BOLTON WANDERERS V. EVERTON.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 01 November 1902
This afternoon the Bolton Wanderers met Everton at Burnden Park. In spite of the Wanderers poor exhibition this season there was again a large attendance, about 12,000 persons being present. In the home ranks Bell and Wright displaced Williams and Pickup, and a young reserve named Marsh took Hanson's place at centre. Everton were without the services of Wolstenholmes and Booth, the latter's absence being due to breavement. teams; Bolton-Thompson, goal; Brown and Halliday, backs; Boyd, Greenhalgh, and Taylor, half-backs; Stokes, White, Marsh, Wright and L. Bell, forwards. Everton; Kitchen, goal; Baller and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Breasley, Young, Sherdian, and J.J. Bell, forwards. Referee; Mr. T.P. Campbell, Blackburn.
Right from the kick-off the visitors commenced to press, and the defence had a pretty warm time of it. The home left went away, and L. bell lifted the ball well into the goalmouth, but Balmer cleared. The visitors were not long before they were in dangerous proximity to Thompson, but a fruitless corner brought relief. Greenhalgh nicely checked the visitors and offside brough relief to the Everton goal. Thompson saved finely as Brearley ran at him. When Greenhalgh had saved his own goal from almost certain downfall, Marsh placed well in the centre, and Balmer missed his kick, but there was
NO ONE UP
to take advantage of the mistake. Heresabout the Everton goal had a couple of narrow escapes from Bell and Marsh, the custodian being very lucky in clearing both shots. Though a mistake White, Bewll was let in, and controling finely Sharp scored. The Wanderers passing was very bad, and the ball frequently went to an opponent. The visitors were having much the better of the game, though they were unable to increase their score. Just on the interval Greenhalgh was hurt and had to leave the field.
Half-time; Bolton Wanderers 0, Everton 1
on resuming, Greenhalgh turned out again. After Marsh had delighted the crowd with a terrific shot which just missed the post, J. Bell raced away, and in a second attempt he sent the ball through a crowd of players into the net. Kitchen was extremely lucky to get the ball away from L. Bell. From a corner kick Bell headed well in, but the ball was returned, and Greenhalgh meeting it put the ball through the defenders into the net. The Wanderers were mostly on the atatck this half, and L. Bell, after ba brilliant run, put in front, Stokes met he ball and headed through, but the referee disallowed the point. From a long pass J. Bell raced away and easily added a third goal. Result; Bolton 1, Everton 3.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 01 November 1902
Everton  v. Bolton Wanderers. League match, at Bolton; leave Exchanges at 1.10; kick-off 2.30.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth or Russell, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Everton Combination v Bolton Wanderers Reserve
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park; 3.
Everton Combination- Whitley, goal; Doyle, and Bucknall, backs; Wolstenholme, Clarke, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Monks, Dickson, Cliver, and Dilly, forwards.

BOLTON WANDERERS v.  EVERTON
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, November 1 1902
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
EVERTON LEAD AT THE INTERVAL
BOLTON STILL LOSING
The encounter between these two teams at Burnden Park was fought with more than usual interest in view of last week’s performance. It will be remembered that the home eleven then gained their first point of the season at the expense of Liverpool, while Everton’s performance at Goodison Park against Notts Forest was by no means reassuring. Consequently to-day’s encounter bore every promise of an exciting struggle, and, though the weather was cloudy and threatening, there was a good crowd at Burden Park when the teams turned out. There were two changes in the Everton ranks from last week, Booth, owing to a family bereavement-the death of his mother-was an absentee, and his place was taken by Russell, a promising Scotch centre half-back who has performed well for the reserve. Wolstenholme was temporarily dropped and Crelly brought in to partner Balmer, who took up his proper position on the right. The Wanderers tried a new centre forward in the person of Marsh. Prompt to time, the men lined up in the following order;-
Bolton.- Thompson, goal; Halliday and Brown, backs; Taylor, Greenhalgh, and Boyd, half-backs; Bell, Wright, Marsh, White, and Stokes, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Crelly and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards. Referee; Mr. T.P. Campbell, Blackburn.
A light oblique wind blew across the ground, and facing this the Wanderers opened and made good headway on the right. Stokes fortunately ran the ball into touch, and from the throw in a sequence of short passes ended in Bell forcing a corner off Brown. This was splendidly placed by Taylor, but Young was unfortunate in not meeting the pass. Some pretty combinations was now witnessed between the Everton forwards, but it was quite patent from the close attentions which were bestowed upon them by the Wanderers’ halves that their style of play appeared unlikely to serve them to any great advantage. A free kick now changed the venue, following upon which Taylor cleverly met the ball, but he was slightly wide of the mark in his endeavour to score. The home side, however, did not maintain their ground, and the next few minutes of the play witnessed the Everton forwards putting in several capital runs by both wings, Sharp in particular showing several fine touches that ought to have been taken advantage of, and when a tangible point seemed imminent, Young was ruled off-side. The Wanderers now went away with a great dash, and Wright slipped between the two Everton backs. He passed out to Stokes, but the tricky Wanderers also came under the notice of the referee for being offside. After a spell of midfield work Young was unlucky enough to handle the ball, when there was practically no opposition, and thereby one of the first openings for scoring went abegging. The fine kicking of Balmer, who as already intimated, was again in his old position of right back, repeatedly placed his colleagues in good position, but there was an absence of those nippy movements among the Everton players when it came to a question of the finishing touch. A further raid by the Wanderers also showed weakness in front of goal, and here both Balmer and Crelly were afforded many opportunities of displaying the defensive power, the former being exceptionally clever. Once again Bell and Sheridan caused temporary consternation among the Bolton defenders by their general resource. The outside man ran clean through the backs, and raced to within three yards of Thompson’s charge, but the feebleness of his shot stood out in marked contrast to his previous effort. At the other and of the field was a neck-and-neck race for possession between Larry Bell and Balmer, and the last-named, by throwing himself full length at the ball, just managed to prevent what appeared to be a certain goal. After this Abbott charged down a terrific shot from White, and the ball going to Stokes the latter transferred to Bell, with the result that Kitchen brought off a smart save from close quarters. The ball was no sooner in motion than another brilliant save was effected by the Everton custodian, the shooter on this occasion being White. The same player repeated his effort a few seconds later. Young raced away and put in a brilliant shot, which Thompson as brilliantly saved. The previous five minutes had produced football of a very high order, and it was rendered the more interesting by reason of the fact that both goalkeepers were called upon to save shots which were quite above the ordinary standard of merit. After this there was a slight lull in the pace, but it was not long before the visiting took up the running. Abbott from long range, sent the ball across, and Sharp, running in, netted the leather right out of Thompson’s reach. This success came after rather less than half an hour’s play, and it was received with grim silence on the part of the home supporters. Restarting, the Evertonians again made ground on the right, Greenhalgh transferred play to midfield. The Prestonians got down on the right. Here a free kick was given, and the visitors once more took up the running. Russell was making a most favourable impression at centre half, both his offensive and defensive tactics being most effective, and on several occasions he checked ugly rushes on the part of the Wanderers’ front line. Sharpe moved away nicely and passed to Young, who worked cleverly through, but when in an excellent position he shot very tamely yards wide of the mark. The game was now being contested at a much slower rate. The Evertonians were clever, but in front of goal was weak, and indecisive, and as a consequence they lost many opportunities of increasing their lead. Towards the interval the Wanderers put on extra pressure, with the hope of retrieving their position. A fine bit of work by Greenhalgh put Larry Bell in possession, and the latter looked very like getting through when Taylor and Balmer between them robbed him. A few minutes before half-time a drizzling rain set in, and at the same time Greenhalgh received an injury to the shins, and was forced top leave the field. In spite of this loss the Wanderers continued to exert themselves valiantly, and Boyd, from long range sent in a shot which nearly beat Kitchen. Try as they would, however, the home forwards could not get on even terms, and at half-time Everton were leading by a goal to nil.
Half-time Score. Everton 1 goal, Bolton Wanderers Nil.
During the interval rain descended heavily, and this kept the players under shelter for an inordinately long time, there being nearly twenty minutes delay before they reappeared. At this time the attendance numbered fully 10,000. From the restart the home left wing went away at a terrific pace, and Marsh sent in a long shot which struck the side of the net. Again they came to the attack, and this time Bell put in a fine centre, which passed outside the rain was blowing right in the face of the Evertonians, and this no doubt prevented them getting away, but apart from this there was no mistaking the determination of the home lot. Some magnificent passing on the part of Stokes, Marsh, and White was seen, but all to no purpose. At length Abbott served up nicely to Sheridan, and Bell and the Everton left wing running down at top speed, Bell planted the ball in the corner of the net, Thompson failing entirely to stop the leather, which passed under his arm. This second reverse stirred the homesters to further efforts to make up the leeway, and there was another long bombardment of Kitchen’s charge, but the Everton backs both showed excellent judgement, and several dangerous shots were kept out. At this time the rain blew over, and later stages of the game were witnessed under more favourable conditions. Persisting in their efforts, the Wanderers at last met with success, Greenhalgh scoring a fine goal. This gave them renewed heart, and the game continued at an exciting pace. The Evertonians, however, were still masters of the situation, so far as cleverness was concerned. Continuing the terrific pace the ball was netted by both sides in turn but on each occasion were ruled offside. The visitors, however, kept pegging away, and five minutes from the time Bell scored a third goal for Everton. Final Result; Everton 3 goals, Bolton Wanderers 1 goal.
Everton overcame the Trotters at Bolton last year by 3 goals to 1.

