Everton v Glasgow Rangers
November 1 st 1886. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton scratched to the Glasgow club, and met then in an ordinary fixture at Anfield-road, on Saturday. The great quantity of rain, which had fallen made the field of play very soft, but as the weather cleared up, there was an attendance of some 6,000 round the enclosure when the game had been in progress a short time. Richards started the ball for Everton, who played downhill during the first half. After a sharp skirmish at midfield, Lewrie went away on the Rangers left wing at a great pace, and finishing with a stinging shot, at once tested the capabilities of the Everton custodian. Joliffe cleared dashingly, and for a time play was loose, the ground being very slippery. The Rangers settled down in a fine combined run, and Costley finely deprived Fraser when that player was becoming dangerous. Everton had now a look in, Briscoe and Fleming going away nicely, but the former shot out. Once more the Rangers attacked, a grand shot by Lawrie being saved at the expense of a corner kick. Another followed instantly after the Everton goal had narrowly escaped, and then Cameron came in for applause, for his tackling of Costley and Richards. Lawrie again menaced the Everton citadel, and after Joliffe had made a gallant effort to avert disaster, Haggie gave him no chance with a shot at a yard distance. This feat was loudly applauded and immediately after the restart Joliffe took the ball from Buchanan's foot, and Farmer for the first time broke away. A long run by the little Evertonians was capped by a feeble shot, and as the Everton backs at this junctures were at fault Joliffe an anxious time of it. On the Everton right Fleming and Briscoe put in some good play Briscoe being grandly stopped by McIntyre whose return brought about a warm five minutes at the home goal. Three corners fell to the Rangers and then Everton apparently aroused played up far better. A capital combined run was nullified by Gow; and Lawrie was making off at a great pace when Dobson outran him, and depriving him of the ball sent it away down the slope. Briscoe fastened on it, and eluded three of his opponents finishing a brilliant effort with a most unselfish and judicious pace, which Costley almost turned to advantage. The same player immediately hit the crossbar with a splendid shot, and Fraser and Peacock were progressing in the opposite direction when half-time was sounded. The Rangers were first aggressive on restarting, but with a fine return Dick eased pressure and Farmer dribbled in rare style down the Everton left. Fraser then put in a long dribble and looked dangerous, when Everton conceded a corner. The same Scotchman again threatened the Everton goal with downfall, when Dobson interposed with a big lunge. Heggie next shot over, but Everton came out, and after slow play won a corner. After a scrimmage Higgins judged his return beautifully, but the ball went just a trifle wide. Lawrie and Buchanan worked nicely down the visitors left, but Corey “delayed progress,” and immediately amidst great excitement Fleming and Briscoe forced their way through the opposing defence, and Briscoe screwed the ball from the line right across the goalmouth, affording Costley a grand opportunity which he failed to utilise. Excitement again prevailed, but it was more of anxiety when Dobson kicked against one of his own players, and as the ball rebounded. Heggie pounced upon it, and rushing away, had the goal at his mercy, when Joliffe, in the most judicious manner, tackled him, and the most judicious manner tackled him, and effected a brilliant save. For the remainder of the game play was very even, and as Everton had frequent shots and chances of equalising, the feelings of the supporters rose, and the Rangers settled down in downright earnest, but hardly secured their victory by a narrow majority of a goal to nil. The Rangers claimed a second goal from a foul, but this was not allowed. Teams; - Glasgow Rangers; - Chalmer, goals; Gow and Macartney, backs; Muir, Cameron, and McIntyre, half-backs; Lawrie, Buchanan, Heggie, Peacock, and Fraser, forwards. Everton; - Joliffe, goal; Dobson (captain) and Dick, backs; Corey Gibson, and Higgins half-backs; Fleming, Briscoe, Richards, Farmers, and Costley, forwards. Referee J.J. Bentley, Bolton.

