EVERTON 2 BOLTON WANDERERS 1 (game 9)
November 5 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
In weather the reverse of pleasant to spectators and players this return match was played at Anfield-road on Saturday in the presence of 6000 spectators, which number would, no doubt have been doubled had the day been a good one for football. It will be remembered that at the last meeting of these clubs, at Bolton Everton, were defeated by 6 goals to 2 principally owing to the indisposition of four of their players and the bad state of the ground but on Saturday the home club was at the full strength, and managed to wipe out the previous defeat by 2 goals to 1. The visitors brought a strong eleven including Gillan who was to have kept goal for the home with club this season, and Bethal Robinson. The ground considering the rain was as good as could be expected, but a strong breeze nilltated against an accurate gae. Ross lost the toss, and started the half against the wind and hill. Chadwick and Brown were first to get conspicuous in a nice dribble up the left, and the former had hard luck with the finish Gillan managing to clear at the expense of a corner which was fruitless, and then Robinson had to kick out to save from Brown a minute later. The Wanderers now got towards Smalley Milne finishing with a weal shot. From the free kick, Holt got possession and sent in a warm shot to Gillam who had to conceded another corner to save his charge, but the wind carried the ball over the line. Dick intercepted Brogan and Davenport in Everton quarters, and sent the ball to Brown, who gave Ross a chance but the latter's shot went wide. Again the opposing right pair went down, but were erractic in their shooting. After Ross had tried to find an opening Dobson successfully tackled Davenport in his bid for goal, and the ball rolled harmlessly out. A wide shot by Watson having been sent in Smalley had a warm handful from Davie Weir which he easily negotiated, and the ball was taken to the other and where Gillan was again tested by Chadwick but only a corner was the outcome, which was also worked. Weir then gave Ross another chance, but his finishing touch was wide. With this let off the Trotters''soon rushed to the home and where Weir managed to stave off Barbour and then Tyrer sent in a strong shot, which Smalley had no difficulty in getting away. Again Everton paid a flying visit to the Wanderers ground, and McKinnon slipped as he was in the act of sending the leather home. Excitement now ran high, as Chadwick ran the length of the field from a throw in, but the chance was missed. Luck was against the home team, Gillan neutralizing himself in keeping his clean clear. A free kick falling to Everton well in, Farmer put the ball between the posts without any player touching it. Even play then set in, and when the half-backs whistle sounded neither side had scored. On changing over, with the wind in their favour, Everton soon bore down on Gillan who had to dispatch two shots, from Watson and Farmer, but Failed to stop one from Brown, who gave his side the lead, amidst the greatest enthusiasm. From midfield Everton again pressed and soon Ross beat Gillan a second time; but the home umpire had previously claimed for a foul and, the point was accordingly disallowed and a free kick given, which Ribinson got away. A foul was here given against Roberts for tripping McKinnon, which however, came to nothing,, and tyrer and Milne ran up, but Dobson eased, and McKinnon was unfortunate in his attempt to add to the score, the ball grassing the upright. The Everton left pair passed neatly up, but Chadwick was wide, in his kick, which let in the visitors, who had a free kick awarded them close in goal, from which the Wanderers equalised. Striving hard to get the lead, both teams were working well, and the various goalkeeping were kept busy. Dick and Dobson having stopped dangerous rushes, the home club at length got a throw in from the corner, and Ross registered a second goal to the delight of the home supporters. The Visitors from now to the end of the game had to act on the defensive although Barbour was spoiled by Dobson in an ominous-looking run, and soon a hard and fast game ended in favour of Everton with the score- Everton 2 goals, Wanderers 1. Teams Wanderers:_ Gillan, goal, Robinson and Roberts, backs, Bullough Scrowcroft and Weir (d) half-backs,, Davenport, Brogan Milne, and Tyrer, forwards. Umpire Harrison, Everton:- Smalley goal, Dick and Dobson, backs, Weir (j), Holt, and Farmer. Half-backs, McKinnon, Watson, Ross (captain), Chadwick Brown, forwards, Umpire Berry (e), Referee J.Cooper

CHESTER COLLEGUE V EVERTON RESERVES
November 5 1888