EVERTOM COMBINATION v BOLTON WANDERERS RES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, November 1 1902
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
The first meeting of the above teams took place this afternoon, at Goodison Park, in fine but rather dull weather, before a very good attendance of spectators. Prompt to time the teams lined up, McKay kicking off for Bolton. The opening exchanges were very even, the first real attack being made by Bolton, Herne putting in a fine shot from the wing, Whitley saved with difficulty, but from the left the ball was sent into the net, but the point was disallowed. The Evertonians retaliated in determined fashion, and Rankin opened the score with a magnificent shot. After this Everton frequently attacked, and the Bolton men were kept busily defending for some time. A foul against Everton let in the visitors, and Worthington put in a drop from centre half. Whitley caught the ball, but McKay rushed up, and dashed the ball into the net, and equalised the scores. Another rush by the visitors nearly ended in disaster, McKay sending in a low terrific shot, but Whitley grandly saved his goal. After this escape Everton pressed, but failed to break through the strong defence of the Bolton backs. Rain began to fall at this time, but notwithstanding both teams played capital football. A free kick was granted Everton, and from this Rankin drove hard in, but Grime saved very cleverly. Everton had now much the best of the play, and pressed their opponents hard, but without success. A combined movement by the visitors led up to a strong onslaught, and Picken added a second goal for Bolton with a beautiful shot. The heavy rain made the ground very slippery, and the players had some difficult in keeping their feet. Everton tried hard to make matters equal, and had good shots, but failed to get through. Half-time Bolton Wanderers Reserve 2, Everton Combination 1.

EVERTON’ S TRIUMPH AT BOLTON.
Athletic News - Monday 03 November 1902
By Crossbar
Bolton football is sadly under a cloud this season, and unless the team are capable of much better work in the near future, the club will find itself once more in the Second Division. The directors have cast around for new players, but it is a work of difficulty to sign on men who have a reputation, for clubs are very chary at parting.  Their efforts have resulted in the transfer of “Jocky” Wright, who last season did duty for Sheffield Wednesday, and he was included in the eleven against Everton. What the Bolton vanguard has greatly lacked is a good centre forward, for McKie and Hanson, who have been tried in this position, have failed to fill it in a satisfactory manner. Thus another change was seen, Marsh, who has been doing duty for the Reserve, being given a chance to see if he would be an improvement on the men who have already figured in this position. It was not decided until the last moment who should form the left wing, the directors eventually resolved on Wright and Larry Bell. Everton came without one notable man, Tom Booth, the death of his mother keeping him away, and Russell was put centre half. A change in the backs brought Crelly into the team, he deposing Wolstenholme. Notwithstanding that the Wanderers have fared so badly, their supporters loyally stick to them, and Everton’s visit brought together a crowd of about 10,000. Good gates cannot always be expected by a losing team, and unless they put their house in order, there is every probability that the gates will show a falling off, for one cannot look for a losing team to be constant source of attraction.
EVERTON THE CLEVERNESS TEAM
At the outset the Bolton men did not show up in a very striking manner, and as the game advanced the disparity between the sides was accentuated by the cleverness displayed by the Everton forwards, whose quick and accurate passing enabled them to outwit the Bolton half-backs in the easiest manner. Sham and Jack Bell were very prominent on their side, while most progress on the part of the Bolton men was made on the left wing. In the first half Marsh, who was expected to add strength to the attack, was overshadowed by Russell, who very soon got the full measure of his man, and allowed him very little latitude. After a smart attack by the Wanderers, in which Bell and Marsh sent in good shots which called upon Kitchen, Everton assaulted Thompson’s, charge, a grand centre by Abbott enabling Sharp to score at the end of twenty-six minutes. This success gave a zest to the game, but the home side could not carry their attacks to a successful issue, hence their opponents were leading at the interval by a goal to nothing.
A CROP OF GOALS.
Just on half-time Greenhalgh, the Wanderers’ centre half, had to leave the field owing to a mishap to his leg. The rest enabled Greenhalgh to recover, and when the game was resumed the Wanderers had the conditions in their favour. The first incident of note in this half was a shot by Marsh, who drove the leather with great force against the netting. Everton were not to be held in hand, for a quick dash by the left wing and centre brought Bell within a few yards the goal. The latter dodged Brown and shot low and hard. Thompson appealed to be taken completely by surprise, for the leather passed under his right hand into the net. This reverse acted tonic as a tonic on the Bolton men, who, a few minute later, waged a hot scrimmage in front of Kitchen. The forwards appeared to have lost the art of shooting, but it was not so with Greenhalgh, who steered the ball through a crowd of legs into the net. This happened at the end of 12 minutes’ play, and ringing cheer greeted the performance, for this was the first goal that had been scored at Burnden Park this season out of field play. This success put plenty of heart into the home lot, whose efforts augured well for another goal. This came at length through Bell and Stokes, the latter beating Kitchen, but unfortunately he got in front of the ball ere it left the last player. Accordingly the point was disallowed. Away sped the Evertonians to the other end, where Sheridan did the trick of beating the custodian. He, too, was offside, and Mr. Campbell promptly ruled against the point. A few minutes from the finish Young sent the ball across the field to Bell, who had only Boyd paying him attention.  The Liverpool man showed his opponent a clean pair of heels, and, as he was in front of goal ere either of the backs could interpose, he without the slightest difficulty put the ball into the net.  This put the issue beyond doubt, and Everton ran out easy victors by 3 goals to 1.
REFLECTIONS
Every credit is due to the Everton men, for their victory was not only well earned, but thoroughly deserved. Not in one department of the game could the Bolton men be compared with them. The home side did much better after the change of ends, and they had a fair share of the game. They found Kitchen a lot of work to do, but the forwards did not show that coolness and resource as did those of the visitors.  They were often round the goal, and could the forwards have shot decently, they would have done much better.  Good shooting has been the weakness of the Bolton men since the season commenced.  Kitchen kept a very good goal, and Balmer and Crelley played a capital defence.  It must be said that the Evertonians were never in real difficulties during the whole of the game, it never proving a hard task for the half-backs and backs to cope with their opponents.  The Everton half-back trio were hard workers, Russell doing well at centre.  A clever exposition of good passing was given by the visitors’ vanguard, especially before ends were changed.  Bell and Sharp were more than the opposing half-backs could cope with, and they required a great deal of watching.  On the losers’ side Wright and Bell made a good wing, the inside men giving his partner some neat passes in the second half.  Stokes and White were not particularly strong, and Marsh at centre, cannot be claimed as a success.  He worked hard, but lacks experience.  Taylor and Greenhalgh were responsible for some effective work.  The backs were not at their best.  Bolton Wanderers; - Thompson; Bone and Halliday; Boyd, Greenhalgh, and Taylor; Stokes, White, Marsh, Wright and Bell.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer and Crelley; Taylor, Russell and Abbott; Sharp, Brearsley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell.  Referee; T.P. Campbell, Blackburn. 