Football notes.
In our own district the visit of the Glasgow Rangers gave rise to the greatest excitement. Quite 6,000 spectators mustered at Anfield-road, and the Everton ground presented a very animated appearance, consequently on the great improvements effected by the executive of the club. The accommodation is vastly improved, and the comfort of spectators greatly enhanced; while it is gratifying to note that the press has been thoroughly provided with a capital reserve –an incident as singular on the association club ground in Liverpool, as it is pleasant to record. Everton wisely decided to scratch, being confident of their ability to at least make a good show with their full team, against the strongest eleven, the Glasgow Rangers have been able to put into the field for a considerable period. The result was a most enjoyable game, for although the first portion of it was somewhat uneven, and there were many uninteresting periods, the last 45 minutes, furnished a fast and exciting game, in which the Liverpool club was seen to very great advantage. To commence, the Rangers looked like asserting a decided superiority, but after Heggie had scored for the visitors, the home players steadily improved, and no alteration in the score took place. The second half was far more even, and if anything Everton had the best of the play. They had, for once in a way, the worst of the luck, and should have equalised on several occasions, Costley making two splendid efforts, and missing a glorious opportunity on one occasion. The game ended in a win for the Rangers by a goal to nil. The winners are a splendid team, and will take a lot of beating by our best English teams. The backs are sturdy champions, the halves-fearless tacklers and indefatigable workers, whilst three of the forwards –Fraser, Lawrie, and Heggie –will bear comparison with any trio of forwards in any club. There were some splendid episode in the match, and none more exciting than an attack on the Rangers' goal, brought about by one of the neatest bits of close dribbling by your Briscoe of Everton, which I have yet witnessed in Liverpool. This player is developing at a rapid rate, and, as his experience enlarges will if he maintains his form, outstrips all his fellows. Indeed many judges are ready to assert that he has reached this point at present. Certainly in the last two matches he has outshone the rest of the Everton attack in unmistakable fashion, Gibson was the best of the half-backs, and Dobson was far safer than Dick at full back, though I understand the Kilnarnock man was by no means fit to play at all being unwell. Joliffe added to his reputation as a custodian by his play on Saturday, and his saving of his charge on one occasion, when Heggie got far clear of the full back, was brilliant. On the whole, Everton are to be congratulated on their play in the match.

At the Association meeting (Liverpool), on Thursday last, protest by Bootle against the result of the last cup-tie with Everton was not sustained. It would be far better were matters of such moment entrusted to some outside body for arbitration for undoubtedly the decisions of any more local council of five are not calculated to command unreserved respect, as apart from the Everton and Bootle members of the Liverpool Association Committee, who were naturally excluded from any participation in deliberations of the committee, it is certain that very few of the residue would approach the question with minds entirely free from predilections acquired in various ways.

November 6 th 1886. Football Field.
A big match at Everton
By “Rambler.”
An improved ground.
I again journeyed shipperywards last Saturday, this time to the Anfield-road enclosures, where the enthusiastic and clever Evertonians disport themselves. The afternoon cleared up splendidly, and spectators made their appearance early on. The accommodation has been much improved, and now 10,000 can witness the proceedings with comfort. Spectators have every reason to be satisfied with the enterprising committee of the Everton club. Saturday was the opening of the new stand, and like everywhere else it was comfortably filled. There would be about 7,000 persons present when the Scotties drove up ready dressed as per card. The Everton men also turned up as announced, and they played their full team, Dobson scratching before the match. The ball used was one of Mercer's “Premiers,” and was presented by Mr. Masters, one of the many vice-presidents, Mr. Nisbet is provided with.

The Rangers play up.
Everton started downhill, but the “Light blues” rapidly got to work. Their passing was very good, and they soon troubled Joliffe and Co. The spectators were very impartial, and runs by the Rangers were as heartily cheered as a burst by Everton. Gibson was fairly on the job, and Heggie quickly found out it was not much use trying to pass him, and went in for long crossing. Fraser on the right was most prominent, but the first goal was the result of good play by Buchanan, who centred, and Heggie scored. Everton now wakened up and worked like demons. They displayed good passing, but Gow was a stumbling block and was undeniably the best back on the field. Richards once hit the crossbar an inch too high, and Gow got the ball away. The Rangers had the best of it though and often enough troubled Joliffe, but refreshment time arrived without any further scoring.

