way through dribbed his way through –aye, and no one could stop him. He just bubbled with enthusiasm and brilliant hardly described his masterly display (writes Stork). Is it possible to have too much good football in a line? After Saturday’s experience I think it is? The desire was there to make just one more pass and that was Everton’s undoing. Time and again they brought the ball up in scientific fashion and all that was needed was the culminating shot. They preferred to pass to their own detriment. The Wanderers having made an opening by fast, progressive football, were not content to see it fall for want of a shot, and they blazed away when Sagar was sighted. Take Langton’s goal. By all the canons of the game, the Bolton winger should never have shot from this angle –a centre was the need, but Langton who had a fierce drive in his left foot took a chance and the ball was in the net. Everton had not the fire of their rivals, and the second half saw then relegated to second place by a rampant Bolton who made the Goodison Parkers look slow and belabored and eventually a purely defensive it who could do but one thing –keep the Wanderers score down to reasonable dimensions.
ONLY ONE CHANGE
March 8, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
The Everton team to meet Charlton athletic at Goodison Park on Saturday shows one change from that beaten at Bolton last week. Fielding returns to outside right in exclusion of Buckle. Sagar; Moore, Rankin; Grant, Jones, Farrell; Fielding, Hold, McIntosh, Potts, Eglington.
The directors have granted the request of the players to change of environment, and they will spend a week at Harrogate in preparation for their match with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday March 12.
EVERTON RECEIVE CHARLTON
March 9 1951. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Everton will be meeting one of the most improved sides in the country when Charlton provide the opposition at Goodison Park. Two months ago Charlton were next to the bottom of the table. Their prospects of survival looked grim. Then manager Jimmy Seed not without protest from certain quarters brought in Hans Jepson the Swedish international to lead the Charlton attack and straightaway the Londoners outlook took on a brighter aspect. Since the Swede’s advent Charlton have taken 11 points out of 14 and have scored 15 goals to seven by the opposition. These figures tell their own story. They stamp the present Charlton side as one of considerable power in attack and solid in defence, and despite Everton’s own improved form of recent months that was obvious. The Blues will have all their work cut out to win, with Fielding fit again, Everton return to the most successful combination and accurate first time shooting rather than the tendency to make one pass too many should enable then to give the Charlton defence plenty to think about. Everton; Sagar; Moore, Rankin; Grant, Jones, Farrell (captain); Fielding, Hold, McIntosh, Potts, Eglington. Charlton; Bartram; Campbell, Lock; Fenton, Phillips, Jenson; Hurst, Evans H, Jepson, Vaughan, Kiernan.
John Anderson
Everton have signed 18-year old John Anderson a right full back on professional forms. A native of Birkenhead, he has been on the books as an amateur for 10 months.
BARTRAM WAS EVERTON’S BOGEY IN LIVELY GAME AT GOODISON
March 10, 1951. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton 0, Charlton 0
By Contact
A hard and fast and interesting match in which Everton missed enough chances in the first ten minutes to have won comfortably. Everton; Sagar, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Grant, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Fielding, Hold, McIntosh, Potts and Eglington, forwards. Charlton Athletic; Bartram, goal; Campbell, and Lock, backs; Fenton (captain), Phipps, and Johnson, half-backs; Hurst, Evans, H. Jepson, Vaughan, and Kiernan, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Roden (Stourbridge).
George Rankin the Everton full back reports for his two years National Service on Thursday next. The weather was bright and cold, the pitch was ideal and both sides needed to win to improve their league position. The Charlton goal had an escape in the first moment. Fielding centre found the head of McIntosh who nodded the ball forward for Hold who appeared offside but who in any case failed to bring the ball under control. The danger past signal for Charlton sounded only when a Potts shot was crowded out. In Charlton’s first moment of danger Vaughan put up a lovely pass for the big Swede, Jeppson, and only Moore coming across to left full back and getting his legs in front of a fierce shot saved the situation. Charlton were sharp and a Fenton throw-in which Jeppson passed on to Vaughan led to a shot which found a Press photographer rather than the back of the net. The best individual contribution came from half-back Johnson who indulged on some lovely feinting when standing on his own goal line mid-way between the post and the corner flag.
Bartram Fumbles
Then Bartram fumbled a Hold centre, and conceded a corner from a Potts shot and in the next few seconds Sagar was crowding out a Jeppson shot at point black range, Kiernan having provided Jeppson with his chance. Bartram should have been beaten, too when Eglington took up the ball from a punch away and could do nothing save hit it wildly over the top. Everton’s best contribution for some time was an Eglington header hit very firmly from a Potts centre. The ball swung wide, but this might easily have been a splendid goal. Charlton’s defence was more than suspect but they played calmly and with confidence.
Hold Goes Near
Potts was having a great game, drifting with facility right and left and making some splendid easy-to-take passes. Despite being almost dispossessed twice as he went through, Hold came near to scoring from a through pass by Fielding. The speed of Jeppson and how dangerous he was never better exampled than when he came through from nowhere and but for Jones deflecting his shot must have scored. Again Everton were near with a header, this time by Hold.
Another Everton Escape
Sagar had the utmost difficulty in beating Jeppson’s head to the ball from a Kiernan centre and he only made a pick up at the second attempt as Hurst came on the scene one of three narrow escapes Everton had so far. A glancing headed pass by Jones to his own goalkeeper was a ticklish proposition, but when Phipps was adjudged to have fouled McIntosh the free kick was taken so quickly it seemed that McIntosh must score. His shot was too straight, however, and Bartram got two fists to it in a desperate save. Before Charlton could clear this danger the ball came back again, and how Hold managed not to score with his head will remain a major mystery.
Surprise for Bartram
Bartram at this point indulged himself in a novel system of getting the ball to Jeppson. He took it to the edge of the penalty box then threw it forward and went after it 20 yards to get the greater distance. Again Hold failed, this time with a shot from not more than five yards out, with the angle all in his favour and Bartram the most surprised man to be able to stop a trickling low shot. The greatest thrill of all, and yet again Bartram stood between Everton and a goal came when Eglington beat the mustachioed Campbell and delivered a centre so fast and so ideal for the head of McIntosh one sensed Bartram to have no chance. Instead, he flung himself at the ball going away, and brought off the 100-1 save. Bartram had to look live to stop Potts coming through to steal a goal right on the interval. Unusual to hear Bartram getting an ovation as he walked to the subway with the game only half over.
Half-time; Everton nil, Charlton Athletic nil.
Jeppson got the Everton defence going towards Hurst, who was standing towards his right in order to open up the way for a shot and when this effort of his was deflected it made a ready made invitation to score. He hit the shot hard enough but off the mark. By the simple process of putting the ball through Moore’s out-stretched legs little Kiernan went in close to goal and then instead of centring chose to shoot, with the result that Sagar narrowed the angle and was able to escape at the cost of a corner.
Skimmed the Bar
The Everton attack at last became more practical and a Hold-Fielding-McIntosh move nearly got results. The Fielding centre so beautifully judged found McIntosh’s head and the ball skimmed the bar with Bartram vainly trying to get his hand to it. Campbell was having a bad time against Eglington in that Eglington was winning most of the battles, and Campbell had to resort to the flying tackle, not always a fair one, to stop his man. Eventually the referee had to go over and have a word with the Charlton full back. Everton were now right on top but they just not get the goal to prove it tangible. Campbell did his side great service when poking his foot out to give a corner rather than let Potts get there first and make a goal certain.
Heads to Mend
Potts and Fenton provided relief when they had a schoolboys’ struggle for possession of the ball after it had gone out of play, and then Eglington and Campbell cracked their heads together, Campbell coming off worst. The game was held up while he received attention but he was able to resume. Hurst’s centre crossed the goal and passed three Charlton heads in the process, a remarkable escape for Everton. Everton, too, got themselves out of a terrific tangle when Jepson dispossessed Sagar after he had caught a high ball.
Referee Hurt
Potts colliding with the referee caused yet another unusual occurrence. Apparently Mr. Roden’s arm pr wrist was badly twisted, but he had presence of mind to blow the whistle to stop the game, and both trainers and players came on to treat him. After a moment or two he was able to carry one. Eglington was damaged when pitching heavily over the tackle of Campbell and had to be lifted to the side-line. The end came unexpectedly with Peter Farrell going to the far side of the pitch to help St. John Ambulance men and Harry Cook with the task of getting Eglington on to a stretcher. So the last player to leave the field unhappily was Tom Eglington looking as though his knock was not only serious but painful. Final; - Everton nil, Charlton Athletic nil. Official attendance 31,066.
ASTON VILLA RES V EVERTON RES
March 10, 1951. The Liverpool Football Echo
Pace got a couple of goals for the Villa inside 8 minutes but the Everton forward line, in which Catterick and Buckle were prominent made many dangerous advances. Both sides attacked in turn without either goalkeeper being seriously troubled. Harris reduced the lead. Half-time; Aston Villa Res 2, Everton Res 1. With the Villa playing a spirited fashion, Simpson, and Pace were both within an ace of scoring before Harrison converted a penalty when Saunders held Smith. At last Everton broke away but Harris failed to connect with Buckle centre when well placed. Full time; Aston Villa Res 5, Everton Res 1.
CHARLTON ROCK-LIKE IN DEFENCE
March 10, 1951. The Evening Express
Bartram Given an Ovation
Quick-Changing Everton Forwards got few Chances
By Pilot. (Don Kendall)
Charlton Athletic maintained their remarkable record of not having lost at Goodison Park in post-war football when they held Everton to a goalless draw this afternoon. Consequently Everton still need two points to complete their 2,000 in First Division football. Charlton owed everything to their defence and to Sam Bartram in particular, for he made three amazing saves, two off McIntosh header’s and one from Hold. The Everton forwards did not function as well as usual and I thought they kept the ball rather too close. This was the first time this season that the Goodison crowd had not had a goal to cheer. Everton; Sagar, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Grant, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Fielding, Hold, McIntosh, Potts and Eglington, forwards. Charlton Athletic; Bartram, goal; Campbell, and Lock, backs; Fenton (captain), Phipps, and Johnson, half-backs; Hurst, Evans, H. Jepson, Vaughan, and Kiernan, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Roden (Stourbridge). It was a grand day for football, but not to grand for Charlton, when they lost the toss, as they had to face a strong slanting sun. Joe Mercer, the Arsenal captain was having a busman’s holiday, having just recovered from a boil on the nose. Everton almost took the lead with the opening raid of the game when Potts went to inside right to bring Fielding into action. The centre was headed across by McIntosh to Hold, who was about to put the ball through when Bartram rushed from goal and managed to deflect the shot to Campbell who cleared. Farrell’s misplaced pass enabled Evans to push Jeppson through and although the Swede shot quickly enough came racing across to take it on his body. Jeppson had another shot charged down before Fielding had to race back to hold up Kiernan and then a long punt saw Hold race ahead only to be worried out of it by Phipps on the goal-line. When Hold centred on his next raid Bartram could only tap the ball out but Phipps got it away before Potts could shoot. Potts took time about his next shot and let go along the floor from 18 yards, Harrison diving to turn the ball around the post for the first corner. Kiernan quick raid saw the ball slipped inside invitingly for Jeppson but Sagar ran out to turn the ball away from his foot and Moore willingly conceded a corner. McIntosh beat Phipps on the right wing and centred to Hold, who had gone to inside left. Bartram leapt out to fist the ball away and it went to Eglington whose hurried right-foot shot was high and wide. The Everton forwards were interchanging positions repeatedly and with complete understanding, and certainly it needed subterfuge to out-wit these strong Charlton defenders operating so smoothly around Phipps.