EVERTON’S VICTORY AT BOLTON
Athletic News - Monday 03 November 1902
By Junius
Coincidences in football are by no means of common occurrence, therefore, in adding another to the list no further apology need be desired.  Last season Everton won at Bolton by 3 goals to 1; they did ditto on Saturday.  They were without Booth who has suffered a severe bereavement in the death of his mother, and this vacancy was filled by Russell, who has caught the eye of the cognoscenti in Liverpool by his fine work at centre-half with the reverse team.  He is a half-back of more than average merit, and would certainly figure in the League eleven were not the present trio in such exceptional form.  Crelley was given a trial at full-back in place of Wolstenholme, and this was a step for which, I think, the directors may be commended in taking.  Wolstenholme might come out as a full-back in time, though it should be remembered that life is but short.  Crelley is a Liverpool lad, born in 1881, standing 5ft 9in, and weighting 11st 9lb.  He played for Arnot-street School in 92-3-4, Liverpool Celtic 95-97, and Everton Amateurs 98.  It would therefore, be highly satisfactory were this local youth to prove capable of filling the onerous position of partner for Balmer though it is trying him somewhat highly to be called into the team when there are three successive away League matches to be decided.  Everton are like the immortal Micawbar anxiously awaiting for something to “turn-up” as regards this portion of their defence.  Maybe Crelley will furnish the medium by which this bete noir will be exterminated. 

RESERVE TEAMS AT GOODISON PARK
Athletic News - Monday 03 November 1902
By Junius
For the second week in succession the Bolton Wanderers reserve eleven were on view in Liverpool, and they must be highly satisfied with their performances on these two occasions.  They fairly overwhelmed the Anfielders a week ago, and followed this up by sharing the points at Goodison Park.  There was a capital crowd present to witness the proceedings and the attendances at the Lancashire Combination matches on the Everton ground are decidedly encouraging.  The Wanderers held the advantage in the opening half, McKay and Picken scoring for them whilst Rankin added one for the home side.  Shortly after resuming Dixon equalizing and though Everton monopolized the attack in the second moiety, they could not gain the winning point.  The home forwards played a good combined game, especially after the interval, but they were unable to maintain their superiority when within shooting distance.  Rankin, who had displayed such fine form at Manchester the previous Monday in the Lancashire cup-tie with Manchester City, again gave a sound exhibition, whilst Dixon in the centre kept his wings moving in judicious fashion.  Wolstenholme was the most conspicuous figure in the half-back line, and no doubt the Farnworth youth feels more at home in this department than at full-back.  Makepeace also exhibited creditable tactics, whilst the defence was never seriously taxed further behind.  Up to a certain point the Wanderers appeared likely to fully extend the home players, but the rain which fell prior to half-time seemed to affect their movements more than it did those of the Everton team.  Mills proved a rare defender at right back but his partner Struthers, drew upon himself the admonitions of the referee for his illegal methods.  In the second half the visitors fell away considerably but their sound defence pulled them through coupled with the rather erratic work of the Everton front rank when opportunity presented itself.  Next week the reserve teams of our two premier clubs meet at Anfield, when as usual, the League elevens are operating on foreign territory, I suppose there will be the usual crowd present, but on comparative form there is only one team in the running, and that is not Liverpool.  Therefore the Anfielders should win. 

BOLTON WANDERERS TROUNCED.
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 03 November 1902
Down again! That is the result of the Bolton Wanderers' match against Everton, and seeing that they had two-thirds of the play and gave Kitchen twice as many shots as Thompson had—and more difficult ones, too —they may wonder when the tide is going to turn. The Everton defence was brilliant, and compared remarkably with that of Bolton, which loose; but it was legitimately pierced on the occasion, when Stokes, running in fully 30 yards whilst the ball was in the air, was given offside after scoring:; is not too much to say that Everton would not have scored their third goal but for this, for it came from a breakaway directly afterwards. However, there is no denying that the Merseysiders were the better team. They took the easy chances which the faulty half-back play the other side gave them, and defended superbly against perhaps the best attacks the Wanderers have made this season. On the Bolton side Wright was not big success, and L. Bell is too slow for anything, to say nothing of outside left: but Marsh is worth a further trial at centre, and White did not do badly. The weak spot was at right half, where Boyd was too slow for Bell, whilst Thompson was below par, and the backs guilty of getting too far up the field.