Everton unlucky
The second portion commenced in favour of Everton, and hard lines they had. Briscoe was the most prominent forward, and the plucky little fellow got round his opponents in fine style. Both Costley and Farmer had chances, which they would not miss again –right under the bar –but they went wrong. Now and again the Rangers would breakaway, and once Heggie had a clear field, but Joliffe intercepted him. The match continued as exciting as it was possible. Chalmers had his work cut out several times as the Everton men came dashing along, and Fraser's centres at the other end were very dangerous. The Liverpool men, however, had by far the best of the game, but luck was against them, and they were defeated for the first time since August 14, by one goal to nil – not an overwhelming defeat, and not one which their splendid play merited.

The after proceedings.
The Rangers at once drove down to the “Compton” to resume their ordinary attire, and then returned to the “Sandon,” where a good spread awaited them. There was a big company present, and though Mr. Houdling, the worthy boss, was absent, Mr. Ramsey, his deputy, was there, and a small army of V.'s besides. After the good things had been disposed of Mr. Brooks became the director of ceremonies, and matters progressed very harmoniously, notwithstanding Hugh McIntyre's puns. Mr. Brooks welcomed the Rangers in very appropriate words, and in reply Mr. Tom Vallance said that he had been very much surprised at the form shown by Everton and he considered that a draw would have better represented the game –so say all of us Tom. The Rangers showed that their smoking concerts had not been useless by the manner in which they threw off several good songs, and as nine o'clock arrived I retired very loth to leave the jolly company, who seemed to be getting more congenial each hour.

Association Game
November 6 th 1886. The Liverpool Courier.
It was generally surmised that Everton would decline to meet the Glasgow Rangers in the cup tie with a weakened team, a conclusion which proved correct, for at the last moment Everton scratched to their Scottish opponents, and an inter club game, with both sides players their full strength was arranged instead. This furnished an admirable opportunity for testing the caliber of the teams, and in view of a close and exciting contest, from five to six thousand persons were present at the Anfield enclosure. As in a previous contest, the Evertonians lacked combination at the outset of play, which in a great measure lost them the game, for it was during this period that Heggie of the Rangers, scored the only goal in the match. With the change of ends the Scotchmen had the advantage of playing downhill and it was therefore not unreasonably expected that they would materially augment their score, especially as the play during the first half of the game had been extremely fast. For once, however, the prophets were wrong in their calculations. The local cupholders speedily warmed to the work, and by superior play pressed their opponents right up to the end of the game, but owing to the magnificent defence of the Scottish backs and the splendid goalkeeping of T. Chalmers, they were unable to score, and hence their defeat. Once during the first half of the game the ball, from a grand shot by Richards, struck the Scottish bar. Afterwards Costley although he missed an easy chance from a pass by Briscoe, had the hardest of luck in not making amends for his blunder; while later on the ball skimmed so closely over the bar that cheers were prematurely raised under the presumption that the score been had equalised. With better fortune Everton might have scored twice at least, and it was therefore no disgrace to be defeated by a team which ranks so high in the region beyond the Tweed. Joliffe kept goal in a style, which stamps him as a custodian of the first order. The backs were safe, but never very brilliant, which could hardly be expected, seeing that Dick was in indifferent health, which threw an undue proportion of work in the way of Dobson. The half backs played well together throughout, the best of the forwards being Briscoe and Farmer, the former of whom played an unselfish and really excellent game.
Todays match
Everton v Bell's Temperance at Anfield (Lancashire Junior Cup)