Everton team, Joliffe (c), goal, Chadwick (a) and an other, backs, Harbour (w), Pollock (h) (captain), and Jones (wh) half-backs, Keys (j) Briscoe (w), Milward (a), Berry (a) and Falls (r), forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
November 5 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
Saturday's enjoyment was disturbed by thorough going and most cheerless of November weather and dangerous and dullness were as Handy Andy would put it. ‘'Like bad luck-everywhere ‘' The ill-fortune, however, from an Evertonian appear only appites to the meteorological conditions for did they not average-not overwhelmingly, but effectuate-their previous reverse at the hands-or rather to be accurate, at the feet of their old notorious and yet respected opponents that Bolton Wanderers ? On a slippery ground, and in the presence of a large company, which would have been greatly increased under favorable skies the defeat of a month back was turned into victory, and the score reversed in the shape of 23 goals to 1. Instead of 2 goals to 6, Everton thus emerging from nine Leafage tussle with six wins and three losses. They have now settled their account with four clubs having played home and away with Aston Villa Notts County Derby County, and Bolton Wanderers, the remaining contest, the first of the series having given Everton a success over Accrington and the Anfieldites are now planted deeply in a forward position among ‘'the twelve.'' The game on Saturday was of a highly-strung order, the pace being sustained almost throughout, despite the heavy state of the turf from the rain that fell for many hours previously and continued till the interval. There was also a stiffest breeze sweeping from Anfield to Oakfield-road goal against which and the slope the home representative had to content at the outset and yet they fully held their own during the first half, ends changing with both goals intact. On resuming Everton immediately went down to goal in business-like fashion, and were not long ere they scored. This was followed by Ross shooting through, only to be denied, owing to his own Umpire's prior claim for foul, and shortly after the Wanderers pulled up level from a free kick in front of Smalley. Some tem minutes later Ross took full scope of a chance and, with a shot there was no disgrace in allowing to get home, scored the winning point. dick reappeared in the team, and shaped all the better for the leisure of the last three weeks, for he was always safe, in the first half especially so. Dobson also played a grand game, and it would be hard to say which was the more useful in their respective styles of defences. All the half-backs were efficient Holt excelling in accurate kicking, and Weir in tackling. The Forwards were remarkable for hard work rather than combination, but this will be accounted for by the uncertain footing on the saturated ground. W.Brown at length resumed football after his suspension and made a favorable impression on the outside left, his passes being generally well timed, but he was poorly, backed up by Chadwick Watson and McKinnon also were not at their best. Neither Mills Roberts nor Harrison had charge of Bolton's goal, but Gillan-an associate of Everton in their practice games-and he and Smalley were both clever and about equally safe. All the visitors backs were smart, which Davenport and Brogan were the most dangerous of the Wanderers front line.

BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 EVERTON 0 (game 10)
November 12 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
The first meeting of these clubs this season took place on the historic ground at Leamington-street. The Rovers colours being similar to those of Everton, the home team courteously allowed the visitors the privilege of turning out in the famous blue and white they appearing in red and black jersey. Ross lost the toss, and Milward kicked off against a stiff breeze and Chadwick securing possession, darted off but was checked off, but was checked by Forbes. Hands now fell to Everton in midfield, and Dobson shot through without touching anyone. Play became very exciting but as yet no very good play had been shown. Everton forwards were out of it, and the Rovers had not displayed any combination. The game went on in a ding-dong fashion, and a good run by Brown and Chadwick and a final shot by the latter enlivened things a little. The Rovers backs and half-backs did not allow the visitors forwards to remain long at their end of the field, and John Southworth was noticeable for good passing. Townley next showed what a fine turn of speed he has, by sprinting past Dobson, and then centring beautifully, but Ross cleared and immediately. Beresford secured a corner, which