BOLTON WANDERERS 1 EVERTON 3
November 3, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Despite their recent defeat, Bolton Wanderers attracted a gate of 10,000 spectators to their match with Everton. The visitors played Crelly at back and Russell at centre half. Tom Booth being absent owing to the death of his mother. The teams were: - Bolton Wanderers: - Thompson goals, Brown and Halliday, backs Boyd, Greenhaigh, and Taylor, half-backs, Stokes, White, Marsh, Wright, and Bell, forwards. Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Balmer (Captain), and Crelly, backs, Taylor, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp Brearley, Young, Sheridan and Bell forwards. Referee T.Campbell
The Wanderers kicked off in fine weather and Bob Greenhaign intercepted two passes from Brearley to the centre, whilst Crelly had no difficulty in repelling a long kick from Stokes. Everton were evidently determined to make the best of the opening stages Jack Sharp putting in a fast oblique shot which skimmed off Brown's head right across the front of the goal. Jocky Wright and Lerry Bell rushed away on the home left and though Balmer sent them back the ball came his way again, and when he repelled it and it was seized by Greenhaigh, who took a rushing kick, slipped and sent wide. A fruitless corner followed two thrown-ins on the Wanderers left to Everton. Sheridan electrified the crowd as he passed one and another of his opponents and working his way to within ten yards of Thompson, he fired in hard and true, the ball rebounding off the goalkeeper and Brown cleared. The Everton goal had a narrow escape, Taylor missing his kick from Bell's shot. Literally into goal the ball rushed, but this time Balmer was the tenth of a second too quick for the Wanderers, or a goal certainly would have resulted. Further exciting incidents occurred in the Everton goal, but only Kitchen's coolness and dexterity saved him from two splendid attacks, Stokes began a brilliant move, and centred from the goal line, and it was miraculous how Kitchen kept on Bell's high shot. Equally amazing was the way in which the succeeding corner was saved, for Marsh shot through a sea of legs, yet the Everton goalkeeper proved equal to the occasion. Now the Blues turned the attack, as with a rapid movement they travelled along the arena. Young's final shot was a low one, and a hem, but Thompson got it away in remarkable style amidst cheers. It was through a mistake on the part of Brown that Everton scored their first goal after twenty-seven minutes play. It came about this way. Abbott robbed the home right very neatly, and sent the ball ahead for anyone of the Goodison forwards to get at, but it went straight ahead to Brown, who failed to clear, but he ought to have done comfortably. Sharp however, pounced on it, getting past Thompson, with ease. Play was somewhat quiet after this, but there was a loud “Oh”when Halliday banged the ball into Young's face with great force. However, the Everton centre rushed for possession, because if he had succeeded they had an open course for goal. However, the ball rebounded to Taylor, who passed to Brown. The latter transferred to Boyd, who gave Kitchen an easy one to save from the middle of the field. Soon after Boyd sent wide, and Sheridan did likewise. After an individual run Bell sent a stinger to the home goal, and Thompson cleared against the upright. Just on half time Grennhaigh retired. Half-time Everton 1; Bolton Wanderers nil.
After a long interval, Everton restarted and instantly they found themselves on the defensive, Marsh delighting the crowd by banging in a hard shot, the ball hitting the post, which held the goal nets up, causing a rare rattle. Off went Everton, and Brown being passed Bell rattled the ball nicely into the home goal by a cannon off Greenhalgh foot, With two goals against the Wanderers, their fate seemed already sealed, but Everton, had a nasty rain dropping in their faces. The obviously handicapped them a lot, Balmer headed out a long shot from Boyd, but Wright brought his head into play, and Kitchen had to fist a greasy ball out. Next the Wanderers got a corner, which was nicely placed, and some skirmishing work in Everton goal proved very lively, Greenhalgh eventually shooting through a sea of legs, and obtaining Bolton's first goal. The Wanderers were now having their full share of the attack, “Jocky” Wright being twice prominent, on one occasion striking the upright with a grand shot. Larry Bell made a good run along the home left, and his centre was a beauty. Stoke met it, and beat Kitchen again, cheering went up at this supposed equalising goal, but it was negatived for offside. There was no doubt about it, the little Wanderer was offside. Of course, the home supporters did not like the decision. Young then scored an offside goal for Everton, and after both sides attacked in turn. Jack Bell ran half the length of the field followed by Brown, and though Thompson came out Bell beat him with a good shot. Final result Everton 3; Bolton Wanderers 1.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVES 2
November 3, 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination
At Goodison-road. A capital game was witnessed. Everton scored first through Rankin, after seven minutes play but McKay soon after equalised. Picken scored again for the Wanderers, who led at half time by 2 goals to 1. In the second moiety Dixon managed to place the Evertonians on level terms, the result being a draw of 2 goals each. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Doyle (d), and Bucknall, backs Wolstenholme, Clark, and Makepeace, half-backs, Rankin, Monks, Dixon, Clive, and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
November 3, 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
The position of Bolton Wanderers one of the oldest clubs in Lancashire is becoming truly deplorable. A little over a week ago, in their eight match of the season, they gained their only point at the expense of Liverpool. Though the points was the outcome of a penalty kick the supporters of the Wanderers were hopeful of better things. Unfortunately for them Everton on Saturday were even unkind than the Anfield road club had been in the previous week. The Evertonians who posses the somewhat unusual grit of, on many occasions, displaying their best form when away from home, were altogether too clever for the “Trotters” and to the chargrin of the latter's still enthusiastic followers, gained a well merited victory by three goals to one. The consequence is that the Wanderers as the result of nine games, have secured a solitary point. One is bound to recognise the decadence of a club which in the early days of the League was of high standing, and there is no concealing the fact, that if the Wanderers are to escape the ignominy of relegation to the second division, there will have to be a manifest improvement in their play, and that at a very early date.
Nowadays there is no such things as practical sympathy on the part of one League club to another. Vital as the acquisition of points were to Bolton Wanderers, so keen is the contest that Everton could not, even if from a sporting point of view they had desired afford to give away any points. The teams, which represented the Goodison-road club, played the game for all they were worth, and disappointing as the result was to the 12,000 or so spectators, who patronised the match, it was generally conceded that the better team secured the victory. In all departments of the game, the Evertonians asserted their superiority. Especially was this the case with the forwards, who adapting themselves to the circumstances indulged in a style of play that completely upset the calculations of the Wanderers' defenders, and particularly of the backs division. Time and again long swing passes from right to left and then vice versa absolutely non-plussed Brown and Haliday. The rare experience and judgement of Bell was in this respect of the utmost value to his side. Taking care not to encroach unduly on the offside rule, he judged the flight of the ball to a nicety, and when ever the slightest opportunity presented itself, he was always a source of anxiety and trouble to the opposing backs. Twice the adoption of these tactics resulted in a goal. It was after the interval that the Evertonians thoroughly tumbled to the close passing, always interesting to watch, was dispensed with for the more profitable methods of long passing and close following of the ball. After the Wanderers looked like equalising, the ball was swing out to Bell, who defeated his opposing backs and sent in a shot that Thompson misjudged, and for the remainder of the game a continuance of the methods adopted created quite consternation in the Bolton camp. Luck rather than management saved the citadel on more than one occasion, but eventually Brearley gave Bell a wide pass, with the result that Brown was easily beaten, and the custodian had to submit to a third defeat. At the close of the game the Wanderers half-backs coped with good success, but when once the ball was in the open they were in difficulties, and it goes without saying that had the visitors adopted their later methods throughout the game the issue must have been of a more pronounced character. General sympathy must be felt with Booth, the Everton captain in the bereavement, which he has sustained in the death of his mother. So expert an exponent of centre half-back player Booth is was no alight task which Russell had to undertake in the endeavor fill his shoes adequately. Moreover it was Russell's first appearance with the Everton League team, and it must be conceded that he came through a trying ordeal with conspicuous success. He in great measure possesses Booth's knack of robbing an opposing forward, and he has their further equlification that when beaten he does not given up, but is ever energetic in the attempt to recover himself from any temporary mistake. The other members of the team got through their work with conspicuous ability, but the criticism of the game would not be complete without mention of the half-backs, who in addition to serving up their forwards, were frequently popping at goal in this fashion of expert forwards. Balmer demonstrates conclusively that his best work is accomplished at right full back, and in goal the work of Kitchen left nothing to be desired. The Wanderers beyond a plucky stand immediately after the resumption gave a poor display, and the performance might truly be written down as fitful. But for the half-backs the side would have been dwarfed into insignificance, for with faulty forwards and unreliable backs, it is small wonder the visitors did not materially increase their score.

BOLTON WANDERERS v.  EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post –Monday 3 November 1902
For the second week in succession the Bolton Wanderers were at home, where they encountered Everton. The visitors showed by far the better tactics, which had the effect of keeping the home backs well engaged. A reverse now fell to the Wanderers. Abbott worked round and placed the ball in front of the goal, Sharp promptly putting it into the net. Excellent football was shown by the visits, whose quick and accurate passing completely upset the calculations of the home half backs.
Half-time score; Everton 1 goal, Bolton nil.
In the second half Everton had to play against the wind and rain, a drizzle having set in during the interval. From the kick off Bolton charged down, Marsh delivering a shot which was only inches wide of the upright. Everton made a quick dash up the field, with disastrous results. Jack Bell, his partner, and Young carried the ball along, and at the close of the run Bell shot hard along the ground, his shot taking Thompson by surprise, the custodian failing to touch the leather as it passed between his feet and the post. The crowd now experienced a disappointment, the referee disallowing what seemed a goal by Stoke. Then Greenhalgh scored for Bolton. Wight minutes from the finish Young passed across the field to Jack Bell, who outpaced Boyd and ran through and scored.
Result; Everton 3 goals, Bolton Wanderers 1 goal.

BOLTON WANDERERS v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 03 November 1902
Played at Bolton, before 10,000 spectators. Booth and Wolstenholme were away from the visitors’ side. Marsh, of the reserve, and Wright, after being away three years, appeared for the Wanderers. Everton had most of the play, and scored after half an hour, Sharp beating Thompson from a scrimmage. Play was quiet after this, Bolton attacking feebly. They could not overcome the visiting defence, for whom Balmer was in great form. Half-time- Everton 1; Bolton, nil.
Everton restarted in a heavy downpour. Thrice their goal was in danger, but the shots were wide. Off went Everton’s right, and Bell sent in, and the ball, striking Greenhalgh, it entered the net. It ought to have been saved by the Wanderer. Greenhalgh shot through a sea of legs, and scored the home side’s initial point. Nearing the end Bell scored Everton’s third. Result; Everton 3 Bolton Wanderers 1.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Crelly and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Bolton.- Thompson, goal; Halliday and W. Brown, backs; Taylor, Greenhalgh, and Boyd, half-backs; Bell, Wright, Marsh, White, and Stokes, forwards.
Referee; Mr. T.P. Campbell, Blackburn.