Three-Man Barrier
From Fielding’s centre Eglington were in with a flying header, which however, was off the mark, and then Sagar leapt out to catch Hurst’s curing corner. Bartram jumped out to hold Fielding’s free kick to his chest before Everton’s three man barrier held up a crafty move by Jeppson, who was meaceuvring diligently in the hope of finding shooting space. Then Potts, Eglington and Farrell lined up delightfully only to find the ball go through Eglington’s legs when he had hoped for a shot. Jones managed to stick to Jeppson as the Swede went through and so carried to put Jeppson that little bit of accuracy to ensure that the shot went past the post. Still it was a testing moment for Everton whose McIntosh again went to outside right to get the better of Phipps and centre for yet another Eglington header to go swishing by the post. Rankin, who reports for military service on Thursday, took no chances with the unpredictable Phipps who found the ball pushed to touch just when he was hoping for a touch line revel. Sagar ran out to knock Kiernan’s centre over the head of Evans and then he dived on the ball to prevent Jeppson getting down to business. Everton were rather quicker on the ball and in development, but found Charlton the masters of position in defence and exceptionally strong in the tackle. Bartram alone saved Athletic when Potts and McIntosh got through. The desire of Hold to make quite sure prevented Everton taking the lead in the next second, for had he headed towards the net he must have scored, as Bartram was out of position. Instead he nodded to the in-running Potts, who was intercepted and Bartram rubbed his head as if wondering how the Athletic were not a goal down. Everton should have taken the lead as Eglington slipped the ball through perfectly for Hold who, however from six yards shot straight at the driving Bartram. There should have been no doubt about this on, and when Hold shot next time he was well off the mark. When Evans allowed the ball to pass between his legs, it deceived everyone but Farrell who sent Hold away, but Lock came across to take command. This was a curious game with so much scrappy work being sand-wiched between first-class combination and football. Farrell’s perfect pass to Eglington produce’s a centre from the line and a flying header from McIntosh which against another goalkeeper but Bartram must have succeeded. The ball flew in like a rocket but Bartram dived to fist away with two hands when it seemed impossible to save. Bartram was given an ovation when he came off at the interval, and he deserved it.
Half-time; Everton 0, Charlton 0.
Crowded Out
Potts back heel deceived Lock on resuming, but not Phipps and when Hold tried to bore his way through he was crowded out by Campbell and Phipps so that Bartram was able to come out and pick up. Failure to gain quick control following Moore’s free kick enabled Charlton to intervene, when first Potts and then McIntosh tried to get to work. The ball just would not drop correctly. Grant went through with a shot which took Phipps on the head, and ten Johnson nipped in quickly to take a Hold pass which bore the Potts label. Kiernan nicely slipped the ball between Moore’s legs before cutting in to shoot low, the ball striking the leg of the diving Sagar and bounding behind for a corner. Everton continued the more dangerous side, and from Fielding’s centre McIntosh few through the air for another header which grazed the bar as it went over. It was Charlton’s speed on the ball rather than superior football craft which enabled them to hold up to men promising Everton movements. The referee had a word to say to Campbell following two fouls on Eglington in the space of a minute and from the second, Potts took a shot in the turn which was kicked away from under the bar by Fenton. Eglington won a corner off Campbell but Lock and Fenton blotted out Fielding, and then Farrell bore through but the ball was whisked away to Fielding whose toe-ended centre was headed behind by McIntosh. Everton continued to do all the attacking in a game at times which appeared one way but in which Charlton defended so magnificently. Final; Everton 0, Charlton 0. Official Attendance 31, 006.
EGLINGTON’S INJURY
March 12, 1951. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Things, fortunately are not always as bad as they seen. Thus Tom Eglington removed from the area at Goodison Park on Saturday by stretcher, is not seriously damaged though on the face of things a break of some sort-seemed inevitable. Perhaps it was only his heart that was broken by a succession of fouls by Campbell. I think Campbell desperation tackles were not intentionally foul, but many of them uprooted Eglington and he would know he had been in a match yesterday morning. Another unusual feature of this 0-0 game was the injury near the end to referee Roden. Again the damage was not as severe as was first thought. After Potts had collided with him Mr. Roden stopped the game and had attention to an arm injury. The collision happened to be on a nerve which temporarily deadened the arm. There was nothing “dead” about his control before or after the incident. Everton should have won and would have won but for Stan Bartram. But as the League table has no column for this contingency the chance there for the taking could nothing. Bartram has been doing this sort of thing for years but no selector seems to take much notice. His save from McIntosh’s beautiful header was as surprised as it was inspiring. One could not see how he could get remotely near it much less turn it away in other instances Bartram collected (or did not need to collect) shots mildly struck or badly directed, Hold twice had Bartram at his mercury and twice made contact with the ball.
Not so Bad
Charlton are not such an indifferent side as they seem, these days. But Jeppson I thought after a brilliant star faded. In the open he was always dangerous but at the close quarters and in the and Everton’s Jones was mostly marked. The surprising Charlton successes were little, Kiernan who was one the right wing –It was captain’s day for Everton too. Farrell covered was enormous amount of ground, was always spreading the ball about him wisely and did enough to have ensured success for his side. Though McIntosh played well the Everton line on this occasion I thought forsook the direct move near goal for one which edged the ball outward to either wing. They seemed to shrink the responsibility of the through pass near goal. Potts had a splendid game in his usual vein, spending much of his time in defence and in the back waters and contriving to find the stamina to be up field when necessity arose. Everton are to lose Rankin their full back to the Army shortly for his period of national service, but in days when the Army makes such a fetish of sport, it should not be too much to expect him to continue with Everton except when duty calls him to other football fields.
• Aston Villa Res 5, Everton Res 1
• Dunlop (Speke) 1, Everton “B” 1
• Haydock C and B 1 Everton “A” 2 (George Mahon Cup)
EGLINGTON ANKLE INJURY
March 12, 1951. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Tommy Eglington, the Everton Irish international outside-left was under treatment at Goodison Park yesterday morning for an ankle injury received in the last minute of the game with Charlton Athletic at Goodison Park on Saturday, and had further treatment this morning besides undergoing an examination by the club doctor. Eglington was using crouches today just to take the weight off the ankle. He stays here for treatment instead of going to Harrogate with Sagar, Moore, Rankin, Grant, Jones, Lindley, Farrell, Fielding, Hold, McIntosh, Catterick, Potts, and Parker, who left this morning. Treatment in the electrical centre should get Tommy fit for Saturday. Supporters “feared the worse” when Tommy was carried off on a stretcher after the game, but Trainer Harry Cooke’s news is reassuring the I injured ankle had neither brushes nor swelling yesterday. Charlton by securing a goalless draw, kept their remarkable Goodison record of only one defeat in eight First Division visits and no defeats since the war.
Mighty Sam
The reason Charlton kept Everton one point away from their 2,000 First Division aggregate was Sam Bartram, I voice on Saturday that Sam always receives his best displays for Merseyside and sure enough he pulled another out of the hat and seemed to take a freakish in delving limpsy McIntosh, the Blues greatest striking force. From one Eglington line centre, McIntosh hurried through the air and headed the ball like a rocket away from Sam but the 17-year-service man leapt across to push the ball out. It was sensational. Sam made another wonder save off McIntosh and saved off Potts and Hold, as Everton attacked for three-parts of a lightly entertaining game, featured on the brilliance of its approach work and goalkeeping. Ted Sagar not to be denied made some uncanny positional moves and daring saves during testing moments. Everton in the first half, looked a real treat the moves being carried out finently and securately. Yet all through there was a certain hesitance to control the ball in the penalty area was reached. That account ted for a certain slowness in striking. The lively ball troubled there almost as much as the intrepid instantsmous tackling and enterprising of Phipps and company. Tactically I think Everton could be faulted for not giving Fielding and Eglington more passes on which they could run. Too often they were given ball when on the wrong side of the back. I thought too, that Fielding the master of Lock was neglected too much in the second half. Wally always was raring to go, but opportunities were limited partly because Charlie Vaughan kept Jackie Grant so fully occupied.
Problem Solved
Tommy Jones soon solved the Jeppson problem in the first minute, studying the Jeppson methods. This Swede was quick to move to the wing but in the centre he generally tried to go through Jones instead of rounding him. Jones quickly appreciated this and so was far more on top of Jeppson than Phipps was on McIntosh. I think the two captains Farrell and Fenton, deserve a special reference all to themselves. There were no better workers ever willing to throw that extra weight into attack whenever and well as their defensive duties.
EVERTON INTEREST IN JACK LINDSAY
March 13, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
Everton are taking an interest in Jack Lindsay, Glasgow Rangers left full back, who has been watched by Manchester City. George Rankin, Everton’s presented left back, goes into the away this week for his two years National service.
EGLINGTON O.K
March 13, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton winger Tom Eglington was not as badly hurt as we thought when he was carried off on a stretcher at Goodison Park at the end of the game against Charlton Athletic. He pitched heavily when tackled by Campbell but was not found to have serious damage. Campbell had a bad day, in that he frequently sorted to unfair “stopping” tactics and Eglington will recall the match with no special pleasure. Once again it was Sam Bartram who treated us to a display of the goalkeeping, his save of McIntosh’s fast header being the best I have seen on the ground this season. At other times Everton should have left Bartram without a chance, but they either shot outside or got little or no pace on the ball. With a week’s rest at Harrogate, Everton should return fit to polish on successfully their long and dogged fight to steer clear of either of the last two places. They would have won this match comfortably had they taken their chances but it should not be long before they find the points to safety. Next season with a fresh start they look like making a real start to the Britton era. Peter Farrell with his dominating enthusiasm and his great stamina tried his utmost to write off this useful Charlton side, but there were not enough through passes near goal and an indifferent Charlton defence survived. Potts had a fine match and so did Jones whose handling of the lanky Swede Jeppson, was grand. But in early moments when he had room to meanoceuvors, Jeppson went near to scoring at least twice. Everton lose their pocket Hercules full back Rankin to the Army shortly, but it is expected that he will be able occasionally to assist them.
EVERTON SIGN GLASGOW RANGERS BACK
March 16, 1951. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton last night signed the twenty-six years old Glasgow Rangers full back John Lindsay. He will take the place of Rankin in the team at Manchester tomorrow. Rankin, yesterday reported for National Service with the Army. Lindsay who stands 5ft 8 ½ ins and weights about 11 stone, has played ten first team matches with Rangers this season but owing to the brilliance of the regular full back Young and Cox, he feels there is no future for him at Ibrox Park. Lindsay has been with Rangers for eight years and Everton by making this move on the last day before restriction on transfer are plainly making a safety first move in view of the fact that Rankin will certainty be lost to them for the remainder of the season.
LUES AT OLD TRAFFORD
March 16, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
Rangers Notes
Everton are away to Manchester United, who have not lost a league game since Boxing day, and have taken 13 points from their last seven outings. Although the Goodison side now seems in a safe enough position, there should be no slackening of effort, for nobody ‘knows when the clubs below them might strike a good patch and start to narrow the margin. Everton should be in good shape after a week’s rest and recreation at Harrogate, and though United will present them with a stiff problem, if the ball runs kindly for the Blues they might bring back a point. Anything beyond that looks like being a little over-optimistic, but we never know. More unlikely things have occasionally happened. Lindsay is travelling from Scotland today, and will join his new colleagues at Old Trafford tomorrow, making his debut. Fielding and Eglington are unfit, so that Buckle comes in and McIntosh moves to outside left, with Catterick filling the centre-forward berth. Sagar; Moore, Lindsay; Grant, Jones, Farrell; Buckle, Hold, Catterick, Potts, McIntosh.