Lancashire Junior Cup tie
Everton v Bell temperance
November 8 th 1886. The Liverpool Mercury
These teams met at Anfield road, but owing to the very unfavorable weather the attendance was very much below the average. Everton had only a weak team, five of the best players being ineligible, whilst none of the substitutes except Marriott showed good form. The visitors played down the slope with the wind during the first half, and did most of the pressing. Everton early lost an easy chance, and a splendid long shot by Corey fell on the Temperance crossbar. Joliffe was however, frequently called on to defend his goal, and at last Eaton beat him, the visitors leading by a goal to nil at half time. The game had not long been restarted before the visitors again scored from a scrimmage after hard play. The game was now much in favour of Bell's, but suddenly, amidst great excitement and applause, the whole aspect of the game was altered. Briscoe put in a nice dribble and passing to Higgins, the veteran scored with a beauty. No sooner had the game been restarted then Corey placed nicely to his forwards, who went off in a capital passing run, and equalised, both goals being obtained in a minute. The play was mow much faster. After Everton had made another ugly rush, Joliffe was called on to save, and showed good judgement in getting the ball away. Duckworth then had a good chance for the visitors, but shot very wildly. Richards twice spurted in splendid style down the Everton centre, but finished badly, and then the Temperance's showed improved form. Several fine-passing runs menaced the Everton goal, and hereabout the backs were a trifle weak. Eaton once seized advantage of this weakness and going away, had the goal at his mercy, Joliffe for a time starved off the attack –only for a moment, for the ball was sent out of his reach, and this shot gave the visitors the victory. Play was somewhat exciting to the last, and Everton were defeated by 3 goals to 2. Everton team; - Joliffe, goal; Marriott and McGill, backs; Corey, Parry and Johnson half-backs; Higgins, Costley, Richards, Briscoe, and George, forward. Referee, Mr. Gregson, secretary, Lancashire Football Association.

Football notes.
Everton were drawn against Bell's Temperance, the holders of the Junior Cup and were lucky in having choice of ground. Football critics outside Liverpool have unanimously selected Everton as the “Ormonde” of the competition, and so undoubtedly they would have been if they could have played their full team. The eleven available, however, was of such a scratchy nature that the wonder is they managed to make so good a fight as they did on Saturday. The forward division was clever, but bereft of the two best players. The defence, however, was but a show of the usually seen at Anfield-road, Marriott was never very reliable, and McGill never a back at all. Johnson proved a failure at half-back, and young Parry was too light. Corey alone of the defenders of the regular team was in position, and he undoubtedly outshone all his confreres . His hugh “throws in,” which has proved of immense value to his side, and which has often been questioned as to its fairness, failed to satisfy the scrutiny of Mr. Gregson, the secretary of the Lancashire Association, who officiated as referee, and the three times awarded a free kick in response to appeals from the visitors against the fairness of Corey's throw. The play was for the most part in favour of the visitors, who played an excellent game. Everton missed several easy chances and the visitors were leading between goals in the second half. Play was proceeding quietly enough, when suddenly the whole aspect of the game was altered. In a minute Everton got two goals and the greatest excitement prevailed. The home team infused new vigour into their play, but the Accrington players gradually drove them back, and got a third goal, which proved the winning point.

Now that Bootle and Everton are out of the English and Lancashire competitions, it would be well worth the consideration of both clubs if it is advisable to enter such competitions without a good eligible team. Neither club will gain in prestige by their defeats on Saturday, for outside Liverpool few will understand that Bootle played their tie with three first team and eight reserves players, and Everton with six first team and five-second team players.

November 13 th 1886. Football Field.
Last Saturday, which witnessed the competition of the second round of Lancashire Cup ties, both junior and senior, saw the ejection of the only club of the district entered in either competition. It is questionable if either Bootle or Everton will gain in prestige by the part they have played in these matches. Bootle had only three of their first team eligible and Everton six, so that the chance of either figuring to advantage was rather remote. True, Everton ingloriously overthrew Fleetwood Zingari in the first round of Junior cup-ties, and Bootle gained a signal victory over Rawtenstall for the Senior Cup; but on surday each of them received their quietus, and has no doubt gone the rounds of football circles that Everton could not hold their own against Bell's Temperance, whilst Bootle were annihilated to Witton. Let it be understood that the cream of the Everton team took no part in the game against Bell's Temperance, and that only three of the Bootle first eleven appeared against Witton. One feels easier after getting this off, for no infrequently the football items retailed at the beginning of the week by several contemporaries as far from correct, especially in this matter of the personnel of teams in the Liverpool district.