BOLTON WANDERERS v  EVERTON
Bolton Evening News - Monday 03 November 1902
What can be said of the Wanderers? To say that the defeat they sustained at the hands of Everton on Saturday was the inevitable outcome of their inferiority is nothing new. It is only the painful reiteration of an often told story, and in this summary fashion the defeat might be dismissed. There is absolutely no excuse. The team was outclassed by a superior side. But whilst the season has so far been nothing more than one huge disappointment for nothing more than one huge disappointment for the gallant band of supporters whose loyalty in such distressing times speaks volumes for they popularity of the game in the town, we cannot but think that the club is deserving of some little sympathy. Even admitting that the team is not strong enough for the task in which they are engaged, their chances have been very considerable retarded by the misfortunes they have suffered in respect to players, and either through injury of loss of form, it has been found a most impossible to play the same team two weeks in succession, which means a great deal. Chopping and changing never did work successfully, but in the case of the Wanderers it has been absolutely imperative. No club has suffered more regard to injuries to players. At the present time they have no fewer than four of the regular League men on the injured list, and with others playing much below their usual form the task of the selection committee can better be imagined than described. Under such circumstances no one could justifiably cavil at the experiments which were tried on Saturday. It was found necessary to drop Picken, Hanson and Williams, and with the continue absence of Bannister and Tracey through injuries, Greenhalgh again figured at centre-half, whilst Bell was transferred from inside right to the extreme left. Marsh, the Atherton man, appeared for the first time in League football at centre-forward. White was reintroduced at inside right, and “Jockey” Wright again made his debut with the club at inside left. It was not generally known that neither Brown nor Halliday were really fit to turn out, the former suffering from an injury to the thigh received in the Cup-tie against Bury, whilst Halliday had been up almost the whole of the previous night with neuralgia, but they both took the field, and the team lined up as follows;-
Bolton Wanderers; Thompson, goal; W. Brown and Halliday, backs; Boyd, Greenhalgh, and Taylor, half-backs; Stokes, White, Marsh, Wright, and Bell, forwards.
The Evertonians were at full strength, with the exception of Booth, who the International was not really missed. Russell, who took his place, filled the position with great credit, and the introduction of Crelly, at left full back, was a chance which worked with immense satisfaction. The game calls for a very little mention. With the exception of a short spell immediately after the resumption, the superiority of the Evertonians was strikingly manifest, and their victory by three goals to one was no more than they deserved. For all that, they ought never to have got their second goal, for which Thompson was very much to blame, whilst on the other hand, without wishing to mitigate the defeat, the Wanderers deserved another point. They had very hard lines on one tor two occasions, but somehow or other they could not find the vulnerable spot in Kitchen’s armour. To the magnificent work of their custodian no small share of the credit for the victory gained was due. Without exaggeration we should say that he had twice as much work to do as Thompson, and he did it well. He made some very fine clearances, and could not be accused of making a single mistake. The backs, too, defended grandly, and the intermediate line was excellent. The forwards were much smarter and cleverer than the home quintette, playing a more open and effective game, whilst the passing was made judicious and precise. They were more combined, and played with greater purpose, indulging more frequently in the wide passing which so greatly perplexes a defence. Their methods were altogether more business-like, and on the extreme left Jack Bell gave a splendid exhibition. He credited himself with two of the goals, but the merit of his display did not lie in this fact alone. One scarcely knows what to say of the Wanderers. Everything would seem to be going against them, and whilst efforts are in progress for the improvement of the forward line, a weakness has manifested itself behind. Neither Thompson, Brown, nor Halliday covered themselves with glory, and albeit he made one or two very good saves, particularly one from Young in the first half, the custodian ought to have stopped Bell’s second goal. What the backs were doing when the third was obtained it is difficult to say, but the exception of Boyd, who he easily outpaced, Bell had not a soul between himself and Thompson when the ball was sent out to him. As a line, the play of the half-backs did not command admiration. Though Greenhalgh played a greatly improved game in the second half, and credited himself with the first real goal the Wanderers have obtained at home this season, Taylor was the best of the trio, and with a little more steadiness would prove himself a valuable member of the team. He was the best man on the side in the first half, but his penchant for rushing caused him to make several mistakes subsequently. Boyd did not play up to the form he has been showing and is still lacking in speed. Whilst the forwards showed in creased activity in front of goal, and provided Kitchen with some good shots, their general play, as could not be expected, could not be compared with that of the opposing quintette, either as rewards speed or cleverness. They were opposed to a very sturdy defence, who gave Marsh very little opportunity of exercising his shooting propensities. He seemed to be very well watched, but there were occasions when a wide pass to his wings would have been more beneficial than an individual attempts to go through. Though on the slow side, he is worthy of another trial and there is reason to believe that Wright will effect an improvement on the left wing when Tracey resumes. The right wing was not a great success, and Stokes would do a lot better to get the ball in the centre instead of fiddling about as he not inquietly does in the vicinity of the corner flag. It is expected that both Tracey and Bannister will be able to resume next week, when the Wanderers must either make some show towards moving from the perilous position or prepare for another season in the Second Division.

BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVES v.  EVERTON RESERVES
Bolton Evening News - Monday 03 November 1902
For the second week in succession the Wanderers Reserve appeared in the Mersey City on Saturday, and It redounds greatly to their credit that they have scooped three out of possible four points from the powerful reserved teams the Liverpool and Everton organisations. A week ago they romped round the Liverpudlians to the tune of four goals to one; now they have shared the honours with the Everton reserves at Goodison Park, and had they won, they would have got no more than they deserved. The Everton executive recognising the importance of the engagement placed their strongest eleven in the field, whilst - Boltonians had the services of Hanson—the utility man, who figured at centre half in the absence of Roscoe—Freebairn, Picken, and McKay.
The teams were:—Everton: Whitley, goal; Doyle and Bucknall. backs: Wolstenholme, Clarke and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Monks, Dixon, Clive and Dilly. forwards.
Bolton; Grime, goal; Mills and Struthers. backs: Worthington, Hansen. and Freebairn, half-backs; Horne, Picken, McKay, Knowles and Jackson, forwards.
Losing the toss, the Wanderers started, and in the first few minutes following good work by the amateur, Horne, the ball was put through, but the referee negatived the point. Then Everton exerted pressure and though Mills several times effected timely clearances, the game was only seven minutes old when Rankin, the smart outside right, drove the ball past Grime. The advantage wasshort lived, however, for the Wanderers came smartly, and with splendid shot, McKay, the Dundee man, scored his first goal for the Wanderers. Horne lifted over after a run, whilst McKay gave Whitley a hot shot. Grime's charge was fortunate to escape downfall. Dilly shooting wide from a free kick. Bolton stubbornly held their own, the half-backs being very safe, and again going to the attack they took the lead as the result of capital shot from Picken. Grime saved from Clive, and Struthers frustrated an ugly rush before the interval, which found the Wanderers leading by a couple of goals to one. They had extremely hard lines in not increasing their lead on the resumption, and after midfield play, broke through and Dixon equalised. This was the last goal, though a grand movement by the wanderers was spoiled by a foul. Content to keep their charge intact the Wanderers held out gallantly to the finish. The point was very welcome, though they had to relinquish their hold on the second position in favour of Manchester City Reserve

ENGLAND V SCOTLAND
W' Goldie's Benfit Match.
November 4, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
At Anfield road yesterday. W.Goldie the popular left half of the Liverpool team, took a well-deserved benefit. A match of international character was arranged, players of England and Scotland being chosen from the Everton and Liverpool clubs. as neither teams possesses a Scottish custodian. Montgomery, of Bury turned out. The teams lined up as follows: - England: - Whitley goal, Glover, and R.Balmer, backs, Wolstenholmes, Chadwick (Tc), and C.Wilson half-backs Goddard, Brearley, Raybould, Monks, and Cox, forwards. Scotland: - Montgomery, goal, McCallum, and Henderson, backs, Fleming, Russell, and Goldie, half-backs, Taylor. Livingstone, McGuigan, Sheridan, and Dilly forwards. Although the weather was inclined to be showery, the attendance numbered 5,000 at the start. George Augur, the big man from the Hippodrome, who is 7ft 6ins in height kicked off for England, who early on attacked, the Scottish goal escaping narrowly. The Thistle forwards ran down by cleverly combined play, Whitley saving beautifully from the left wing. The game was by no means a bad one, good play being shown by both teams. After a quarter of an hour's play Dilly opened the scoring with a goal for the Scotsmen. For some time, after this the Englishmen had to defend. Dilly forcing a fruitless corner. At the other end Brearley once had a good chance, shot yards over the bar. Another goal came for the North Country men, through the agency of Dilly, and then England bucked up. Montgomery made three splendid saves, the last one being from Raybould, who had run between the backs. Then Sheridan beat three opponents very cleverly and gave McGuigan possession, the Liverpool forward sending a hot shot over the bar. A grand bit of work by Taylor resulted in Sheridan adding a third goal for Scotland. Amid cries of “play up England” the whites ran down, but failed to pass the backs. At length Goddard got away, but Fleming cleared his centre. Half-time Scotland 3 goals England 1. The Englishmen showed better form on resuming, and twice Goddard, almost got through, while Montgomery saved from Raybould. For some time the Scotsmen had to defend, and after Montgomery had saved a fine long shot from Chadwick, Raybould had a fine effort charged down. Then the Scotch front rank showed what they could do, and for a few minutes quite nonplussed the opposing defence. Whitley had to handle from Taylor, McGuigan, and Dilly, and after Montgomery had performed similarly from Goddard, Sheridan skipped round Glover, and put on a fourth goal for his side. The Englishmen retaliated strongly, and Cox put through, but was offside. Goddard and Brearley each shot badly, and then Scotland again took up the running, Whitley saving splendidly on several occasions. Each end was afterwards visited without result, both Whitley and Montgomery giving splendid exhibition of goalkeeping. Nothing further was scored, and an interesting game ended in favour of Scotland by four goals to nil.