IT WAS JUST A MUDLARK FOR UNITED, BUT EVERTON COULD NO MASTER CONDITIONS
March 17, 1951. The Liverpool Football Echo
Manchester United 3, Everton 0
By Stork
No argument about this Manchester victory. It was won by a team which played exceptionally well on a mud-patch. Everton tried hard but did not master the conditions quite so well as their rivals. It would be unfair to judge Lindsay on such a day. Manchester United; Allen, goal; Carey and Redman, backs; Gibson, Chilton, and McLean, half-backs; McShane, Person, Aston, Downie, and Rowley, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Moore and Lindsay, backs; Grant, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Hold, Catterick, Potts and McIntosh, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Houston (St. Annel-on-Sea).
Everton had to make several changes owing to force of circumstances. Injuries to Fielding and Eglington and the calling up of Rankin introduced a new Scottish full back Jack Lindsay at left half. Catterick who had not played with the first team since he scored three goals at Fulham came back to lead the forward line. McIntosh going on the wing, while Buckle was at outside right against his former colleagues. Lindsay joined his new comrades at Manchester this morning. He is much the same build as Rankin. The United’s only change was Gibson for Whitefoot. Everton were bang up against it from the start for in 30 seconds Aston had scored for Manchester United. The Mancunians were soon off the mark and a nice bit of combination in which four players participated produced the opening for Aston. The Everton defence was not entirely blameless. At the same time one must pay tribute to the crisp passing movements by Rowley, McShame and Downie which opened the way. The ground was greasy. Sagar was called on by McShame but made a confident catch as he was challenged. Carey showed that he is still one of the best if not the best back in the country when he held up the Everton left wing. Offside and a poor pass held up an Everton forward movement and Sagar had to be on the watch when a ball had beaten Jones. Football in the centre of the ground was a plugging affair. The ball had to be hit hard to gain any distance. The United seemed to master it better than Everton were doing and Rowley, from a long way out shot with great deliberation, and Sagar had to be sure in his handling of the ball near the foot of the far post. The United were certainty dictating the run of the play and Jones was not too sure against the fast-moving Manchester attack which flung the ball about widely and wisely. To turn or twist on this treacherous surface was almost impossible and Grant was only too eager to yield a corner rather than suffer anything more important. At 11 minutes the United increased their lead to two, Downie putting the final touch to a movement which started at Carey and was carried on by Pearson, who made the final pass to the scorer. Lindsay seemed to stop play in the belief that Downie was offside. It had been practically all Manchester up to now, but Everton suddenly broke through and Potts came along with a hard and fast drive which Allen clutched to his body. Sagar’s work had been of a much stiffer nature and he had to make one particularly fine save from McShane while handling the ball out of his goal. Manchester, still on the warpath suffered a great disappointment when a shot by Rowley slapped up against the post, became loose, and was finally scrambled away for a corner.
Short Passes
Considering the conditions, Manchester were playing grand football. They even had the audacity to attempt short passing which, in the face of things, seemed to be crass folly. But the way they did it proved highly successful. So much so that they were almost incessantly on the attack, with Everton defending stubbornly. Lindsay could not have picked up a worse day for a debut, yet he once stepped in to cut down a United right flank effort, but was well and truly beaten by a McShane dummy but the United outside right over did his dribbling act and carried the ball outside. So far Allen’s task had been mostly as a spectator. There was no gainsaying the United superiority, and at 27 minutes they had taken their score to three goals through Pearson. It started at a corner, Rowley’s flag kick being headed to Pearson, who from close in, side-footed the ball into the net. Aston may not be the ideal centre forward, but he is certainly filling the bill for United, for he was a constant worry to the Everton defence. After Catterick had taken the ball out to the right he offered to centre, but there were no Everton colleagues up to take advantage. Then came thrills in front of the United goal when Clinton put back a ball to his goalkeeper only to find that Allen had run out. The ball passed over his head, but Redman was there to save the situation. Some of Everton’s movements up to the penalty area were quite good but lacked the necessary finish, and one attack was followed by an admonition by the referee on Hold.
Half-time; Manchester United 3, Everton nil
The United were soon out of their holes in the second half, and Sagar had to make a solid save from McShane. But Everton came a little more into the game as an attacking force. Catterick was fouled, Farrell twice showed amazing speed and stamina when he ran up amongst the forwards in an effort to break down the formidable United defence in which Carey was a great general and Chilton his able lieutenant.
Pace Slackens
The pace had slackened, but nevertheless they were all good triers, and Everton gained a corner which was speedily disposed of. Much of the play was confined to midfield. McIntosh had rather a tame shot saved by Allen but goal incidents were now at a premium. United, naturally could afford to sit on the splice with the knowledge of three goals behind them. They certainly reveled in the mud which had become even worse with the heavy rain during the game. Everton had quite a lot of the play this half and Catterick made a nice opening for Hold. The Everton inside right moved in before he shot strongly only to see Allen turn the ball out for a corner. It was now raining heavily, and thousands of people left the ground. The point of attack changed and the United once again showed what good manipulators of the ball they were without however calling upon Sagar. Potts headed over the angle of the post, and Pearson had a shot blocked from a good centre by Aston. If anything the United were included to become a bit fanciful, rather over-doing the dribble which held up progress and from a breakaway Catterick tried to get through the United defence but fell to the weight of numbers. That we had seen so much good football was a feather in the cap of all 22 players particularly those of the United. Everton were trying hard to reduce the lead. The United were much more better shooters than Everton, and Rowley produced one of his rocket effort which Sagar fisted out with both hands. It was a grand shot and a grand save. With a few minutes to go, United tested when McGlen was plugging his way to what seemed a certain goal he was brought down by Lindsay and only a penalty could meet the ease. But to the amazement of all Rowley shot outside to miss his third penalty shot of the season. In almost the last move of the game Catterick forced Allen to save a header. Final; Manchester United 3, Everton nil. Attendance 29,312.
EVERTON RES V LEEDS RES
March 17, 1951. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Res;- Burnett, goal; Clinton and Saunders, backs; Donovan, Falder and Melville, half-backs; Harris, Lewis, Hickson, Hampson, and B. Parker, forwards. Leeds Res; Searson, goal; Ruff and Hair, backs; Forrest, Kirk, and Mollatt, half-backs; Derbyshire, Iggleston, McNeish, Stevenson, and Harris, forwards. Referee; Mr. T. Robinson (Burnley). Play was of a fast character with Everton holding the monopoly. The Leeds goal was constantly under heavy pressure, Hickson, and Lewis having bad luck. The Leeds goal bore a charmed life, Everton having the hardest of luck. Half-time; Everton Res nil, Leeds Res nil. Leeds were the more dangerous but found Clinton and Saunders two fine defenders when danger arose. Lees were unlucky not to take the lead when Burnett brought off a point blank save from Stevenson.
Evening Express
Leeds put in good work, but when danger threatened Clinton and Saunders proved strong defenders. Burnett saved from Stevenson from six yards range. Hickson scored for Everton. Final; Everton Res 1, Leeds U Res 0.
UNITED SCORE IN 35 SECONDS
March 17, 1951. The Liverpool Evening Express
Everton Forwards Meet Strong Defence
By Radar
Manchester United gave a high powered display of fast-approach football and first time shooting against Everton at Old Trafford today in a game played in torrential rain. The United were a goal to the good in 35 seconds through Aston and Downie and Pearson added further goals in the 11th and 27th minutes. The Everton defence just could not cope with United’s brilliant switching of positions in the first half and Jones had an unenviable task against the fast-moving Aston. After the interval Everton had command for long spells, but they lacked the forward thrust to break down the Carey-inspired United defence. Farrell and Potts did magnificent work for Everton but the brightest feature from a Goodison viewpoint was the splendid display given by debutant Lindsay. Jack Lindsay, Everton’s new Scottish full-back who made his debut today, did not meet his colleagues until they arrived at Manchester from Harrogate, shortly before the start of the game. Lindsay took the place of Rankin at left-back while there were three changes in the Everton attack. Manchester United; Allen, goal; Carey and Redman, backs; Gibson, Chilton, and McLean, half-backs; McShane, Person, Aston, Downie, and Rowley, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Moore and Lindsay, backs; Grant, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Buckle, Hold, Catterick, Potts and McIntosh, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Houston (St. Annel-on-Sea).
Under heavy going, the 30,000 spectators saw a sensational opening for United were one up in 35 seconds. From the kick-off, McIntosh tried to break through but was dispossessed, and the ball was whipped out to Rowley. The United left-winger swept the perfect cross-pass to the opposite wing, and without hesitating McShane headed it forward at an angle. Farrell bailed apparently thinking the ball was covered and Aston nipped in and beat Sagar all the way with a fast low drive from close range. This was indeed a disastrous opening for Everton, and almost immediately afterwards, Sagar had to pull down a fast travelling centre from McShane. When Everton did eventually get going, Hold moved forward promisingly and tried to do the right thing but his diagonal pass was badly placed and in any case, Buckle had strayed into an offside position.
Back Again
Next we saw the Everton left flank in action, but Potts could do no better than place his centre behind. It was not long before the United were back again bombarding Sagar’s charge. They were undoubtedly adopting the right tactics under such heavy conditions. Aston moved out to the left to link up with Downey, and between them they provided Rowley with the chance to let go on of his specials, but this time Sagar was there to save a full length a ball which skidded disconcertingly in the mud. The United forwards were switching positions frequently, upsetting the Everton defence and in eleven minute they struck their second blow. This time it was Pearson and Aston who were responsible for the goal work. Finally, Aston slipped the ball through to Downie to evade Lindsay’s tackle and crack home a glorious cross drive which did not rise an inch from the ground, well wide of the driving Sagar. After Allen had saved comfortably from Potts, United came close to making it three, after Sagar had pulled off a phenomental save from McShane’s vicious rising right-footer which was always going away from him. Following the corner, Rowley gained possession and his low drive thudded against the foot of the near upright before being scrambled clear. In pouring rain there were several occasions on which the Everton forwards looked like achieving something, but they were inclined to hold the ball too close in the thick mud which covered the centre of the field. There were prospects when Catterick and Hold went to work on the right, but Hold’s shot finished just wide of the near post. There was definitely more menace about the United methods and Sagar had to pull down a ticklish centre from McShane directly beneath the bar. Then, McShane’s lob into the middle sailed across the face of the Everton goal, with the entire Everton defence allowing it to pass unimpeded. As it was the ball just trickled a matter of fact beyond the upright.
Third Goal
The crowd enjoyed the duel between McIntosh and Carey, which saw McIntosh twice make the Irish man go the wrong way, but he tried to do it once too often, and Carey head prevailed. Buckle was slow to appreciate the constitution following a throw-in on the right, when he drove straight at Chilton, after dallying his shot. Away went United to add a third in 27 minutes. Rowley’s corner was headed back into the middle by Downie and Pearson calmly hooked it into the roof of the net from the edge of the goal area. United first time shooting tactics had certainty paid rich dividend, but Everton brightened markedly and Hold was unlucky to find the ball coming awkwardly to him, but Grant and Buckle had enabled Catterick to veer out to the right and drop a centre which eluded the United defenders. When Everton came again, Chilton sliced the ball badily a few yards from goal, and was fortunate to find the ball rolling across to Redman, who was able to clear before Buckle could make contact.