The final for the senior cup
Outside Liverpool this appeared to be the opinion with respect to the match between Bell's Temperance and Everton. Those familiar with Liverpool players would hardly fancy the team Everton put out against the clever Juniors from Accrington would have stood much chance of keeping defeat. There was but a ghost of a defence. Even Higgins was drafted into the forward ranks, leaving Corey alone of the back division usually on duty at Anfield-road. The display by the others was only moderate, so that Everton had Joliffe to thank that the victory of Bell's was so very narrow a majority. Time after time the backs miss their kicks, whilst Corey did his utmost to make up for the shortcomings by his fellow halves. I have seen Frank Parry play much better, and Johnston were a distinct failure. The forwards did their share of the work in creditable style, but they should have scored from several easy chances in the game. The scoring of the two Everton goals was of a very sensational character, for the suspecting waterman, leading by a couple of goals showed very much self-confidence, when on sudden their equilibrium was considerably upset by finding their opponents level in the course of a minute. The two goals were scored in true Everton style an impetuous rush of the forwards leading in Higgins scoring a beauty, whilst immediately afterwards the same player scored from a corner kick. Bad defence, however, lost them the game and let in the Bell's, who got a third goal and won by three to two. Unquestionably the best team won, but for a time the balance was exceedingly delicate. The Accrington Juniors played a very fair game, their passing being exceptionally good, whilst several of their forwards were very speedy.

Association Game
November 13 th 1886. The Liverpool Courier.
The fine form an frequently shown by the Evertonians induced the belief that even in the absence of the professional elements the Lancashire Junior Cup was well within their grasp; but for once the local Zadkiels counted without their host, and the sons of Temperance are still the holders by reason of their victory by three goals to two. This result was foreseen the moment the teams were published, for whilst some of the local “juniors” were as stiff as well peppered racers, the Temperance boys were admirably trained, and evidently possessed a capital knowledge of the game. Only one result was possible, and with the experience thus gained it is to be hoped the Everton executive will seriously take the heart the necessity of reorganisation the reserves, without which no club can exist for any durable length of time. The fate that has just befallen the juniors might just as easily overtake their seniors –and what then? The fact should not be overlooked that public indulgence is limited to ordinary misfortunes, but it cannot in fairness be said that the reverse of last Saturday is entitled to be regarded as such. Today's match
Stanley v Everton, at Walton-stiles.

Everton v Stanley
November 15 th 1886. The Liverpool Mercury
This match was played on Saturday at Walton-Stiles, in presence of 4,000 spectators and in bleak unpleasant weather. Everton were fully represented, but Kerr was too unwell to assist Stanley. The latter team won the toss, and Everton started against the wind and slope. Stanley at once became aggressive, and the left wing pair early took aim. Dobson sent the ball to the other end, where his forwards made pretty play to their opponents goal. Gibson shot outside and from the goal kick Culkin obtained possession, and dribbled away in capital style, evading Corey with ease, but stopping at Dobson. The Everton captain again cleared his lines and Farmer's centre well, but Fleming shot wide. Again Culkin ran round Corey, and for a space play was of a desultory until a long kick by Brown, followed by a couple of free kicks to Stanley, caused a flutter amongst the Everton defenders. Dick got the leather clear away, and Farmer raced away to the other end where in conjunction with Gibson, he forced a corner. A very fine run by Culkin, Wilson, and Goodall was rendered useless by a wild shot of McNeil, Culkin and Goodall again clear, and the former shot over. Stevenson then attracted notice for his safe tackling, and Wilson missing his kick let in Gibson, who had an apparently clear path, but Stuart hooked the ball back very cleverly. A foul against Corey's throw in eased pressure on the Stanley goal for a moment. But immediately following Costley centred well, and Fleming dashed the ball out of Jackson's reach and under the bar –a splendid goal. For a time Stanley threatened the Everton goal with downfall, but the back play was very safe, and then Everton got well down through a free kick. Stevenson put in a stringing shot just below the bar, but Jackson met it gallantly, and for a time the Stanley captain was busily engaged. Twice he saved grandly, and then offered Gibson, who was very attentive, “a back,” which the latter accepted with the usual consequence. This incident was unnoticed by the referee, but apparently to the taste of a section of the spectators. Still the Stanley goalkeeper was busily engaged, and at length found rest when Wilson, with a big kick, sent the ball to the left wing, Culkin made off with it, but holding Corey, he was penalised with the usual free kick. A contreleage here ensued which delayed play for a time, after which up to half time matters were exceedingly dull. The second portion opened with several dangerous attacks by the home forwards, and Culkin had a fine chance early on. The visitors for a long time showed no disposition to profit by the advantage of wind and slope, until about a quarter of an hour after the restart, when the weather began to be very dull and threatening and the spectators were wearying of the tame exhibition. By some nice passing the visiting forwards got down and a fine centre by Fleming was turned to account by Gibson. Barely had the cheers which greeted this feat subsided when, from a corner, a third goal was scored and then the game became one-sided. Everton were for the most part at their opponents' goal, and Higgins with a long shot notched the fourth goal, and the game terminated in favour of Everton by 4 goals to nil. Teams; - Stanley; - Jackson, goal; Brown and Wilson backs; Wright, Stuart, and Ross half-backs; Culkin, J. Wilson, Goodall, McNeil, and Smith, forwards. Everton; - Joliffe, goal; Dobson (captain) and Dick, backs; Corey, Higgins, and Stevenson, half-backs; Farmer Costley, Gibson, Briscoe, and Fleming forwards.