was unproductive. After some even play in mid-field, Walton passed to Beresford, who put in a clinking shot, and Townley, who was lying under the bar headed through but the point was not allowed owing to off-side. Farmer and Watson now showed a pretty bit of passing, and made some headway, but found the two-Internationals-Forest and Forbes-too good for their and again the Rovers forwards worked down the field and a long shot by Almond was only partially cleared by Smalley and unfortunately struck the crossbar and rebound through the gaol. Everton now put more vigour into the game, and the play was improved. Both backs were deservedly cheered for fine defence and kicking Forbes, not being tested in the same manner as Ross showing to great advantage. Playing up hard, Everton passed for a short time, and shots by Milward Chadwick, and Farmer were with some difficulty cleared. Beresford and Southworth were then noticeable for missing two easy chances. The visitors again pressed and Brown had a shot, but being a disjoined effort, and not supported by the other forwards, was easily repulsed. Just on half-time Forbes missed his kick and Southworth kicked over the bar to save. On returning it was seen that the team, whose composition was not the best to start with, was again alliterated Farmer going centre and Milward outset right. It was now thought that the visitors would assume the aggressive, having a good wind at their backs, but the Rovers played a surprising game, and from the kick off at once commenced an attack on Smalley, Fecitt and Townley making some fine runs, and bothering Dobson rather more than he relished. From the kick out, Watson Framer, and Chadwick made a considerable headway, but when coming near goal they seemed to love their heads, and the shots were either weak or went wide. The Rovers were certainly now having the best of it, and Townley brought down the house for a rapid sprint and accurate-centre which Nat.Walton promptly shot through. From now to the finish the Rovers played a winning game, and although Ross went forward and put Farmer half-backs and Sugg full-back, no material difference was noticed for the Rovers forwards kept pegging away at the Everton goal, and after a shot of Southworth's had been repulsed in a weak style another goal was added from a scrimmage, and thus a very exciting game resulted Blackburn Rovers 3 goals; Everton nil. Teams Rovers, Arthur goal, Jim Southworth, and Forbes backs, Douglas, Almond and Forrest half-backs, Beresford, Walton John Southworth , Townley and Fecitt, forwards. Everton:- Smalley, goal, Dobson, and Ross (captain), backs Weir,, Sugg, and Holt half-backs, Farmer, Watson, Milward, Chadwick, and Brown forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 PADIHAM 0
November 12 188. The Liverpool Mercury
The Lancashire senior cup round two
The reserves team having disposed of Turton in the first round of the above cup competition they were deputed to play the above match on Saturday, and although considerably weakened by the enforced absence of Falls Keys Milward, and Pollock, who have not the necessary qualification managed to win easily. At the last moment Fleming did not turn up and consequently the late injured player Cookson was prevailed to play. A large crowd assemble 3000, and Everton team as follows :- Everton, Joliffe goal, Higgins, and Chadwick, backs Jones Fryer, and Parry half-backs, Harbour, Berry, Costley,, Briscoe, and Cookson forwards. Upon commencing hostilities the reserve at once assumed the aggressive and by superior play, combared the visitors' goal continually, and eventually were rewarded by a goal from the foot of Cookson. This reverse roused the Padiham team somewhat, and they played up with increased vigour, but up to half-time no further score was added. In the second half Padiham started off with a bit of dash, but failed to keep it up and again Everton bore down upon the visitors goal and but for wretched forward play and miserable shooting (a point not usually noticed in the second team) must have scored on several occasions. Still the visitors were not discouraged, and kept pegging away, but found the defence much to good for them. Higgins Chadwick, Fayer, Parry and Jones, all being in spendid trim. At last Costley found an opening and increased the score to two., at which number thew Reserves won their way in the third round of the Senior cup. Chadwick played with all his accustomed skill and coolness and was the best back on the field. Fayer also played one of his old games. Parry Jones and old Mike were very safe, but the less said about the forwards the better the play being but poor,, and they are usually the strongest point of the reserves team.