ENGLAND v  SCOTLAND
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 04 November 1902
W. GOLDIE’S BENEFIT
A match between the English and Scotch players of Everton and Liverpool took place at Anfield yesterday afternoon for the benefit of W. Goldie, the popular half-back of the Liverpool club, with whom he has played for the past five years. Not having a Scotch goalkeeper in either team, Montogomery, of Bury, took that position in the Scotch side. The weather was dull and threatening, but nevertheless about 5,000 spectators assembled. The ball was set in motion for England by George Angus, the giant doorkeeper of the Hippodrome. The English soon attacked, and the Scots’ goal had a narrow escape. The Scotch forwards by a pretty combined run attacked in turn, a beautiful shot from the left wing being cleverly saved by Whitley. After some even play, Dilly got hold, and scored a fine goal for the Scots. After this the English team were kept on the defensive for a time, a corner being forced by Dilly, but this proved fruitless. Brearley got an opening, but shot yards too high. Shortly afterwards another goal fell to the Scots through Dilly, and then England played up strongly, Montgomery making three splendid saves. Raybould nearly doing the trick from the last shot. Just before the interval a third goal was scored by Sheridan, and at half-time Scotland led by 3 goals to nil. In the second half Sheridan put his side further ahead, and finally the Scots won an interesting game by 4 goals to nil.

W. GOLDIE’S BENEFIT
Liverpool Mercury - Tuesday 04 November 1902
SCOTCH v  ENGLISH PLAYERS
The large gathering on the Anfield-road ground yesterday afternoon, on the occasion of the above match testified in no unmistakable fashion to the popularity of Liverpool’s clever left half-back. Hailing from Hurlford, in Ayrshire, Goldie threw in his lot with the Liverpool Club some six years ago, and has figured as a prominent member of the League team ever since; in fact, he has never been out of the team with the exception of a short absence through indisposition. The beneficiary served up an interesting fixture, which brought the English and Scottish players of the two local clubs together, and, as neither possessed a Scottish keeper, Montgomery (Bury) volunteered his services. The sides were thoroughly representative, and there was every prospect of a capital game. At the outset the Northern representatives played strong and attractive football, and after the lapse of a quarter of an hour, Dilly, the outside left, opened the scoring. For some little time both Balmer and Glover were kept well employed, and eventually some fine work on the part of the Everton reserve outside left resulted in a second goal. Following this the English forwards were seen to better advantage, but there was no getting in a parting shot, and, racing off, Sheridan and McGugan came near scoring. At length the former player got through, and added a third. After the resumption play was again fairly interesting, and some capital defensive play was witnessed. Scoring was at a discount until Sheridan found the net, and this was the last point gained, the Scottish representatives coming out victors by 4 goals to nil. The players that took part in the game were as follow;-
England;- Whitley (Everton), goal; Glover (Liverpool) And R. Balmer (Everton), backs; Wolstenholme (Everton), Chadwick (Everton), and Wilson (Liverpool), half-backs; Goddard (Liverpool), Brearley (Everton), Raybould (Liverpool), Monks (Everton), and Cox (Liverpool), forwards.
Scotland.- Montgomery (Bury), goal; McCallum (Liverpool), and Henderson (Everton), backs; Fleming (Liverpool), Russell (Everton), and Goldie (Liverpool), half-backs; Taylor (Everton), Livingstone (Liverpool), McGuigan (Liverpool), Sheridan (Everton), and Dilly (Everton), forwards.

EVERTON v. STONYHURST COLLEGE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 05 November 1902
This annual match was played on the latter's ground yesterday, and attracted a large gathering of students and village visitors. The Collegians played a plucky game, but could make little headway against Everton's superior science. The score at half-time was 4 goals to 1 in favour of the visitors, and, after a well-fought half, the game ended—Everton, 10 goals; Stonyhurst, 2.

EVERTON v  STONYHURST COLLEAGUE
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 05 November 1902
Also same article
Manchester Courier - Wednesday 05 November 1902
This annual match was played on the latter’s ground yesterday, and attracted a large gathering of students and village visitors. The Collegians played a plucky game, but could make little headway against Everton’s superior science. The score at half-time was 4 goals to 1 in favour of the visitors, and, after a well-fought second half, the game ended- Everton 10 goals; Stonyhurst 2. 

L.R Roose
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 08 November 1902
(By "Perseus")
L.R. Roose, the gay-spirited young amaetuer, who keeps the Stoke goal, was the subject of a short chat with a brother critic from the Potteries. He doesn't put on the elast bit of "side," said my friend, and is a wonderful well liked by all the professionals, who find in him a most agreeable companion. Roose spends most of his time studying medicine in London, where he lives, I believe with his uncle, Dr. Robson Roose, a distinguished physician, located in the aristocratic district of Hill-Street, Berkeley-square Roose usually joins the team somewhere on its journey on the Saturday; and frequently goes after the match to spend the week-end in wales with his father, who is a clergyman.
Roose's goalkeeping abilities are far in advance of what some Blackburn people might think. Last season he was unable to show his real form at Edwood Park, while a week ago he let through a soft goal. Despite this, he is a really smart man, not perhaps so cool as the ideal custodian and a wee bit daring, but still very good. His eye is keen, his arm strong, and he is agile as well as fearless. You never have and difficulty in picking him out in a scrimmage, as he invariably wears all white.

MURMURS FROM THE MERSEY.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 08 November 1902
I see says "Tom Tiddler,” that League clubs, according to counsel's opinion, are not liable for injuries to their players; the Employers' Liability Act does not apply. Clubs will rejoice at the news, especially the impoverished ones, but they will find, in the end. that it is penny-wise, pound-foolish policy to be niggardly with their players. I have sounded Liverpool and Everton pros, the subject, and their answer is just what might be expected they will run risks that are not paid for. As well might the British Government decline to pay for wounds received by its soldiers in battle, as football club decline to pay for injuries received by its players on the field. There will be a notable slackening of seal if counsel's opinion acted ; football matches become slow as funerals: no more broken bones, no more barked shins even, because the injured players will have to provide their own doctors and sticking-plaster. Of course, there are always two sides to question, and the other side bears hardly on the clubs. Take the case of Bowen and Liverpool, for instance. Bowen cost Liverpool £4OO, and for that they had ‘only 90 minutes' play out of him. According to counsel, they were not liable ; they ought not to have paid. But the case is altogether exceptional, and would be wise, for the sake of few such cases, to penalise other players, to say that under no circumstances, even when they have broken a leg to secure winning goal, will their clubs see the injured players well again?

LIVERPOOL RESERVE V. EVERTON RESERVE
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 08 November 1902
At Anfield. Liverpool pressed with the wind in their favour, and Bowman broke away for Everton, Makepeace shooting intop Perkins hands. He gavce a corner to a second shot by Rankin, and tight play under the Liverpool bar followed. Relief afforded by Hughes let in Parkinson who missed an easy opening in front of the Everton goal who missed an easy opening in front of the Everton goal. Bowman then scored grand, but McGuigan equalised after exciting play. half-time; Liverpool Reserve 1, Everton reserve 1. Soon after resuming Morris got away cleverly and lodged the ball in the net for the Liverpool. Whitley, in goal saved several other hot shots, and Liverpool continued pressing, beating down at last. Everton battled hard to equalise, and Clark ,ade the score two each out of a wild scramble. It was naybody's game to the finish, which was fought out in a downpour. Result; Liverpool Reserve 2, Everton Reserves 2