Broke Through
On one occasion even Carey moved up into the attack to take over from McShane, but the only reward United gained from his centre was a leg injury to Pearson, who moved to outside right. Just after this Rowley broke through down the middle and seemed certain to add a fourth but Sagar came out courageously and just managed to get his body in the way of Rowley’s short range shot. Almost on the interval, Farrell’s long run led to a Catterick cross, but once again Buckle shot was charged down, and although Potts was able to force a corner from Redman’s partial clearance it came to nothing.
Half-time; Manchester United 3, Everton 0.
With the rain still pelting down, United moved straight to the attack on resuming and often the bounce of the ball caught Jones on one leg, it might well have proved fatal for Everton. As it was McShane burst through the middle, for his drive was easily saved by Sagar. One perfect front of passing by the United forwards came unstuck at the last moment because of a rank had pass by Downis, which was intended for McShane. For a spell after this, it was Everton for whom Farrell was working magnificently, who held control. Potts slightly hurt his right knee when challenged by Chilton, but he recovered quickly, t arise upon Farrell’s free kick, but just found the ball running too far square for him to get in his shot. It was interesting to note the canny football brain and wise use of the ball by newcomer Lindsay, who was never rattled, however intense the pressure. It was nearly all Everton for a prolonged period, but they just could not find the shooting loophole. Eight minutes from the end United were awarded a penalty, when McGlen was brought down, but Rowley drove wide from the spot. Final; Manchester United 3, Everton 0.
UNITED IN THE ARTS
March 19, 1951. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Manchester United 3, Everton 0
While Manchester United play as they did when convincingly beating Everton at Old Trafford, we need not fear for the loss of prestige in the soccer world. It was a brilliant exhibition of the arts of the game. United have never played better, not even in their heyday a few seasons ago, when they were hailed as the greatest team of all time. They made that ball do just as they liked on the mud. No wonder the crowd sat it out in the soaking rain. United used the short pass, but they used it with speed, so much so that they had a goal in thirty seconds. United would have beaten any team on the day’s play. It was a complete link-up one with the other and more important than anything there was always a shot to round off approach work. Everton tried to match their rivals good football and did well, but there was no finality when they reached the shooting area. Naturally a thirty seconds goal against them took some of the heart out of them, and it was not until the second half that they fully recovered and gave as much as they received. Their flight back was full of merit, but Manchester United gave the impression that they were content with their three goals lead and had no need to strain further. What we have we can hold” seemed to be their policy.
Allen’s Work
Allen’s only trouble was a shot from Potts and one from Hold. As against that Sagar was three times beaten – Aston, Downie, and Pearson –and had an upright rattled three times. Then was watched Rowley, the man with the mighty shot shoot outside, from the penalty spot. This was Rowley’s third penalty miss and the United’s fourth miss from the spot. One could go on eulogizing United and still not give them full credit. Aston is fitting in at centre forward and Rowley’s is a play anywhere footballer. Everton’s attack was unbalanced, most of the work coming from the Potts-McIntosh wing. Farrell and Grant showed amazing stamina and grit, but Jones was uncertain in the first few minutes. He played well afterward’s; Moore found Rowley a problem. Lindsay signed from Glasgow Rangers two days prior to the game, could not have had a worse day for a debut, but he showed touches that are a good augury for the future. He said afterwards “English football is much faster and they do not hold the ball as they do in Scotland, I think that Lindsay, with more experience of his new colleagues and English requirements will do well.
UNITED DID IMPOSSIBLE
March 19, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Can you imagine football on the cast from shore at Aigburth. So you cannot, yet –the conditions at Old Trafford was not as bad –feet sinking into the mud (which ultimately became topped with water owing to the drenching rails. If you had walked on to the ground with me you would have said “Football on this” impossible, the ground would surely be the master. Manchester United soon proved that is good football can play on anything. They have never played better not even when the conditions have been perfect and they the team of the season. It was amazing the way they denied the ground for rights and went on to provide a feat of skilful ball play as though they were playing on a bowling green. Their first half display was as good as anything they have ever done and that is saying something (writes Stork). Had the game been a flop we would have agreed that we could have expected nothing else. Thousands retained their seats in the slashing rain right to the bitter end. It took something out of the ordinary to keep them there. The United treated them to something out of the ordinary, all perfect display of delightful progressive football, skilled to a speed which was bewildering at times. They never forgot their scientific methods for the haphazard punt which is linked up with muddy grounds and a produced three goals in just under the half-hour. What were Everton doing about it. Fighting courageous against a side which worked in perfect unison and could them deliver the telling shot. To give you an idea as to their speed, let me tell you that they scored in 30 seconds and five man had a hand in the goal. Everton had no time to become settled when they were hit by this body blow. On the collar from the “off” the surrendered two further goals and the points were safety at the United’s packet. United have a five point attack with Downie back to the form which brought him from Bradford to Old Trafford. Aston is no centre forward but a worry to a defence, while the defence so ably led by Carey usually had the hand on the Everton attack which was best served by its left wing. Catterick rarely got the better of Chilton although be moved to the right to cross two takenable balls that were not utilized, Farrell and Grant and later Jones put up a grand front to the powerful United forwards and Sagar was sound in goal despite three goals against. Jack Lindsay, Everton’s new back found the pace of English football a problem. He said “They do not hold the ball like we do in Scotland.” Nevertheless he did some good things and will I feel sure be an acquisition when he has settled down.
MR. W. DICKINSON APPOINTED
March 21, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
Former Southport Official to Succeeded Mr. Theo Kelly
Ranger’s Notes
At last night’s meeting of Everton directors, Mr. William Dickinson hitherto assistant secretary of the club was appointed secretary in succession to Mr. Theo Kelly, who resigned at the end of last month. Mr. Dickinson has been with Everton since July 1945, when he was chosen out of nearly 400 applicants as assistant secretary. During the past five years he has proved himself extremely capable and efficient and has become increasingly popular among an ever-widening circle of football directors and stipendiary officials. Aged 42, he started his business career with a firm of accountants in Southport, of which town he is a native years experience, he was later associated with a whole sale produce firm in Scairisbrick and began his secretarial career in football as assistant to Mr. Bert Pelham then honorary secretary manager of Southport F.C. When Mr. Pelham relinquished the secretarial post at Haig Avenue the board unanimously requested Mr. Dickinson to take over which he did in a honorary capacity, until joining the Everton club. During Mr. Kelly’s absence on sick leave he took over the Goodison secretarial duties. Last night’s decision confirm him in the position and in so doing the board has made a choice which will be very popular with all who come in touch with the office side of the Everton organiastion. The position is one involving considerable responsibility, no small amount of tact and plenty of hard work but Bill Dickinson has all the attributes needed to make a success of it.
EVERTON DEBUTANT
March 22, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
As Eglington is not fit, Everton introduce to their senior side against Blackpool on Saturday. He is John W. Parker, aged 25, who has been with the Blues since 1947, and has been playing regularly in the Central league team this season. As Blackpool have a home game on Good Friday the section of their side will depend on whether their players get through injury. Should Matthews be fit –he was an absentee last week and in the same form as he was in the replayed semi-final, then the Everton defence is in for an anxious time. Unless it produces somebody who can play the maestro as Greenhlagh used to do. On Easter Monday Everton will be home to Sheffield Wednesday, when two points to the Blues would materially help to make their position more secure. Should the Wednesday play as well as they did in the first half at Anfield last week, though, Everton will not have to give them too much rope or throw away any of their own opportunities. Sagar; Moore, Lindsay; Grant, Jones, Farrell; Fielding, Hold, McIntosh, Potts, Parker.
OVER 60,000 WENT TO SEE THE “WIZARD” AND BLACKPOOL WIN
March 24, 1951. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton 0, Blackpool 2
By Contact
Blackpool with the jelting effect of two Mortensen goals in two minutes in the first half at Goodison Park took all the life out of Everton, and with any luck Mortensen would have had a hat-trick. Considering the gale of wind and the heaviness of the ground it was a splendid game, but Blackpool were far the better side. Matthews was not quite so brilliant as he had been in the semi-final, but he did enough to justify 61,000 people being present. Everton; Sagar, goal; Moore and Lindsay, backs; Grant, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Fielding, Hold, McIntosh, Potts, and Parker, forwards. Blackpool; Farm, goal; Shimwell and Garrett, backs; Johnston, Haywick, and Fenton, half-backs; Matthews, Mudie, Mortensen, Brown and Wardie, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis (Halifax). Blackpool brought in Wardle vice Perry and Fenton at left half-back, and a surprise Everton choice was the incoming of “John Willie” Parker at outside left in place of Eglington. Parker is a sizable Birkenhead lad, known affectionately as “John Willie” to all the Everton staff. The first minute and the crazy things the ball did in it, was sufficient to show that the game would be freakish. The ball bung badly in the air and yet became dead when it fell on the heavy turf. Parker started by not quite getting under control a good pass by Potts which gave him an outside chance of cutting in but he did sufficient to give Farrell a shooting chance, and Farm must have relieved to see a fierce shot sail over the top. Parker showed promise but the game was a succession of mistakes, by both sides until Potts finally elected a long-distance shot. This fierce drive was braked by the wind and eventually became quite an easy catch overhead for Farm. Fielding had earlier measured a long centre so well and Parker had anticipated it so correctly that Farm only just reached out with great difficulty to make a catch as Parker jumped in. as though to show, that he too could cuddle the ball on the line McIntosh at outside right did a “Matthews” there, and finished with a centre which swerved on to the top netting. Mortensen was best when taking the ball through and all but getting in his pass to Mudie when pitching full length head first. Fielding by dropping far back, dispossessed Wardle to end this attack. Mortensen’s goal at 20 minutes was well made and well taken. Fenton banged into the centre from near the touchline, a high ball, which swerved inches in front of Tom Jones as he strove to make contact with it, Mortensen picked it up a few yards to Jones’s right and went on despite all challenges, to ram home a cross-shot which had direction and was lethality low. Within a further minute Blackpool were two up, and Mortsensen again was the scorer, this time with his head. Matthews picking up the ball as he came in from the right, looked to be out-numbered and in no position to do other than attempt a quick centre, instead he moved the ball back from goal line with his own particular brand of genuine and then hooked it over for Mortensen to make his header just inside the post. Moore made a galliant attempt to head the ball off the line, and actually touched it with his head I think, but could not stop the ball. Garrett with an indifferent pass to his own goalkeeper, let in Potts and it was fortunate for Blackpool that Farm came out and was able to glance Potts’s shot with his shins for a corner.
List of Credits
So far Parker’s debut had been a continual list of credits. His centering was excellent. A further example of the tremendous strength of the wind came when Parker and Shimwell both bared off for a fiercely hit pass over their heads and after running ten yards discovered that the ball had hung in mid-air and was still ten yards behind them. Everton could do no right, and in this tantalizing wind players who did not anticipate the fight of the ball and move forward it came in for criticism from the crowd. Mortensen was just as bright today as he had been in the semi-final. He now made Wardle’s centre an easy job and rammed the ball when it arrived at his head at great speed not very far wide of the post. Matthews delighted everyone though Evertonians deplored the fact that he was liable to cause a goal or get a goal. On one move, with the ball “tied” to his foot, he went through the Everton defence as though it did not exist and finished with a shot only inches above the bar. The crowd applauded this as warmly as though it had been performed by an Everton forward. Half-time; Everton nil, Blackpool 2.