Football notes
Hurst being numbered with the suspension, Everton made a fixture with Stanley to take place on their ground of the latter. Great interest was manifested in the match, as it was rumored that J. Goodall of Preston North End, would assist the Stiles club. However, Stanley played their usual eleven, and suffered severe defeat by 4 goals to nil. Rarely has a fixture between the clubs been of a more uninteresting or unsatisfactory a character. The ground was in bad condition, and the wind high. The attendance was large for once in a way on the stile ground, but there, was an absence of anything like enthusiasm throughout. Stanley showed fair form during the first half, the left wing pair going away in capital style on many occasions, whilst the neat dribbling of Goodall was greatly admired. The Everton forwards were more effective in their play, and tried their opponents defence severely. Brown made numberless mistakes at full back, and Wilson was not quite so certain as usual; but Jackson in goal performed brilliantly, the only shot, which beat him in the first half being a red-hot one from Fleming. In the second half play was for a long time of a wretchedly tame description, and then Everton again got two goals in a minute whilst, as darkness closed in, a fourth was notched. Of the Everton team Dobson worked amazingly Stevenson played well, albeit unevenly, and all the forwards did good work. The Everton committee none too soon, intend to look up their “reserves forces.” The secretary desires me to make known the fact that the “Swifts” team will be managed by Mr. J. Douglas, whom all communications should be made, at the Sandon Hotel, Oakfield road.

November 20 th 1886. Football Field.
Stanley have a Gate.
The Liverpool Association clubs are unfortunately all situated in the one locality, that is, the Liverpool clubs of any calibre. Bootle, Everton, and Stanley are located in the north end of the big seaport, and hence it is but natural that all three cannot be liberally supported. Stanley have never yet been able to induce the public to take kindly to the Walton Stiles enclosure, except on such occasions as matches with Everton or Bootle. And though this is the case, there was no Liverpool club which produced so satisfactory a balance sheet at the close of last season. The suspension of Hurst enabled Everton to gibe Stanley a fixture, and this drew something like 4,000 spectators to the bleak ground at Walton. The day opened with a thick Scotch mist, which sent the hopes of the Stanley Committee down to a low ebb. “Just out luck,” said they. But as the clouds broke their visages assumed a less elongated aspect, and the gatekeepers positively beamed on the gathering crowds. Everydody is pleased that Stanley have at last had a lift financially, although it was obtained at the expense of the Sounders drubbing they have yet received from the Everton rivals.