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 08 November 1902
League match at Blackburn; Exchange Station 12.35; kick-off 3.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Liverpool Reserve v. Everton Combination
Lancashire Combination match, at Anfield; kick-off 3.
Liverpool Res,- Perkins, goal; McCallum, and Orritt, backs; Taylor, Fleming and Raisbeck, half-backs; McGuigan, Parkinson, Hughes, Green, and Morris, forwards.
Everton Combination.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Russell, and Clark, half-backs; Rankin, Monks, Bowman, Makepeace, and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON v  BLACKBURN ROVERS
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, November 8 1902
EVERTON LEAD AT HALF-TIME
Although many lovers of football would be sorely grieved to-day at the hiatus in First League football owing to both local organisations having engagements out of town, their grief would be softened by the drenching torrents which descended all the morning in Liverpool, and which would have made spectators extremely uncomfortable. Those who journeyed to Ewood with the Everton team to witness their encounter with Blackburn Rovers hoped against hope that they would not find Jupiter Pluvius so much in evidence when they reached their destination. Although the Evertonians have shown sound form lately, it would require more than that to ensure victory over the Rovers at Ewood and the Goodison Park representatives who left this morning were about as strong a contingent as the Liverpool club could turn out. Booth was once more in his place at centre-half, whilst Crelly, who gave great satisfaction at Bolton recently, was given a further trial at full-back as partner to Balmer. Everton’s supporters could not find much encouragement in remembering that the Rovers sent them home last year with 3 goals to 1 registered against them. The Rovers’ chief difficulty was the absence of Fred Blackburn, owing to the operation of the ban of suspension.
The morning broke bleak and drear with rain descending in heavy intermittent showers, but as the day wore on matters improved somewhat, and Old Sol endeavoured with some success to pierce the sullen clouds, so that as the hour for play approached the surroundings looked more cheerful. The turf, which looked well enough on the surface, was well saturated, and promised to make the game slow and heavy, which was not to the advantage of the visitors. Ten minutes before the start only a few hundred people lined the rails, though the number promised to be strongly augmented.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brealey, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Rovers;- Joyce, goal; Crompton and Derbyshire, backs; McClure, Logan, and Robertson, half-backs; Whittaker, Watson, Dewhurst, Morgan, and Swarbrick, forwards. Referee, Mr. Howcroft of Bolton. The Rovers’ captain won the toss, but it did not bring any great advantage, the wind being very slight. Young started before 2,000 spectators, and after mild exchanges in midfield Abbott cleared, but immediately after Kitchen’s charge was endangered by a shot from Dewhurst, who receive from the left the Evertonian custodian brought off a brilliant save on his knees in the first minute, after which Crelly cleared cleverly. Play continued in Everton’s territory until Bell made a move, but the Rovers were awarded a throw in, which Abbott neutralised. Then Swarbrick centred cleverly, and Logan took a long shot, which Kitchen just managed to deal with in time. So far the game was well in favour of the home lot, as Kitchen had handled thrice with Joyce comfortable. At length a free kick enabled the Dark Blues to invade the Rovers’ territory, but it was of short duration, and Logan sent the leather once more in the direction of Kitchen. Whittaker followed with a pretty centre, which Dewhurst just missed, and although Logan might have fastened on, he failed to do so. Sharp made a brilliant essay for Everton, but failed a difficult defence in Logan and Robertson. The Rovers came again on their left, when Morgan was afforded a nice opportunity, but shot over. Up to this point the Evertonians had never seemed comfortable, and most of their efforts were easily checked by the home halves. After some weak exchanges in midfield, Sheridan and Bell endeavoured to make a move, but could not travel fast enough on the heavy ground. The Rovers made a smart move down the centre, Watson winding up with an easy long shot, which Kitchen disposed of. It was now evident that the game would be slow, as the turf was already giving out. The Blues advanced slowly, and Young managed to break through their opponents half-line, and put in a strong shot, the first which Joyce had dealt with. The home backs failed to clear, and Everton sticking to their advantage passed rapidly across Joyce’s charge. Crompton and Derbyshire now went shaky under the pressure, and after Sheridan had shot across Brearley fastened on the leather, and, without hesitation, sent direct at Joyce and lowered his colours after fourteen minutes’ play. The Rovers took up the game with great energy, and the leather was very soon in front of Kitchen, when Whitaker and Watson made frantic but ineffectual efforts to equalise, Kitchen clearing cleverly from the latter. Blackburn still had the best of the game, and Everton were fairly under pressure, but the defence responded gamely to all calls upon it, and Kitchen was never caught napping. A free kick put the Rovers in at close quarters, and a swift, long shot from McClure was cleverly fisted out by the Everton custodian, who was afterwards fairly bombarded. After a corner Balmer brought relief, but a pass from Bell went a begging. The home lot were very keen on attack, but Sheridan tricked them, and got the leather out to Bell, but it must be recorded that the Everton forwards were sorely distressed on the heavy ground, and did not shine to advantage, and the major portion of the attack was monopolised by the home lot. After Whittaker and Watson had done good work at close quarters, the leather came out to McClure, who let fly immediately at Kitchen, who did not appear to be quite on the alert, and failed to clear. For the next few minutes after this equalisation the Rovers made a big effort to get in front, and had Kitchen not kept perfectly cool he must have once more been beaten by the leather. The success of the Rovers in getting level was well deserved, as they had played a fine forcing game from the commencement, and it was chiefly owing to Balmer and Kitchen that they did not obtain an early lead. After the Rovers’ forwards had clustered round Kitchen, Morgan put the leather in the net, but he was palpably offside. The visitors lost no time in getting busy on their left, and the ball was sent over to Young, who put in a pretty run, and took the leather in dangerous proximity to Joyce. Sheridan received, and after pretty tactics, passed out to his partner, Bell, who sent in a clean drive, which Joyce had not much chance of dealing with, and once more the Goodisonians were ahead. Restarting, Whittaker and Watson performed splendidly on the heavy turf, and, with great speed, travelled down their wing, and put the leather so neatly before Dewhurst that a score seemed certain, but the home centre forward only responded by skying the leather. The remaining portion of the game to the interval was in favour of the visitors, who worked themselves close up to Joyce without troubling him seriously.
Half-time score; Everton 2 goals, Blackburn Rovers 1 goal.
Final Result; Blackburn Rovers 3 goals, Everton 2 goals.
The Rovers beat Everton in the corresponding game last season by 3 to 1.

LIVERPOOL RESERVE v.  EVERTON COMBINATION
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, November 8 1902
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Owing to the absence of a League match in Liverpool this afternoon, a rare-good crowd assembled at Anfield to witness the Lancashire Combination between Liverpool and Everton, the weather turning out fine after a dirty morning. The following teams did duty for their respective clubs;-
Liverpool.- Perkins, goal; McCallum and Orritt, backs; Taylor, Fleming, and Raisbeck, half-backs; McGuigan, Parkinson, Hughes, Green, and Morris, forwards.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Chadwick, and Clarke, half-backs; Rankin, Monk, Bowman, Makepeace, and Dilly, forwards.
Bowman kick-off, and, after end-to-end play, Monk and Dilly had chances of scoring, but eventually Perkins cleared. Good work by Makepeace and Dilly enabled Bowman to put in a shot which Perkins saved. Hughes, Green, and Morris took the ball to the other end, where a short time afterwards Parkinson missed a distinct chance, and Hughes was also at fault in front of goal. A foul against the Evertonians looked dangerous, but ultimately Fleming sent forward, and Rankin just afterwards took up the running, but the visitors were sent to the right-about owing to foul play. The free kick led to an attack on the home goal, during which a corner was forced, but cleared by Makepeace. Henderson answered well to a further attack, and then Rankin broke away, but was despoiled just beyond the half-line. Another foul against Everton gave Hughes a chance of running clean in, but he lost his opportunity by dallying with the ball. Rankin made away on the right, and, after passing with Monks, he shot over the crossbar. Bowman and Makepeace then had shots at Perkins, who replied wonderfully. Everton gained a corner, from which Perkins was troubled but he succeeded in saving his goal in grand style. During further attacks by the Everton team, Bowman sent in a couple of shots, one being a good low one, and the other very poor, going high over the bar. A little later on, however, he made amends by running clean through the backs and scoring an easy goal after twenty-five minutes’ play. Dilly then ran down, and was only pulled up just in time by McCallum, after which Liverpool attacked on the left, Green giving Whitley a rare handful, which he only got rid off at the Liverpool attempt. Everton retaliated with a corner, and then Bowman again tested Perkins, who brought off another fine save. Bowman forced a corner after Rankin and Monks had been very busy, and on this being scrambled away Dilly gave a good centre, which was very much neglected. On Everton coming down again Orritt beat both Bowman and Monks, and then Rankin shot over after a corner had been gained. Liverpool broke away on two occasions, but nothing startling occurred except a good, long shot from Raisbeck, which was well saved by Whitley. After even play, the Evertonians gained a further fruitless corner, and after a struggle in front of the Liverpool goal Hughes ran through and scored a minute from half-time, which arrived with an even score as follows; Everton 1 goal, Liverpool 1 goal.
Final.0 Everton Reserve 2 goals, Liverpool Reserve 2 goals.