BURNLEY 2 EVERTON 2 (game 11)
November 19 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton visited Turf Moor on Saturday for the second time this season to decide the first of their two League matches with Burnley but were not represented with their full strength whilst the home club put a powerful team in the field. The team was the same as beat West Bromwich Albion with the exception that McFetteridge playeda t centre instead of McKinnon. The attendance was large taking into account the uninviting character of the weather, and great enthusiasm was evinced throughout the contest the couple of hundred excursions from Liverpool, especially making their presence known when their champions did anything brilliant. Everton had the disadvantage of contenting against a strong wind which swept from goal to goal, and a rather pronomwed hill on Costley setting the ball in motion, and Burnley lost no time in driving players down the slope as Sugg missed his aim. Ross checked a rush on the right, but it was Dobson who effectual cleared and enabled Chadwick and Brown to get well away. Friel relied, and though Sugg intercepted Everton lines were crossed, and on Friel again pitching play in front Sugg was the more prominent in breaking the attack. Both wings tried a run,, but could not pass Berry and Lang and then Burnley closed up in strong formation. Brady failed to takes Yates pass across the goal mouth, but was uncomfortably near scoring a moment later. The home forwards could not be shifted,, an out of smart maneuvering Gallacher beat Smalley when the game was ten minutes old. Everton went up on the left as far as Berry would be permit and from a throw in at the half-way mark the Visitors were once more in trouble. Here Sugg relief the invaders in check by grand heading, but on Farmer trying to also head, and being six inches lower than the ball, Brady and McKay put themselves in command, overpowered Ross, and Smalley venturing out of his lair and falling McKay shot through. Farmer next pulled up Brady, but Brown found near in, the kick by Abrams, however, being cleverly turned to use by the ex-stanleyite. Chadwick followed up and a free kick falling to the lot of Everton near goal, Sugg in a good aim caused Cox to fist out, Watson banging the return through before the custodian had time to steady himself. A lusty cheer saluted Everton's success against the wind and hill, and from this time forward the play was most determined. Burnley on resuming put the visitors defence on their mettle but disaster was gamely averted, more particularly by means of Sugg and Dobson's heading capabilities. Again Burnley attacked hard. Smalley stopped a volley grandly whilst Sugg gave a corner in coverting a miskick by Ross, and Smalley further negotiated a most brilliant shy from the centre a moment later-indeed the attack was maintained right up to the interval, but the defenders were clever, and ends exchanged with the home club leading with only a one-goal margin. From McFettridge kick off, Costley at once showed how much easier it was to travel down the slope with a rear wind than when having these accidental advantage against him, but the backs easily cut up his progess so Fleming and Watson tried a wing movement with a better effort the latter going just outside from Brown's pass. No relief came from the Burnley goal kick, for Fleming centred to Costley, who toed to Chadwick and the latter equallsed in a spanking shot. The home team at once recovered from the shock, Brady and McKay trying vainly to get the better of Ross. Everton next had a chance on the right but Fleming was too gentle, and the Burnley right wing broke away anxiety being increased when Dobson gave hands in stopping Yates. Ross cleared with the head, but a nice bit of forwards play again located operations at close quarters, in attending to which Dobson got accidentally knocked on the knees. He however, though limping, played on gallantly to the end. The remaining portion of the game, despite a heavy showers, was carried on with great energy and brilliancy, both goalkeepers being several times upon to attend to ticklish shots,, but neither side could demonstrate superiority, and a splendidly-contested and level match terminated in a draw-2 goals each. Teams; Burnley, Cox, goals, Berry and Lang, backs, Keenan, Friel, and Abrams half-backs, Brady, anf McKay right wing, McFetteridge, centre, Yates, and Gallacher, left wing, Everton:- Smalley goal, Dobson, and Ross (captain),, backs, Holt, Sugg, and Farmer, half-backs Fleming, and Watson, right wing, Costley centre Chadwick and Brown left wing. Referee Mr AS.Ormsrod (Accrington)

EVERTON RESERVES 2 SALTNEY 0
November 19 1888. The Liverpool Courier
the league contest at Burnley deprived the Anfield supporters of a first team fixture on Saturday. The contest being an encounter between Stockton's triumphant eleven and the Saltney team from Chester. The weather was very bad,, and the heavy rain made the ground very sudden. They were about 2,000 spectators present when the teams faced each other. The Chester team came with two men short, but able substitutes were provided from the home reserves. Teams follows Everton:- Joliffe, goal, Chadwick (a), and Higgins (m), backs Jones (wh), Fayer (t) and Pollock (h) (captain) half-backs, Cookson, Harbour, Milward, Briscoe (w), and Keys (j) forwards. Saltney:0 Jones, goal, Blake, and Whittingham backs, Davies, Williams, and Sewell half-backs, Hallows, Scott, Parkinson, Merith (j), and Willams, forwards. This match was advertised to commence at 2-30 prompt, but it was 3-45 before the Saltney representative put in an appearance. Having won the toss Milward kicked off, for Everton with the wind, Milward twice giving Jones trouble, but the custodian was all there. After some good play Jones scored for Everton amidst applause. Score at half-time 1 goal to nil for Everton. On resuming again attacked but the ball was worked over the line. Some spendid play by Briscoe came to nothing after at length Jones success in beating his name sake, in semi-darkest and the whistle sounded Leaving Everton victories by 2 goals to nil.