Parker started the second half with a close-in centre which bounced before Farm got to it. The goalkeeper only took it to his hands at the second attempt with McIntosh coming in fast and looking likely to take advantage of any slip. Fielding indulged himself in some artistry near the corner flag and this lad to a rat-tat-tat of shots by McIntosh, Potts and Parker, the first two being crowded out and the third one being right off target.
Lure of Matthews
The crowd in front of the main stand was swaying even before the second half began, and I do not doubt that Matthews had attracted followers to his wing. He certainly had them roaring with his winging and on one occasion Mudie was given an open invitation to pull the ball back for Brown, whose shot must have scored but for sturdy Jackie Grant interposing his willing body. Farrell came to the rescue of Lindsay and there was a roar of approval as he stopped Matthews at the expenses of a corner. Grant and McIntosh painstakingly led the way to Grant’s centring close in with Hold-who had an indifferent match –all but dispossessing the goalkeeper, only to find himself given outside.
In The Net –No Goal
A free kick by Parker favour in midfield led to McIntosh heading the ball beyoud Farm but the referee signaled no goal down obviously because Parker had impeded the Blackpool defence. In practically the next minute Hayward was stopping, near the line a header by Parker and then Matthews was going back literally to his own goal-line to dribble the ball past Farrell and make a first rate clearance punt. Everton were desperately unlucky not to get a goal too, by Parker when Potts served up a delicious through ball and the Everton winger and Farm collided allowing the ball to go loose. Parker had to pivot quickly to shoot, and it was hardly surprising he screwed the ball a few feet wide, right across the face of goal with the Blackpool defence all at sea. For a deputy, Blackpool’s Wardle was showing uncommon skill, and now he surprised us all with a beautiful shot, carrying just too much elevation to be a serious threat to Sagar. Best save of the day so far came from a soldier in a second tier seat at the Stanley Park goal end. He made a perfect catch of a fierce shot by Mudie. Rarely have we seen so many shots so few on the mark. Fielding mistimed a chance close-in when it seemed be must score and Brown. Mortensen and Company now seemed to elect to shoot on the slightest pretext but never with sufficient direction to trouble Sagar, though Mortensen’s cross-shot hung in the wind and the goalkeeper stretched out both arms as a safety first precaution.
Near His Hat-Trick
Mortensen went near a hat-trick with a header from a Matthews centre, and Matthews who had been out in the cold for a long time, now found weight of number’s clamping down upon him with Farrell frequently aiding Lindsay. Right to the end Farrell was keeping close touch with Mathews and succeeding if only in a negative way. Final; Everton nil, Blackpool 2. Official attendance 61,387.
MANCHESTER UNITED RES V EVERTON RES
March 24, 1951. The Liverpool Football Echo
Manchester United; Crompton, goal; McNulty and Byron, backs; McGreasy, Jones and Branchflower, half-backs; R. Bainmoss, Viclett, Richie, Birds and Bond, forwards. Everton Res; Taylor, goal; Clinton and Buckley, backs; Donovan, Falder, and Melville, half-backs; McNamara, Lewis, Hickson, Hampson and Easthorpe, forwards. After Manchetser attacked without success the visitors gradually settled down to overcome the wind. First McNamara sent in a dangerous looking centre, and then Hickson put Easthorpe in possession, the winger heading just wide. Everton were forced to defend, but their defence stood up to the test magnificently. Half-time; Manchester United Res 0, Everton Res 0.
Evening Express
Immediately on resuming Everton went on the attack, and Lewis gave Everton lead with a smart header. Hickson scored Everton’s second goal; Final; Manchester United Res 0, Everton Res 2.
MORTENSEN’S TWO
March 24, 1951. The Evening Express
Cup Finalists’ Fine Display
Potts Has Grand Game in a Fighting Everton Side
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Stanley Matthews’s two goals in two minutes dashed whatever hopes that Everton had of beating Blackpool, the cup-finalists, at Goodison Park today. There was no doubting that Blackpool were full value for their win against an Everton defiant in forward ideas and power. Apart from Potts and Parker, the Birkenhead youth who made quite a promising debut, the line did little. They staged a rally in the second half of an always interesting game cut up rather by Blackpool’s persistence in the offside game. Everton’s bad luck came in 81 minutes when McIntosh back-headed Farrell’s free kick into the net but the referee disallowed the goal for no offence that could be seen from the Press box. Lindsay made quite a promising home debut against Matthews and the soundness of the Everton defence can be gathered from the fact that apart from the two efforts which brought the goals Sagar did not have a single other shot to stop. Blackpool were the fourth team to complete the double over Everton this season. Eglington told me that he is going on well from his injury while Eddie Wainwright who was at the game, expects to be off crutches in another ten days. This was Goodison first view of Jack Lindsay, the new left-back from Glasgow Rangers. There was a high northerly wind which Blackpool had to face, as well as the sun. It was just like a cup-tie and the stands were packed half an hour before kick-off. Everton; Sagar, goal; Moore and Lindsay, backs; Grant, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Fielding, Hold, McIntosh, Potts, and Parker, forwards. Blackpool; Farm, goal; Shimwell and Garrett, backs; Johnston, Hayward, and Fenton, half-backs; Matthews, Mudie, Mortensen, Brown and Wardie, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis (Halifax). Lindsay was in action right away and he killed the opening move to Mathews and then Parker raced close in to outwit Shimwell but when he had to take the ball back for operative space Shimwell recovered. The wind played tricks with the ball and Hayward twice took no chances but slipped the ball back to Farm. Farrell, Hold and McIntosh got Parker away and from the centre McIntosh tried a hook shot with his left but the ball touched Hayward’s foot and bounded up into the arms of Farm. Lindsay coolly held off Mudie before Mathews came to outside left and he pushed the ball back along the floor for Wardle to shoot high and wide. Fielding was really responsible for the first corner as there was no need for him to have attempted to pass back to Moore who was forced by Wardle to give away the corner. This almost gave Mudie a shooting chance but he was slow in getting the ball under control.
Blackpool In Front
Blackpool took the lead in 17 minutes through Mortensen, and he had to thank the army boy Fenton for the chance. McIntosh tied himself in knots and Fenton unhesitatingly hooked the ball up the centre, the bounce and the wind helping to outwit Jones so that Mortensen was left with a clear run through. Sagar came out on a hopeless mission as Mortensen placed the ball in the corner of the net with his right foot as neatly as if he had carried it there. Within two minutes Blackpool were two up, for in the 18th minute Matthews ran close in and centred forward the far post. The centre beat Sagar and it appeared as if it had also beaten Mortensen, but “Mort” leapt up and with a marvelous head flick, turned the ball into the net. Moore tried to become temporary goalkeeper and dived, but the ball went into the net. Just afterwards Mortensen almost made it three for he flung himself towards Wardle’s centre missing the ball by a fraction. Farrell, apprehending the force of the Blackpool offside trap, once again burst through on his own without getting any luck. Then when the Blackpool defence faltered in facing a low Fielding centre, Potts and Farm together raced for the ball, Potts winning but his shot struck Farm’s leg and want away for a corner. Everton’s most promising movement to date was when Hold broke clear from the 10 yard circle, slipped the ball to McIntosh who had gone to outside right and then ran forward for the return pass. But Farm proved the faster and his outward run won the day. Mortensen was bursting for his “hat-trick” but he went three steps too far before shooting and Jones nailed him. Then Matthews went pass Lindsay and Potts before shooting inches over the top. Blackpool were a yard faster on the ball than Everton and quicker in making up their minds what to do with it, and it was no wonder that Blackpool always appeared the more dangerous side when on the move. A linesman who flagged every time Parker received the ball waited again for offside but the referee this time carried on play for there were at least four players putting Parker onside.
Half-time; Everton 0, Blackpool 2
There was no doubting Blackpool’s superiority in the first half against in Everton whose forwards at times appeared lethargic. The magnet of Matthews was proved during the interval when people tried to press their way through the crowd to secure a position in front of the Goodison road stand at the spot where they would be nearest to Matthews. Yet it was Parker who provided the opening thrill when he seized on a ball from Potts which passed over the head of Shimwell and ran in close to make his centre along the floor, Farm darting out and saving before McIntosh could get to it. Grant and Fielding had Garrett “ar toast” and from a Fielding centre McIntosh had a right-foot shot charged down. Potts shown Blackpool must be sorry their did not secure instead of Brown, and McIntosh got Parker through again. Parker lofted the ball to the far post, Farm just getting his hands to the ball as Hold dashed in. it was a near thing and the crowd gasped. The crowd laughed as Matthews pressed this way and that, and then Matthews pushed the ball forward to Mudie who found himself beaten by Farrell only for Peter to fall down. This left everything in Mudie’s favour but when he tried to push the ball back Jones dashed in with a magnificent intervention. Hold enterprisingly came to out-side left and then made the crowd groin by placing the ball into the crowd. The boot was on the other foot when Lindsay tricked Matthews but the ball struck Mudie who pushed Matthews through again, Farrell dashing across to concede a corner. Hold and Potts got Parker away, but the shot from the edge of the penalty area swirled away past the far post. Everton had bad luck when in 81 minutes Jones placed a free kick into the goalmouth and with the leaping Parker outwitting Farm, McIntosh neatly back-headed the ball into the net. The cheers turned to groins when the referee, disallowed the goal for some unknown reason. Everton appealed but a free kick was the final description. Personality I rated this a clever goal as Mortensen’s second. Everton put everything into attack and with the roar of the crowd behind them they force Farm to dive out to present the in running Parker from getting to work. Final; Everton 0, Blackpool 2. Official attendance 61,387.
METHOD IN FARRELL “MADNESS”
March 26, 1951. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Towards the end of the match in which Blackpool beat Everton at Goodison Park, a cold and starved literally and splendid Stanley Matthews lost the ball to Peter Farrell, twice and Peter Farrell incurred a corner kick in the process. Most of the 60,000 people present cheered Farrell’s personal triumph and Farrell himself had a quiet chuckle over it, which goes to show how meagre returns against Matthews can produce joy among the members of the opposition. Come to think of it, Farrell was not doing badly in giving corners. Any concession which means that Stanley Matthews has to kick the ball 20 yards from Stanley Matthews is, for opponents a Good Thing. The gnawing thought that Everton could not afford to lose points, even to Cup finalists, must have been upper-most in many minds, but the magic of Matthews is such that when he insinuated his way through the Everton defence, first half and nearly scored the best goal of his career, 60,000 people rose to him. Even before a ball had been kicked the crowd showed why they had come by greeting the absence of his name among team changes with a roar of approval. But what husp there had been when they sensed he might not appear. Blackpool won by two goals and a lot of near misses to nil. It was good football in a combination of conditions footballers rarely meet –a high wind, taking the ball in gusts, and a heavy muddy ground on which the ball became dead. The experience of Everton’s new left wing, Birkenhead both J.W. Parker and Shimwell, the full back he faced, gave ample indication of why mistakes were made on both sides. A hard through ball was put up over their heads along the wing and both raced towards the corner flag, anticipating the fall of the ball in that region. Then after they had dashed ten yards they grew suspicious. To them the ball had suddenly disappeared. They rediscovered it a good ten yards behind them, the wind having braked it phenomenally.