A disappointing game
There were rumours that Stanley would be assisted by Johnnie Goodall, and the Stanley would undoubtedly have been very glad to have obtained the North Ender's services for the match. In this, however, they failed and placed only a moderate team in the field. They are sadly in need of a full-back, and on this occasion sent Brown to the rear, on the strength of his excellent performance in that position against Bootle on Saturday. Unfortunately for them, he proved of little service, and that usually safe back, the Stanley Secretary, was more than once a victim of nervousness, missing his kicks in the most unwonted style. Kerr also was too unwell to play, and his excellent services at half-back were much needed. Everton played in full strength. Stevenson, late of Stanley, was introduced in the half-back division, and Gibson was drafted into the ranks of the forwards. Both players figured well in their positions. The game was not a grand one. At first play was of high standard, both teams putting in good work. The Evertonians, however, were far more united in their efforts, and their forwards were as ready as ever to turn any advantage to account. It is surprising how few real chances are let slip by the clever forwards of Everton. I have before mentioned the fact that they greatly resemble the Bolton Wanderers in their style of play. For a space they will appear to lag, and then suddenly worked they excited supporters into a perfect frenzy by a flash of brilliant play. This characteristic was very prominent in their play last Saturday. One moment Stanley were busy at the Everton goal, when a long kick by Dick landed the ball at the foot of Farmers; a quick spurt a rapid pass to Costley, a centre, and Heights< Preston, the ball is dashed past the Stanley custodian, the whole performance in something under thirty seconds. Again the game subsided, and for a long time, what with a keen wind and an ominous overhagging black cloud, the spectators lot was not a happy one. Suddenly the ball is in the Stanley quarters. There is a quickening of the Everton pulse –a rush and a goal. Then the restart, another rush and another goal-both shot through in less than a minute; an exact repetition of a feat performed by the same players against Bell's Temperance the previous Saturday. A fourth goal was put on before the finish, and Everton won by four goals to nil.

Play and players.
On the whole play was disappointing. I have never seen Stanley to less and often seen Everton to greater advantage than on this occasion. The Stanley play was very uneven, and they were wretchedly weak in front of goal. Jackson, the Stanley captain, kept goal in grand style, but I cannot single any other players for notice, excepting perhaps Stuart and Nikon. All the Everton forwards showed good form, and Higgins was best of the halves. This player, however, managed to get into trouble along with Goodall, the Stanley centre. As I am unable to say which was the aggressor, I will simply content myself with pointing out the vast injury such scenes do to the game, as well as the danger involved in setting a spark to the inflammable material to hand when rival clubs meet. In this connection I cannot but refer to Higgins for an example to his captain, whose self-control under the most aggravating circumstances I have often noted and greatly admired, and an example of which was furnished in the match under notice. Another unpleasing incident in the game was the hooting which Mr. Burnet, the referee received for his “noballing” of Corey. There can be no doubt of the unfairness of some of Corey's throws, as all must admit. But I am not aware that the referee is empowered to act on his own responsibility in awarding free kicks for fouls against which no claim has previously been made, a power which rightly or wrongly the spectators believed Mr. Burnet was exercising. Thus, “taking one consideration with another,” the match cannot be said to have been “a happy one.”

Bootle Wanderers
This club retained its victorious career by a four goal to nil defeat over the Everton Reserves on the latter's ground. Neither team had its full muster of players, the visitors having members assisting the Amateur Association against Wirral and others on the injured list. Yet right hard did they work, penning their opponents most part of the game, but the sodden conditions of the ground made accurate shooting well nigh impossible.

Association Game.
The probability of the final in the Liverpool Challenge Cup contests being fought out by Everton and Stanley, attracted a hugh crowd to the Walton-stiles enclosure to witness the solution of an ordinary fixture between the clubs, and as Bootle had only beaten Stanley by a goal in the previous week a pretty close game was predicted by the followers of the “blues.” This, however, was tantamount to counting without the host, as many others have previously done. Although a goal was all that fell to the lot of the cupholders, during the first division of the game, with the change of ends there came a might change indeed, for the Stanleyities were beaten back to their own quarters and chafing under the pressure and the continuous reduction of their stronghold, it is greatly to be regretted that at least one of them lost temper, thus causing a scene of commotion which entirely marred the pleasures of the game. The second period of play was all in favour of Everton, who left the field winners by four goals to nothing, thus conclusively, setting at rest the question of present supremacy. For the winners Dick, Higgins, Briscoe, and Fleming showed up prominently; while Stanley's best representatives were the two Wilsons Brown, Jackson and McNeil.
Todays matches.
Everton v Liverpoool Police Athletic, at Anfield
Fazakerley Rovers v Everton Swifts, at Fazakerley