EVERTON REVIEW
November 19 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
In the face of defection and absentee through indisposition, and the consequential ‘'reconstruction'' it was an open secret that Everton engaged in their first League match with Burnley with pardonable misgivings. Moreover, upromising as the teams seemed as chosen it was doubtful right up to the appointed time of starting whether it would not be still further weakened. Only six of the team reached Burnley by the train selected by Mr Barclay two others wandering too far from the platform at Preston whilst waiting for the saloon to be tacked on to the proper train, but these and others turned up with the excursionists, and a more was then made to the well-arranged enclosure at Turf Moor. Dobson was still missing, but just when he had been given up as lost, and Dick was preparing for the emergency, the ex-captain removed anxiety by putting in a welcome appearance, for Dick is at present hardly sufficiently convalescent for such a tough piece of business as was in prospective. When a hearty cheer of greeting had subsided, and players had taken up their positions, it was noticed that McMahon was displaced by McFettridge and Milward and Weir by Costley and Fleming as compared with the teams that fought respectively for the League Championship the week previously, Everton were at once on their mettle on Mr. S ormerod giving the signal for a commencement, for they had to attack if they could uphill and in the teenth of a half gate. Burnley of course, took all the advantage they could of the fortuitous assistance rendered them and pressed in quick succession, with the result that they led by two goals at the end of 20 minutes'hard and excellent play on either side. They had matters much their own way so far, but not farther hands near home soon gave Everton the loophole they had been watchful for Sugg shooting well, and Watson driving the return from Cox through-a surprising point against such a combination of odds. The second half was utilized by Everton in attacking more frequently, but they could only score once, and as this was the sum total of goals the game-hard and brilliant and always interesting ended as it should do in a draw of two goals each. Of the players, the home forwards were much the cleverest quintet and often went away in fine combination, particularly when storming the hill in the second half, Chadwick and Brown for Everton were all that could be desired on the left, except that the later showed a temptation to resort to his old besetting sin of springing. Costley and Watson were fairly good but Fleming spoilt himself by availing rather than seeking tackling. Smalley Dobson, Ross and Sugg were the salvation of Everton, Sugg being especially effective at centre half-backs; while Friel and Lang were ever conspicuous among the Burnleyites. The result of a draw no doubt satisfield the most ranguine hope of the Everton committee who of late have no sooner surmounted one difficulty than another has arisen, and new desertion has supplemented illness is depriving them of material select from, in connection with the League matches, the majority of the twelve clubs, have this week reached the turning point on the journey having got to the eleventh milestone and the order based on Mr McGregor theory of two points for a win and one for a draw.

EVERTON 3 BURNLEY 2 (game 12)
November 26 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
This return League fixture was played at Anfield-road on Saturday in the presence of 8,000 spectators. Burnley had the same team that did battle the previous week and came in the full expectation of lowering the Everton Colours. The home club was greatly altered Sugg taking Dobson's place at full back owing to an accident to the latter's leg, while a new centre and right wing donned the Everton colours for the first time thereby leaving Watson out. The weather was fine, but a strong wind prevented an accurate game being played Burnley had the misfortunate to lose the toss and McFettridge set the ball a going against the wind. Ross pounced upon the leather, and sent in a a long shot, Farmer slightly wide with his Finnish. Burnley from the goal kick, dribbled along on the right and were within an ace of scoring, Bur Ross intercepted, and Costley missed an easy chance owing to erratic shooting. Holt gave Costley another chance, and the Burnley custodian had great difficulty in negotiating. Coyne then broke away in good style but the wind carried the ball away from his toe just as he was on the point of shooting. With this let off Burnley transferred play to mid-field where Coyne again relieved, and, assisted by Davie and Fleming dribbled splendidly to the visitors quarter where Lang had to concede a corner from which, however, nothing came. Fleming in a pretty shot, but Lang was playing well, and managed to stave off disaster , and sent to his left-wing pair, who trundled the ball Along but Ross relieved with a shot which sent over Cox's head. Everton continued to hover around the Burnley end where Holt put in some nice shots, but Failed to effect a downfall Berry staving off danger by giving a corner . Yates and McFettridge