Foot and Head
Everton lost this match in the space of two minutes (20 and 21) to the foot and head of Mortensen. He might have had his hat-trick, but that was of academic interest Everton were jolted by two Mortensen uppercuts in successive moments and never recovered thought they spluttered into signs of revival for quarter of an hour in the second half. Mortensen is deadly with the half-chance and when the wind swirled the ball across Jones chest and left him free with the ball he hunched up his shoulders and went off, legs like a couple of animated knitting needles, to score from almost the same spot as in the cup semi-final replay. A minute later Matthews pulling the ball back from the goal line and centering it almost in the same moment, delivered it safely to the Mortensen head for a splendid second goal. Matthews had done pretty well as he pleased in a first half in which he had ample supplies. Later he drifted out of the game through inaction, but Blackpool hardly needed him; they coasted easily to a comfortable win. Everton failures were due partly to difficult conditions and partly, I suspect to anxiety. The harder they tried, the more certain it was the wind or some unforeseen “kick” of the ball beat them. But defeat produced in “John Willie” Parker a player of tremendous promise. He was unlucky not to get a goal. More and more am I convinced that Garrett like Eckersley, of Blackburn is of English class; n that Blackpool have solved most problems by finding eleven good big ones who move through a match majestically. Today, with Sheffield Wednesday telescoping their tee way at the foot of the Division 1 table, Everton have one of their two most vital games of the season, the other at the Wednesday ground on the last day of the season. It will be good to see Sewell’s further work on the his new club at Goodison Park but better to see Everton finally climb from trouble corner. The Everton team will be chosen until this morning.
A DESERVED VICTORY
March 26, 1951. The Liverpool Daily Post
Manchester United Res 0, Everton Res 2
Everton Reserves adopted the right tactics to gain a deserved 2-0 win over Manchester United in this Central League game at Old Trafford against the strong wing they kept United out in the first half and then with the elements in their favour severely tested the home defence to be rewarded with goals by Lewis and Hickson.
BLACKPOOL VICTORY
March 26, 1951. Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Mortensen stalked a substantial claim for a place against Scotland on April 18 by his two goals, the second of which reminded me so much of the headed flicks of Dean and Lawton. If Matthews does not get a solid vote, then he can place a lot of the blame on Peter Farrell and Harry Potts, of the Blues. They made it their especial duty to give corner to the constructive Jack Lindsay in dealing with the Matthews “shadow” and the way in which Peter “nailed” Stanley three times in as many minutes was as good as that second Mortensen goal. These Everton lads proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that Matthews can be tackled successfully, if one keeps the eyes on the ball and cut on Matthews. Everton certainly secured a “basement” bargain” at £20,000 when they secured Harry Potts from Burnley.
Industry
Potts in this game which Blackpool won 2-0 was the symptoms of concerned industry, and not only did I rate him the best forward of the field, but the most accomplished player in the game. Constructively, defensively, and in refusal to admit what to the onlookers must have appeared inevitable defeat. Potts stood out like a beacon light. Remember that while men like Mudie and Brown were operating in a high-powered attack, which must rank with the finest in football, Potts was working a line which on the day did not strike its real form, and which showed an almost unaccountable lack of foresight. Everton’s forwards usually know what is going to happen, but in this game they had to wait to see it happen before they could react. That is one of the reason’s Everton lost. Others was the wind which swerved, Fenton’s pass away from Jones to give Mortensen his first and the Matthews centre and Mortensen leapt which brought the second. Everton’s attempt at close-passing contributed to the success of the Blackpool offside plan, and I do wish the forwards had followed the Farrell example of making individual raids, which always well outwit the offside trap. The pity was that too many Everton forwards chose this for an “off day” but still the Blackpool defence was excellent. I am certain that Lindsay is going to prove an acquisition bargain; he is at first a footballer, what a baptism for a newcomer. First the Old Trafford and rain and wind, and second –Matthews, Phew! I liked too John Willie Parker, who would have and the proverbial “blinder” had his anxily to succeed not forward him to be a little too hasty in his finishing. Everton overwhelmed! Not on your life. Sagar did not have a shot to stop and he had no possible chance with the two goals which beat him. Fact.
EVERTON ARE SLIPPING BACK AGAIN
March 26, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
Lack of Finishing Power In Attack Has Reduced Their Margin For Error
Parker’s Promise.
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s recent results have caused the Blues to slip to a position where there is not as much margin to spare as one would like to see. After a short, but lively spell in which the attack got goals with encouraging frequency the Blues forward line has lost its finishing punch and only one point from the last eight played for falls below the high hopes entertain after their earlier improvement. Whether or not this afternoon’s game brings them any reward will be reported elsewhere but Sheffield Wednesday are hardly likely to reveal the form that Blackpool did at Goodison Park. The Seasiders were an excellent side fore and aft and although they did not deserve to be two goals in front in 20 minutes, in view of Everton’s lively start in the end they were full value for their win. Towards the end they gave one the impression that they were taking things rather easily, possibly in view of Wembley next month. If so they could hardly ne blamed and even though Everton kept plugging away, Blackpool always appeared to have a little in hand in contrast to the Blues they shot from all angles and ranges in the second half, yet Sagar had a fairly easy game, the most of their efforts were well off the mark. Everton now without a goal in their last four games, never appeared capable of getting the better of an excellent rearguard, in which Garrett gave a superb exhibition with Johnston and Hayward always on top of their jobs.
Parker Shaped Well
Fielding and McIntosh could achieve little while Hold had an indifferent game, so that most danger came from the Potts-Parker wing. The former did some excellent grafting while debutant Parker, although failing to make use of two reasonable openings put across some excellent centres and gave Shimwell many worrying moments. He is above average height for a winger and is difficult to dispossess when “set.” He has the making of a useful player. Lindsay had a very difficult job and as many others before him found the Matthews problem virtually unsolvable. One point in his favour is that he played the “wizard” as Redham had done in the semi-final, acculpuously fairly Farrell enjoyed no little success in the closing stages against the Blackpool wing even if at the cost of numerous corners, but this account of defence to the part of the Everton captain took much-needed import from the forwards. Jones did well against Mortensen who has lost little of his speed and none of his match winning abilities while Wardle was an excellent deputy for Percy. Brown, however is still a little slow off the mark.
EVERTON GAIN 2,000th FIRST DIVISION ONE POINT
March 26, 1951. The Evening Express
Game in Mud Was Goalless One
Wednesday’s Half-Backs Were Masters of Blues Forwards
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton gained their 2000th First Division point in history at Goodison Park today –they played a goalless draw with desperate Sheffield Wednesday to gain their first holiday point. Wednesday showed the real revival spirit and were rather the better team in a game played under deplorable conditions in which attempts at short passing was doomed to failure from the off. Rickett missed the best chance of the day when from six yards he hit the bar, and I thought Wednesday stayed the pace better than the much changed Everton, who tired rather quickly in the second half. Everton made five changes. George Rankin, on leave from the Army was at left back in place of Lindsay, Lindsay was at left half in place of Farrell, who moved to inside left in place of Potts who transferred to inside right for Hold. At outside right Everton introduced for the first time, Joe Harris the former Marine player, this being their second debutant in successive matches. Parker was under electrical treatment all day yesterday, for injury and reported fit this morning. Wednesday played the constitution of Sunderland. Ted Sagar today started his 25th year with Everton. Everton; Sagar, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Grant, Jones and Lindsay, half-backs; Harris, Potts, McIntosh, Farrell (captain) and Parker, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday;- D. McIntosh, goal; Jackson and Curtis, backs; Gannon, Parkard, and Witcomb, half-backs; Marriott, Sewell, Woodhouse, Froggatt and Rickett, forwards. Referee; Mr. H.T. Wright, Macclesfield. This was Woodhead’s second appearance at centre forward for Wednesday, the is an outside left and it was the second appearance on Merseyside of Jackie Sewell the £30,000 highest-priced footballer in the game. Everton kicked into the now goal stand but there was no material weather advantage for the wind was blowing across field, into the directors boxes. Jones neatly held in Wednesday’s opening bustle during which the ball repeatedly skiddled off the turf at high speed and then Parker gained the first corner from which McIntosh headed inches of the post. McIntosh worried Curtis and Witcomb and Harris was able to nip through on his own but he was knocked over in the tackle and I thought the referee was quite right in ignoring the crowd appeal for a penalty. Marriott gained a corner on the right which he swerved dangerous near goal but Sagar leapt up and with his hand flicker the ball over safely. The quick through pass saw Woodhead gather up speed so well that Sagar changed his mind in his outward run, leaving Jones to come across and hold on Marriottt at the expense of a corner. Then Lindsay who was showing such brilliant cover in the centre engerinnered a Parker raid against which Jackson took no chance and pulled down Parker on the edge of the penalty area.
Dived to Save
This was taken by Parker who lashed in a fast low shot to which McIntosh (D), dived to save on the line and from Lindsay’s pass Potts tried a header which flashed pass the post. This was terrible tough going and although the rain had eased, really good football was out of the question cause of the weather. The conditions were just about as bad as the could possible be. McIntosh (D.) made a strong fist away from Parker’s corner and Potts were eager for the shooting chance. From a quick throw-in on the right the ball was whipped in to McIntosh (J.) who side passed to the in running Parker who shot as McIntosh (D.) ran out, the ball struck the goalkeeper who managed to grab it at the second attempt. Sewell ran to inside-left to provide Rickett with an angled shooting chance which he took well, Sagar swung low down by the post. Sagar saved at full length from Froggatt and then Moore headed back hard into Sagar’s hands when Woodhead was racing through to Marriott pass. Delighted inter-passing between Farrell and McIntosh (J) and Farrell burst through and Pickett was only got their to concede a corner. From this the ball was pushed out to Lindsay whose header was kicked aside by Jackson.
Half-time; Everton 0, Sheffield Wednesday 0.
They Needed It!
Both teams came out to entirely dry clothes in the second half, and it was needed! Everton, who had been making some risks back passes in the first half had a lucky escape when Woodhead went through attended by Jones. Jones passed back to the on running Sagar but the ball held, and Woodhead was able to get to it, Sagar turned just in time to dive on the ball and clear. From Marriott’s centre the ball dropped invitingly to Rickett who was unmarked six yards from goal. Rickett took his shot first time and the ball cannoned against the cross bar and bounder away. What an escape for Everton. From Rankin’s free kick the ball dropped back nicely to Potts who, however, returned a shooting chance and his forward lob became Wednesday properly. After Sagar’s flying leap had taken charge of Marriott’s centre, Everton attacked strongly and from Harris’s corner, Farrell had two shots charged down before the mud and water beat him. Wednesday should have taken the lead when Sewell pushed a short ball through for Froggatt who was a fraction of a second slow in shooting and Moore raced across to turn the ball behind for a corner. Woodhead was next through, but Jones rubbed him before he could get in his shot. There had not been much Everton shooting but now Farrell tried one only to see the ball stick in the mud and McIntosh (D) was able to run out and pick up. One of the biggest thrills of the day came when Parker beat Jackson and centred beyond Pickard for Harris to race in and make a sharp header which McIntosh (D) saved just under the bar. Jones came again mistakenly tried a back-pass to Sagar and as anyone would expect the ball stuck in the mud. Sagar just managed to hold up Woodhead at the expense of an arm injury. The Wanderers struck hard again when Sewell and Marriott got the ball across to Rickett whose point blank shot found Sagar right in position to beat the ball down and complete the save. Everton naturally were adopting variety measures trying to save one point and the masters of the game became the Wednesday half backs. Final; Everton 0, Sheffield Wednesday 0. Official attendance 33,331
FARRELL IN THE FORWARD LINE
March 26, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Make Changes
Early Thrills
By Stork
Everton; Sagar, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Grant, Jones and Lindsay, half-backs; Harris, Potts, McIntosh, Farrell (captain) and Parker, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday;- D. McIntosh, goal; Jackson and Curtis, backs; Gannon, Parkard, and Witcomb, half-backs; Marriott, Sewell, Woodhouse, Froggatt and Rickett, forwards. Referee; Mr. H.T. Wright, Macclesfield. For this most important league game at Goodison, Everton made wholesale changes. In fact the final selection was not made until half an hour before the kick-off. Rankin came in for the injured Lindsay, and Farrell moved up among the forwards a position which he has occupied several times before and Potts to accommodate his captain went to inside right as partner to Joe Harris who was making his first team debut. Harris as you may know was the former Marine winger who has been showing good form in the Central League side. Parker retender his place at outside left which suggests that he had fully recovered from his knock on Saturday. The Wednesday team was unchanged from that which beat Sunderland last Saturday. The ground was in an awful state and workers were busy forking it to an endeavour to get some of the water away. Football on such a surface was bound to be issue. In fact many questioned whether the game should be proceeded with. I don’t think it was as bad as it was at Manchester a fortnight ago. The ball would need an enormous amount of boot to get it any distance except portions on the wing where there was a deal of grass. In view of the bad whether the safe was naturally a small one and the crowd saw the Wednesday make an immediate onslaught on the Everton goal and Sagar was soon in action picking up a back pass to save his lines. Naturally the appearance of the highest priced player in the game was of considerable interest but what was more important was that Everton wanted two points.