Everton v Police athletic
November 22 nd 1886. The Liverpool Courier.
Owing to Oswestry being engaged in a cup-tie, they had to cancel their fixture with Everton, who, however, got on a match with the Police Athletic. Although the weather was overcast, there would be about 2,000 persons present. A change was made in the home team, Higgins going forwards. During the first half the Evertonians had a lot the best of the play, and Fleming scored their first goal, which was shortly afterwards supplemented by another from Higgins. Half-time arriving with Everton leading by two goals to nil. During the second portion of the game Everton scored out of a scrimmage, while shortly before time Fleming scored again, leaving the Everton the winners by four goals to nil. Teams; - Everton; - Joliffe, goal; Dick and Dobson (captain), backs; Corey, Stevenson, and Gibson, half-backs; Higgins, Farmer, Fleming, Costley, and Briscoe, forwards. Athletic; - Lindsay, goal; Speakman and Fraser, backs; Fisher, Windsor, and Pickering, half-backs; Roberts, Head, Stephens, Duncan, and Wright, forwards.

Association Game
November 27 th 1886. The Liverpool Courier.
Being disappointed in their fixture with Oswestry, who were elsewhere engaged in an English cup tie, Everton improvised a fixture with the Police Athletic who on Saturday made their first appearance at the Anfield enclosure. Although there could have been no manner of doubt about the result a considerable amount of interest was aroused over a thousand persons being present to see how Churchill's men would shape in a game with the cupholders. The Athletic were extremely weak in offensive play so much so that Joliffe was frequently down the field, in close proximity to the backs. Defence was by far the best feature of the visitors play, and in this they succeeded so well that Everton won by only four goals to nil. Fleming scored a couple of the points, and Higgins one, the other being rushed through out of a scrimmage. Dick, Gibson, Corey, Fleming, Briscoe and Higgins were the pick of the Evertonians; the Police being best represented by Fraser, Lindsay, Stephens, Head, and Robertson.
Today's matches.
Southport wanderers v Everton Swifts, at Southport
Halliwell v Everton, at Halliwell
Liverpool Ramblers v St Benedict's at Everton ground.

Halliwell v Everton
November 27 th 1886. Football Field
This afternoon the Evertonians visited Bennetts to meet the Halliwell team, when the men faced each other as follows; - Halliwell; Fairclough, goal; Lucas, and McCreavey, backs; Derham, Walkinshaw, and Weir, half-backs; Dewhurst, Crombie, Hay, Kelly, and Hodson forwards. Everton; - Joliffe, goal; Dick and Dobson, backs; Corey, Gibson, and Stevenson, half-backs; Fleming, Briscoe, Richards, Costley and Farmer, forwards. Referee, Mr. Fitzroy Norris. Everton kicked off, and two minutes after the start Richards scored for the visitors. Hodson had a good run up, but Corey robbed him of the ball. Shortly afterwards Hodson shot into the goalkeeper's hands Joliffe showing good defensive tactics. After some good and effective play on both sides Dewhust shot in, but Joliffe ran behind with the ball and a corner resulted, but nothing came of it. Play for some minutes kept in the Halliwell end, the loss of Robb, who was ill and whose place was taken by McCreavy, being much felt. On the other hand the fine play of George Dobson and Dick was much admired. Crombie and Dewhust ran up, and the former shot, though palpably offside, but the ball went indicrously wide. A determined attempt was made on the Halliwell quarters and the backs failed but Fairclough saved well. Again Halliwell had a good chance, but Crombie mulled it amidst derision. Richards shone for Everton, but Fairclough saved splendidly, and then Dewhurst failed at the opposite goal. The Halliwell men had some good chances in goal, but failed to score. The ball was put through by Richards, but it was decidedly off-side, and the appeal was allowed. Half-time was now called, with the visitors leading by one goal to none. On resuming the play became faster than ever, Halliwell again, having shocking hard lines when victory appeared within the reach. A scrimmage took place in front of the Everton goal, the players swarming round the sticks, but Dick and Dobson were equal to the emergency, and danger was averted. Weir, who seemed altogether off it, missed a fine chance, and Halliwell seemed to have no luck at all. Play continued in the Everton quarters, but Halliwell's ill-luck continued. Darkness now crept on apace, but no other goals were scored, and Everton won by one to none.