carried play to the home end and the former tested Smalley with a clinking shot; but the Everton custodian fisted cleverly, and enabled Davie to do a grand dash up the field Lang saving at the expense of another corner, which also was worked clear, as was one a minute later. In clearing, Yates collided with Holt, and play was suspended for some considerable time. On resuming Everton played with renewed vigour, and the Burnley goalkeeper and backs were taxed to the utmost. Yates and Gallacher managed to pass Sugg by tricky play, but Holt went to the rescue, and planted the ball up the field, where it was carried over the line. Abrame was penalised for a foul throw and Davie from the free kick, had the hardest of luck, Lang saving miraculously. At length Everton broke through the defence and from hands Chadwick beat Cox thereby giving the home team the lead. With this reverse Burnley worked hard, and Brady and McKay put in some good work, but failed to pass the back division, and Fleming getting the ball from Ross, ran up and screwed across, but the chance was not availed of, and play was taken towards Smalley, where Sugg eased and Coyne shortly afterwards added a second goal for Everton. The homesters continued to have the best of the game, and Berry, in attempting to clear his lines, put one through his own post for Everton. From this to half-time the Anfieldites had many chances but failed to augment their total, and the whistle sounded for half-time with the score Everton 3 goals Burnley 0. On changing over against the wind, Davie worked right through, and sent across to the left pair, who, however, allowed the ball to roll out. Gallacher and Yates from the throw in got nicely along, and McFettridge was spoiled by Ross sending back, and Costley screwed to Davie who gave Cox a warm handful but that player fisted away, and hands was given against Holt from the return. Brady having sent over the bar, Friel spoilt the Everton forwards in a dashing pass which was followed by Coyne and Davie being cheered for their neat short pass, but the wind assisted Cox to save their finish in touch, Costley and Chadwick them went away in good style, and the latter put in a spendid shot which Cox justed saved in time, Everton again tried to improve matters and Lang had a great deal to do to stave them off. At last Burnley took up the reins, and continued for some time to keepSmalley busy he having to do yeoman service to keep the visitors at bay. From a corner to Everton, Burnley got away, and McKAY BEAT Smalley for the first time. Continuing the pressure Brady owing to lying off-side was unable to gain a second point. A minute later Sugg gave a corner, from which Brady was enabled to add goal 2. From now to the finish both goals were in jeopardy as each club was working hard, but no other point was registered a hard and evenly-contested game thus ending in a win for Everton by 3 goals to 2. Teams ; Everton:- Smalley, goal, Sugg, and Ross (captain), backs, Weir, Holt, and Farmer, half-backs, Fleming, Coyne, Davie, Chadwick, and Cotley, forwards, Umpire Berry (e), Burnley:- Cox, goal, Berry and Lang backs, Abrams, Friel and Keenan half-backs, Brady, Mckay Mcfettridge, Gallacher, and Yates, forwards. Umpire Kearsley (j) referee Jope (wh).

STOKE SWIFTS 0 EVERTON RESERVES 0
November 26 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
These eleven's met for the first time at Stoke ON Saturday, in fine weather teams; Everton:- Joliffe (c), goal, Chadwick (a), and Warmby (wh), backs, Parry (c), Fayer (t), And Jones (wh) half-backs, Keys (j), Briscoe (w), Milward (a), costley (j), and Harbour (w), forwards; Stoke Swifts:- Hassle, goal, Say, and Monter, backs, Tunstcliffe, Farmer, and Holdlen half-backs Broadhurst, Forester, Milward, Slade, and Wainwright forwards. Everton won the toss, and played with the wind, in the first half Stoke were the first to press and gain the first corner with proved useless. A number of capital shots were put in by the home forwards but Joliffe was in fine form, and was heartily cheered for the save which he preserved his charge. Good passing by Everton forwards resulted in Briscoe making a deserving attempt to score the ball hitting the post and rebouinding outside. A.Milward was prominent for the same tricky play on behalf of the visitors, but was eventually pulled up when near goal. The same player shortly afterwards sent in a good shot, which was cleared by the goalkeeper. Both teams worked hard up to half-time, but when the whistle sounded, no goals had been scored. On changing over Everton showed much better form and as the result of a combined run, an oblique shot was sent in from the right wing. The Stoke goalkeepers certainly appeared to put the leather through his own goal but for some reason or other the point was not allowed. After this piece of hard luck. The visiting team continued to have the best of the game and several times came near scoring. Stoke tried hard but Joliffe kept goal splendidly, and repulsed shot after shot in grand style and the game was finished in semi-darkness, and despite the strenuous exections of both teams, neither could gain the advantage, Result a draw, no goals having been scored.