Farrell’s Header
After having felt the pressure of the Wednesday attack Everton started to work out a movement on their own in their effort to strike a quick blow and the two wingers, Harris and Parker showed progressive tackles which were encouraging. Farrell with a Dean like header to McIntosh who joined up with Harris caused trouble for the Wednesday defence. There was cup tie feeling about the game, for the crowd were soon in good voice urging on their favourities but the fast approach to anything suggesting a goal came when Marriott won a corner and placed this so well himself that Sagar had to make a one handed save to prevent the ball from turning into his net.
Anxious Players
Potts was early prominent with his long accurate passes and so for that matter was Farrell, but one could sense the anxious of both sets of players. Farrell after beating Jackson stung across a centre which finished as a shot from McIntosh, the Wednesday goalkeeper had to make a save. Moore was taking no chances with Rickett for he had no computation in drilling the ball amongst the crowd rather them let the Sheffield winger collect in and probably being further work for the Everton defence. A Potts header to Harris saw the youngster make an attempt to cross the ball but he found a Sheffield man in the way. It was not long before a corner came to Everton’s aid. From this Potts headed outside. So far I had seen little or nothing of Sewell for most of the Wednesday play had been over the far wing. Several well intended passes finished short because the ball simply dropped in the mud and moved only a few yards. Twice this enabled the Everton defenders to collect when otherwise they may have been beaten.
Sheffield decided that the best course of progress was by swinging the ball about, and from one long pass Woodhead was only tackled in time by Jones. Lindsay was making grand use of the ball, and from one pass he contributed a lot to the attack by the Everton left wing, which eventually culminated in a free kick outside the penalty area.
OLD AXIOM WITH A NEW MEANING
March 27, 1951. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 0, Sheffield Wednesday 0
By Leslie Edwards
Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes’ came to have a new meaning at Goodison Park, yesterday. Forwards on the mass of mud down what should be the fairway of the ground had little chance of scoring until they got that close and certainty players had little else while showing except in their eyes. If Sheffield Wednesday lose seniority at the end of the season – personally I think they have an even-money chance of keeping it –they will be able to muse along on the Rickett shot yesterday which rocked the Everton post near the angle and all but rocked this strange Everton line-up to sleep. Rickett volleyed the slippery ball as it came from the right and the intracle happened. He got his foot plumb on the meat at they say. Sagar could have had little time to see the ball much less shape for it as it struck the goal angle and rattled away to safety. The angels were on Everton’s side too, when Rickett massaged the other end of the goal frame with a shot which looked as though it might pass under the bar so in spite of their fierce finishing fixture at home and four away –Everton may yet find things going their way. It would have been a pity if either had lost. There was so much effort from both, and the football was so good in such freakish conditions. Wednesday I thought had the edge on Everton in several ways but they could not make their slight superiority tell. There would be a lot of aching legs and a deep stile of mud in Goodison Park bath water at the end of it all.
A Tideway
Cambridge could have won the boat face at Goodison Park yesterday. Only the extreme corners offered any sort of going and when the sun shone with the game almost in its dotage it mocked the mudlarks who splashed about the field and its pools of mud looking thoroughly uncomfortable and tired. Everton began with a host of changes. They had Farrell in Hold’s place, with young men Harris and Parker on the wings. Lindsay at left half back and Rankin on leave from the Army at full back. All told the side played reasonably well, considering this composition but it did not compare to football ability with Sheffield Wednesday’s Froggatt , Rickett and Froggatt again went as close as anyone could to scoring in the first half. Everton reply being a run by Farrell in which he worked the perfect centering chance only to overdo the cross when he made it. Later Harris made a fine header from a Parker centre, and McIntosh of Wednesday brought off the game’s best save but Rickett’s wood pecking and the facts that Moore had to kick away a shot by Marriott from the line showed the trend of things in Wednesday’s favour.
Gannon Outstanding
Outstanding was the artful, in both senses Gannon who seemed to have the knack as and when required. In the circumstances his wing half back play rates very highly Froggatt too was excellent and so in the first half was Rickett. The Wednesday defence never let up in their galliant battle against McIntosh and company and Curtis who can give and take a charge as Potts will agree was inspired. Peter Farrell gave the attack his enthusiasm and verve, but with both wingers a bit inexperienced a number of openings went for nothing. Parker confirmed his Saturday debut form and Potts ran himself to a standstill in his eternal defensive –claim –attacking missions. Jones had a far better game than against Mortensen though Woodhead who played on the wing at Anfield recently was quite live and needed a deal of handling. Rankin’s sure kicking added strength to the Everton defence whose most ticklish moment came immediately after McIntosh had saved from Harris. A faulty reverse pass nearly led to Woodhead interposing between Sagar and the ball. It was 23 years yesterday since Sagar joined Everton, I do not suppose he has ever seen the ground at Goodison Park in such a state. The marvel was the team were able to put up a game which remotely resembled Association football.
BLUES INJURED MAT BE FIT
March 27, 1951. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton are hoping to have all their injuries players fit for next Saturday, when they travel to White Hart lane to meet the potential champions, Tottenham Hotspur, who at the moment hold a four point lead over Manchester United for a similar number of games. Manager Cliff Britton thinks that Fielding, who could not be risked in yesterday’s conditions following his stomach injury, Lindsay, who received a leg injury in the Blackpool game, and Eglington, who has been off since the Charlton game on March 10, will be all right. There will be some hard work in the electrical room this week I can assure you, and it will take some hard work on the pair of the Blues in the field to maintain their position sixth from bottom. There were some, who following Everton’s win over Fulham, contended that they were safe from all worry, but as 1951 has proved again nothing can be accepted as certain until Easter is over, and the Blues actually need another eight points before they can rest content. Of course, for eight to be necessary the five clubs below them must be gaining all points at stake. I do not think there is any cause for real concern at Goodison but there is work to be done, and hard work at that, seeing that the only remaining home games are against Wolves and Aston Villa, and that four away matches visits to Tottenham, Sunderland, Derby and Sheffield Wednesday.
It was a sheer test of endurance as much as football at Goodison Park yesterday, where Sheffield Wednesday continued their semi-revival by holding Everton to a goalless draw. I thought Wednesday were a slightly stronger on the ball and rather quicker to act, but reflection shows that there could have been no other result, and I know that is one which both clubs agreed was “perfect” in the circumstances. The football which delights as was entirely out of the question on such a stretch of mud and water, and I think all players should have double wages for standing the 90 minutes test. They were heroes and I guarantee the hot bath afterwards never has been so welcome. In the first-half I though Everton would go through to their win for they moved with rather better ideas and Potts and Farrell were fetching and carrying to such good purpose. As the game wore on and legs became wearier, however the rather fresher Wednesday loomed the more dangerous. Tactically Everton failed at times through trying to plough the ball through the morass, yet it was only the “stick-in-the-mud” ball that prevented Farrell and Potts from getting in the telling shots in the second half. I thought Joe Harris, the former Marine outside right, making his debut had won it when he headed in hard, but Dave McIntosh managed to hold it just under the bar, I thought too Everton had “had it” when Rickett gained possession not six yards out with only Sagar to beat. “Hit it hard and hit it quickly” must have been the thought in Rickett’s mud for instead of placing the ball into the net he slammed at it and crashed against the bar and away. Everton often made it hard for themselves by risking back passes and sure enough the ball held in the mud. That is where Sagar has to take risks and knocks to avert disaster. Apart from yet another glowing tribute to Potts industry, the happy return of Lindley and the promise of the youngster Parkers and Harris I am not going to analyze the work of the individuals, for on such a day and in such conditions it would not be fair to them. Our thanks to all for providing so many thrills under.
HOW EVERTON HAVE GAINED HEIR 2,000 DIV 1 POINTS
March 27, 1951. The Evening Express
They Join Select Circle of Sunderland and Villa
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton can look back over the years with satisfaction, that their endeavours have enabled them to collect from 43 clubs their 2,000 First Division points and so join the select circle of Sunderland and Aston Villa. Of these 43 clubs, only 12 have gamed more points from the Blues, while two (Bradford City and Huddersfield Town) are equal. The clubs against whom Everton have inferior records are Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brentford, Cardiff City, (now shaping like a return to the top circle), Charlton Athletic, Leeds United, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Oldham Athletic, Portsmouth, Sunderland and West Ham. The clubs which has provided Everton with the best returns is Bolton Wanders, from whom they have gained 108 points in 88 matches or 20 more than the Wanderers. This is the full table of Everton’s 2,000 points, the four figures against each club being number of matches played, home points won, away points won, and total points won from each;
Accrington 10, 8, 5, 13
Arsenal 66, 34, 21, 55
Aston Villa 97, 51, 35, 86
Birmingham 54, 42, 24, 66
Blackburn R, 90, 68, 16, 84
Blackpool 18, 13, 6, 19
Bolton W, 88, 65, 43, 108
Bradford, 6, 5, 5, 10
Bradford City, 20, 13, 7, 20
Brentford, 10, 6, 2, 8
Bristol City 10, 9, 4 13
Burnley 55, 43, 20, 63
Bury, 41, 31, 17, 48
Cardiff City 15, 8, 5, 13
Charlton Ath, 16, 6, 2, 8
Chelsea 48, 35, 15, 50
Darwen 4, 4, 1, 5
Derby County 70, 53, 31, 84
Fulham, 4, 3, 3, 6
Glossop 2, 2, 1, 3
Grimsby Town, 22, 17, 11, 28
Huddersfield Town, 46, 25, 21, 46
Leeds United, 26, 17, 7, 25
Leicester City 24, 19, 6, 25
Liverpool, 86, 49, 45, 94
Man City, 66, 47, 18, 65
Man United, 52, 34, 19, 53
Middlesbrough, 66, 55, 25, 80
Newcastle Utd, 68, 42, 18, 59
Notts Forest, 42, 53, 14, 67
Notts County, 52, 38, 29, 67
Old ham Ath, 18, 7, 4, 11
Portsmouth, 32, 18, 11, 29
Preston N.E. 72, 47, 30, 77
Sheffield Utd, 78, 56, 27, 83
Sheffield Wed, 67, 49, 28, 77
Stoke City, 60, 44, 27, 71
Sunderland, 97, 63, 28, 91
Tottenham, 32, 19, 15, 34
West Brom, 72, 49, 28, 77
West Ham, 16, 10, 6, 16
Wolves, 59, 42, 24, 66
Total 1,892, 1,292, 709, 2,000
Everton who are in their 51st First Division season at the moment have won 106 matches more than they have lost. Next season, if status is retained the Blues will be playing their 100th match with both Aston Villa and Sunderland.