EVERTON REVIEW
November 26 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
The commissioners deputed by the English Council to adjudicate in the matter of the allegations of misconduct against Dick (Everton), Hodgetts (Aston Villa), Russell (Preston North End), Sloan (Stoke) etc, have accomplished their task with completeness and expedition, if not with equity and leniency. The roving commission sat in Birmingham on Wednesday and in Nottingham on Thursday-an arrangement convenient for Aston Villa and Notts County, but notfor Everton, who thus had to devote time to two sittings in two different towns-and the upshot, of it all is that Dick is suspended for two

Mouths and Hodgetts one month whilst Russell and Sloan escape penaltys. Football of course must be conducted in a respectable manner. The laws of play are readily understood and should be respected, and above all proper behaving ought to be observed but the punishment now inflicted is more harsh than the exigencies of the offences seen to warrant. Hodgetts is not known as a rough player and Dick Black as he has generally been painted is not vindictive in his tactics, though he no doubt often raises the ire of even heavier opponents by the effective use of muscular thighs in tackling; and even admitting that both men had committed a grave error under provocation, a strong reprimmand would have justly met the case. Birmingham people whilst ready to blame Dick are sensitive that great injustice has been doled out to Hodgett. If this be so, with what greater reason have Evertonians to complain of wrong for according to the commissioners finding Hodgett was declared to have actually delivered a blow whereas Dick could only be proved guilty of an attempt to strike ? However the fist of the commission has gone forth-the law in their eyes has been broken and vindicated, and the opportunity of lunging at the League perhaps gleefully embraced. Will the matter be allowed thus to rest? Violation of rules is not to be tolerated and fighting should be put down in a drastic manner, but the Association must be general and sweeping in their vigilance and remember that roughness is not an exclusive peculiarity of League matches any more than cup ties, but is liable to bubble up at all and sundry contests. It so happens that the players put through their facing at this latest inquiry all belonged to League clubs, whilst other clubs-out-side the twelve-equally involed in misconduct, have been overlooked, and if the Council wish to displace a suspicious of antagonism to the League, they will make haste to apply their power indiserinately without fear of favour. The commission having disposed of some cases of infringement of professional rules, wound up their labours by issuing a homily for distribution among clubs, and especially applicable to referees, on a rigid observances of laws and penalities and the desirability of commission endeavouring to maintain a reasonable demeanmour on the part of spetators. Birmingham Nottingham and other patrons will take note of this latter seasonable advice, it is to be hoped and then there will be small cause for confusions.

The return league engagement between Burnley and Everton proved quite as tough a struggle as that of the drawn game at Turf Moor the previous week. Burnley entrusted the reputation of their club to the same hands that made an even fight at the first meeting, but Everton were a very dissimilar eleven. Dobson is still suffering from the accidental kick he received from McKay and, with Dick ineligible Sugg was transferred from centre half-back to fullback, Weir stepping into the middle line, whilst the Forwards embraced the long talked of new blood in the persons of Coyne (vale of leven), and Davie (Renton) room being created for these strangers from over the border by dropping out Brown and Watson. Everton had the advantage of a strong breeze in the first half, which was so well utilised that they had the substantial lead of 3 to 0 at the time the interval was announced. Burnley replied with a couple of effective shots on an exchange of ends, giving the Anfieldites, with a score of 3 to 2, their seventh victory in connection with the league. Smalley played another grand game in goal, saving at times when it seemed impossible almost to cope with such a fierce attack. Sugg although at times doing some especial work, was a weaker defender than Ross. Burnley having covered this flaw, disposed their forces accordingly, and with Sugg once overcome a cross over was resorted to which tactics gave Burnley their two goals. Farmer, Holt and Weir each did so well at half-backs that it would be unfair to make a selection for superiority. The two new forwards both made a favorable impression. Davie showed be possessed judgement at centre, and, what is more to the point, was not slow in parting with the ball it be though it could be done with better advantage; and altogether he bids fair to be a great acquisition when a sufficient trial has allowed him to become familiar with his wing men. Coyne partnered Fleming, and treated the spectators to the neat short passing of Scotch brand, remaining one of McNee in the Dunmbartonshire and Lancashire match, and he often came in for an approving cheer. Fleming was hardly powerful enough for his colleagues whilst Chadwick greatly overshadowed Costley, was perhaps the best of the home front line.