TOUGH JOB FOR EVERTON
March 30, 1951. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s recent failures to carry on in the encouraging manner which characterizes their performances at the turn of the year has not the Goodison side on the spot again. Their task tomorrow against Tottenham Hotspurs at White Hart Lane looks almost an impossible one, but while there’s life there’s hope and though an Everton victory appears too much we expect, and even a point a dubious proposition, football is so productive of unexpected reverses of form that the Blues prospects should not be written off in advance. They will have to produce more striking power in attack however to make any impression on the Spurs fine defence. Everton’s lack just now in a couple of really powerful marksmen who can translate their often promising approach work into goals. All the close combination in the world is worth nothing unless it results in the ball resting in the net and that is what the Goodison lads haven’t been able to achieve in their last five outings. Tottenham have lost only one game at home this season. It will be the surprise of the day if Everton slip it across them but with memories of their Fulham success in mind we can hope even if not with much conviction for a repeat performance though Tottenham are a vastly different proposition from the Cottagers. Eglington passed a fitness test this afternoon and replaces Parker who moves to inside left. Farrell reverts to left half, Fielding returns to outside right and Catterick leads the attack in place of McIntosh. Tottenham; Ditchburn; Ramsey, Willis; Nicholson, Clarke, Burgess; Walters, Bennett, Douesmin, Bailey, Murphy. Everton; Sagar; Moore, Rankin; Grant, Jones, Farrell; Fielding, Potts, Catterick, Parker, Eglington.
EVERTON WAVERED, AND SPURS STEPPED IN TO SEIZE THE INITIATIVE
March 31, 1951. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Contact
Tottenham H;- Ditchburn, goal; Ramsey and Willis, backs; Nicholson, Clarke, and Burgess (captain), half-backs; Walters, Bennett, Douesmin, Bailey and Murphy, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Grant, Jones, and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Fielding, Potts, Catterick, Parker and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. B.J. Leafe (Nottingham).
Everton, at Spurs had a vital match on their hands. They were fortunate to be able to have the services of George Rankin (now stationed at Blandford, Dorset) and they brought back Tom Eglington at outside left with J.W. Parker as his partner and Harry Potts moving to inside right. Catterick resumed centre forward for the first time since he played at Fulham where he got three goals. The weather was cold and wet. Unofficial news at White Hart Lane before the match was that Medley had been dropped and had asked to be placed on the transfer list. Burgess won the toss, and the advantage of the breeze. Sagar got a fine reception. A Farrell shot passing over the bar by a few inches was Everton’s bright opener. Catterick helped to make the chance possible and with any luck Farrell would have had Ditchburn in difficulty. Fielding too with a glancing header as the ball came from the left had Spurs spectators more than a little anxious. Tottenham began to settle down, however, and some useful attacks engineered by Burgess had the Everton defence worried, but on the whole Everton were more than holding their own. There was some indecision which cost them failure in several promising attacks. Parker thus far had shown up extremely well. The crowd’s roar was an incentive to the potential League champions, but Murphy made poor use of some good chances. Again Everton were close when Potts took the ball down the goal line and although angled shot so accurately that Ditchburn needed to lean back and flick the ball over the bar. Grant delivered a long skidding shot which the goalkeeper fielded well, and when Burgess dummied his way through and stood back for the incoming Murphy to have a crack the shot was hard and true but Sagar got it round the post. Many movements petered out because it was difficult to judge the pace of the ball on the reasonably firm ground at the four corners. The rain had stopped and the heavy going tended to improve. The game degenerated with both sides obviously anxious. Spurs should have led when Murphy went up to a centre from the right. He got plenty of pace on his header, but the ball hit the post. Sagar made a truly great save when picking up a Nicholson shot when the half-backs had worked his way to the penalty spot.
Used His Back
Too many Everton attacks broke down for no good reason. Things went wrong in the most tantalizing way. Baily cheekily used Grant’s back off a throw-in but Grant got wise to the move and conceded another throw. Ditchburn held an angled Catterick shot by the foot of the post – the only Everton attack of any consequence for some minutes. The game was stopped while Fielding had a facial knock attended to then a through pass by Murphy to Baily spread-eagled the Everton defence but Sagar was quickly out to regain possession. Spurs’ half backs were in command and their forwards had chance after chance. That they made so little use of them irritated the crowd, who were looking for an early goal or two. Even so Everton defence was taking a hammering. Duiqemin missed a sitter and shook his head in dismay. On the heavy ground, many of Fielding’s long-distance passes fell short of their target. Moore earned his bonus with a flying leap for the ball to stop Baily from being clean through. Another stoppage came when Rankin took the heavy ball on the side of his face but he was able to resume. At last Eglington got going in the way he likes. His centre became a shot, and Ditchburn did well to ease it over the top for a corner at the far angle.
Half-time; Tottenham Hotspur nil, Everton nil.
Potts did a tremendous amount of work in midfield but Everton’s skill could not manage to find the right pass at the vital stages of their attacks. It was pure misfortune that Parker should elect to pass to Catterick rather then go on himself. Caterick slammed the ball into the net, but the referee wrongly in my view gave him offside. Far from being offside, I thought Catterick yards onside, Willis being the player keeping him in that position. Everton got their teeth into the game much more in the early part of his half. They still kept the ball a bit close, however, and a lot of their passes were not sufficiently incisive. At least that could not be said of Walters when he poked out his right foot and nearly made a half chance into a goal. He was very little wide. At 55 minutes Tottenham went ahead. It was a simply goal yet a good one. Bennett lobbed over to Walters, then in the inside left position a harmless-looking pass, and Walters using his right foot, volleyed the ball beyond Sagar in an electrifying way.
Glancing Header
A good glancing header by Parker from a prompt Fielding centre was Everton’s answer, but Ditchburn made his catch effortlessly. Parker and Eglington worked the short corner plan, and Rankin’s centre was headed across the goal face with no Everton forward there to do anything about it. Everton had their best spell of all now, with the wind and rain helping them and it was only a brilliant save by Ditchburn from close-in Fielding shot which saved Spurs. At 24 minutes in the second half. Spurs went two up. Murphy headed a spectacular goal from Ramsey’s free kick and Sagar had not the ghost of a chance. Bennett scored a third for the Spurs after 86 minutes play. Official attendance 46,615.
EVERTON CAN BE OVERTAKEN IN RELEGATION FIGHT
March 31, 1951. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Ranger
With another football season drawing rapidly to its close some of the outstanding problems of the campaign are already more or less settled, but for Everton followers as well as those of other lowly clubs, the interest during the remaining few weeks will be tinged with anxiety. For the Goodison club it has been a season of marked contrasts. A fairly promising start encouraged hopes that were not later fulfilled, and then after a period when the outlook took on a very gloomy aspect came a partial revival while, allied to some really good play on occasions, despite adverse results again seemed to lift the clouds that were threatening the club’s future. Then, just when it appeared that all in the garden was once again to be, if not exactly lovely, at least reasonably satisfying, came enforced changes in the side which took away some of the forward effectiveness and once more revived our fears. Much will depend on what has happened today at Tottenham. While the Blues chances there hardly seen very bright, if they have gained a point it might prove invaluable. Unfortunately three of their remaining fixtures after today are away and odd occasions the side has not produced away form sufficiently convincing to encourage very optimistic hopes of a sudden change at this late and critical stages. As it happens, however, the remaining fixtures of the other lowly clubs may assist Everton’s cause. Sheffield Wednesday for instance have still to play Chelsea at home – they also receive Everton on the last day of the season –while Chelsea have to meet Aston Villa (home) and Huddersfield (away) as well as the Wednesday encounter. Whichever way these games finish, it means that one or other of the contestants had its chances of overtaking the Blues somewhat limited which is all to the good. The most encouraging features of Everton’s play this season has been the manner in which their younger players have been drafted into the first team and shown promising form. They have been “blooded” at anything but the best time, for no manager given freedom from necessarily would pin faith to young and inexperienced players at a time when his side is fighting for existence.
Tribute to Coaching
The ideal time for such baptism is when the team is in a comfortable position, with neither honours to fight for nor disaster to avert. Manager Cliff Britton however has been in the position where needs must when the devil drives and it says much for the coaching and training such players as Jones, O’Neill, Rankin, Parker, Harris, and More have received in the past that they have been able to perform so creditably. Some of course have made their positions secure as regular first-teamers. Harris and Parker have yet to move their worth over a more extended test, but each-did enough in the holiday games to prove that they are likely to follow in the footsteps of the other comparative newcomers. While the club has several other good youngsters gradually approaching senior standard and steadily, absorbing experience in the Central League side the paramount need at the moment is a revival of the confidence and scoring ability which temporarily lightened the on looks a couple of months ago. I should like to see Potts take more responsibility for shooting whenever he gets a possible chance. His display on Easter Monday was one of the best I have seen from him since he joined the side. He worked tremendously hard and distributed the ball well, but his value would be considerably greater if he would take the chance to cut through down the middle when it occurs and not indulge too much in lateral passes which slow down the attack and enable the opposing defence so often to close its ranks. A quick burst and a first time shot would often pay better dividends. I am still fairly confident that by the end of the season we shall be breathing freely once more, and that our fear will have been dispersed, but it may be a tighter squeeze than appeared the case a little while ago. Meantime although results lately have not been up to expectations, nobody can lay the accusation that the players are letting things go by default. They put up a splendid show considering the atrocious conditions on Easter Monday, so for that matter did Sheffield Wednesday. On that display Sheffield appear too good a side to go down but only points count in the final reckoning, not good midfield work, hard lines if fighting spirit and without goals, which are Everton’s greatest requirement, there is no reward.
EVERTON RES V SHEFF UNITED RES
March 31, 1951. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Reserves; Taylor (R.M), goal; Clinton and Lindsay, backs; Donovan, Falder, and Melville, half-backs; McNamara, Hampson, Hickson, Lewis, Easthope, forwards. Sheffield United Reserves; Taylor, goal; Parkin, and Shaw, backs; Grant, Underwood, and Fountain, half-backs; Yates, Broderick, Weatherspoon, Turner, and Loukes, forwards. Referee; Mr. W. Ratcliffe (Leek). The United took the lead in the tenth minute through Clinton, who was unfortunately in heading into his own goal in attempting a clearance. Everton afterwards held the monopoly of the play but they sadly failed. Hampson almost succeeded in equalizing but Taylor being well positioned, brought off a grand save. Half-time; Everton Res nil, Sheffield Utd Res 1. Everton applied strong pressure. The forwards needed more steadiness in front of goal but in the 57th minutes the Blues deservedly became on level terms, McNamara, with a long-range shot, giving the keeper no chance. Full Time; Everton Res 2, Sheff United Res 1.
March 1951