BLACKBURN ROVERS v.  EVERTON
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 08 November 1902
Last season; Rovers 3, Everton 1
Ewood Park presented a sorry spectacle this afternoon, inasmuch as heavy rain had been falling all the morning with unpleasant results. The Rovers’ directorate not to pick the team till just before the match. Fred Blackburn, who is under suspension was, of course, absent from the eleven, and this fact brought to one’s mind a recent unfortunate incident. Tom Booth, the ex-Rover and Everton captain, once more put in an appearance, and this necessitated the leaving out of Russell. The Rovers’ supporters were not in too cheerful spirits as to the result of the encounter, the ineffective marksmanship displayed by their favourites of late not tending to arouse either confidence or enthusiasm. Teams:—
Rovers. —Joyce, goal; Crompton and Derbyshire, backs; McClure, Logan, and Robertson, half-backs: Whittaker, Watson, Dewhurst, Morgan, and Swarbrick, forwards
Everton.—Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly,Backs;Taylor, Booth (Captain),and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Bell, Sheridan, forwards. RefereesJ. T. Howcroft.
The Rovers succeeded in winning the toss, andtook the advantage of a rather strong wind. Shortly after the place kick Dewhurst had an opening, but slipped and missed the opportunity, and the ball went in touch. From the throw-out the Rovers went straight for Kitchen, who was compelled to handle.  The pressure was maintained, and Watson sent in a rattling shot, which the Everton custodian safely cleared. Again the vanguard went forth, and the visitors’ defenders had an anxious time. The Everton eleven now made tracks towards Joyce, but were driven back to their own quarters, and Morgan sent in a long shot which failed in its objective. Swarbrick got going on the left from a pass Morgan, and drove across to the centre, where all tackled by Balmer, got in a shot. A FEW FEET TOO HIGH.
The home forwards were working very smartly in unison, thus enabling them to get away. The Blue and Whites tried to rush away, but McClure got his foot behind the ball, and matters were reversed, Logan, with a long shot, put the sphere into the hands of Kitchen with a beautiful lunge. For the first time Joyce was now called upon, and a minute later Brearley, from a well-placed centre, headed the ball between the Rovers’ uprights. This Success for Everton after 15 minutes, most of which time the Blue and Whites had occupied in attacking the Everton citadel. The boisterous weather did not tend to attract large crowd, and there were only some 4,000 spectators now on the field. The home team, nettled by the visitors’ success, made a vigorous assault on Kitchen, and from the scrimmage in front of his charge shots were showered in quick succession, but the goal was impregnable. From a pass by Morgan, Swarbrick got in a weak drive, which went just wide. From a free kick, Dewhurst received the leather on his head, and struck the cross-bar. The Everton defence was sorely tested, but Balmer and Crelly were conspicuous for great coolness and accurate kicking. The Rovers halves were playing smartly, and feeding well. McClure, with a powerful kick, added the equalising goal, amidst a loud round of cheers. the Everton quintette vainly attempted to break away, but they were hampered by the dexterous Blue and White brigade. A hot outburst saw Morgan transfer to Swarbrick. The latter player got in a weak stroke, which struck the outside of the net. The visitors were at this juncture completely outplayed, for the Blackburn lads again went towards Kitchen and gave him an exceedingly warm time. A melee ensued, and the spectators once or twice thought the ball was through, but their hopes were unrealised. At last the Everton forward line retaliated, and Bell, with a beautiful daisy-cutter, landed the ball past Joyce, who was powerless to avert the score. The golden opening of the game was now missed by Dewhurst, who was standing palpably offside. The ball, however, touched an opponent, and he had only Kitchen to best, but hesitancy robbed him of the chance of equalising. Crompton and his partner were now called, upon, and were equal to the occasion. The Rovers had bad three-quarters of the play, and the fact of their being one goal behind at the interval was chiefly due to the sound defence of the Everton rearguard.
Half-time—Everton 2, Rovers 1.
The spectators listened to selections of music during the interval. Upon resuming Bell tried to beat McClure, but failed, and almost immediately after Brearley drove in a long, swift shot. Little Whittaker lifted the-ball across from near the corner flag, but Crelly cleared. The Everton men now showed better forms and after a smart run Brearley gave Joyce another hard shot, which fortunately for the Rovers struck the cross-bar. When the visitors forward line got near the Rovers’ goal they were dangerous, inasmuch as they showed splendid marksmanship. In this respect this Blue and Whites were sadly deficient. A short shower fell, and the crowd, profiting by their, experience of last week, climbed the railings and took shelter in the covered stand near the press box. The man in blue was utterly helpless, and made the best of a bad job by watching the proceedings with a smile on his face. For the last few minutes the home team were close in the Everton goal, and from a corner a scrimmage ensued,from which someone headed over. Abbott looked like going through, but the was transferred, and Kitchen handled. From another attack Dewhurst got possession, and 'with lightening quickness landed the leather past the Everton custodian, who was quite nonplussed. From the place kickthe Rovers went through, and theball going to the right was driven with great speed by Whittaker at Kitchen. Coming out, it was instantly banged back, but the cool and Deliberate Goalkeeper Cleared. Joyce next received a weak attempt from Bell, but the next few minutes were exciting for the favourites. Sheridan,an exceedingly smart back pass, gave Young the sphere, but it glided from him to Crompton, and forward line was again set in motion. The game was a vast improvement on last week, though at times poor form was displayed by both sides. The tide turned in favour of the visitors, and at times they made rings round the home men. Swarbrick banged across, and Sharp gave a futile corner. Rain came down again, and the light began fail, making things look very miserable. The home quintette broke through, through and just as Dewhurst was going to shoot he slipped, and lost a valuable opportunity. Clever work by halves and forwards saw the Everton citadel in great danger, but the Rovers could not get the ball through. The crowd almost went mad with enthusiasm about eight minutes before time, when Arnold Whittaker received the leather, and with a fine long drive banged it past Kitchen. The Rovers were now leading, and with their success still ripe they again rushed the backs. These, however, transferred play, and Sharp and Brearley looked like scoring. Joyce was compelled to give a corner in defending his goal from the attacks of the Everton men, but the Rovers played for all they were worth. With their second victory of the season in sight they went forth, but were driven back. Crompton now had an exciting time, but amidst loud cheers the whistle blew, and the Rovers left the field victorious.
Result Rovers 3, Everton 2.

VICTORY FOR THE ROVERS AT  LAST.
Athletic News - Monday 10 November 1902
By Quiz
At length Blackburn Rovers have managed to gain a League victory, but only after one of the toughest finishes seen at Ewood Park for a long time. In view of what the Blackburn men had done previously this season Everton might be pardoned for coming to Ewood in very confident spirits, and these at one period of the game looked like being justified to the full.  But I am anticipating. The Mersey team was at its full strength, but the Rovers were without Haworth, whose injury still keeps him out of the game, and Fred Blackburn, who is now undergoing his fortnight’s suspension for the offence committed in the Bury match.
EVERTON OPEN THE SCORING
During most part of the morning rain had been falling in torrents, and though the downpour ceased an hour before the match commenced the ground was in a soddened condition and made anything like a firm foothold difficult to obtain.  Everton had to face the breeze in the first half, and as in many other of their fixtures, the Rovers’ forwards claimed the greater part of the opening exchanges.  Within the first minute Kitchen was brought to his knee with a grand screw shot by Whittaker, but by the play opened out.  Still, on the whole the Rovers did most of the pressing in the first quarter of an hour, but for all that Everton at the end of that time had the distinction of opening the scoring.  The attack was initiated by Tom Booth, who dribbled past three of his opponents and then put the leather out to the left.  Bell was on it in a twinkling, and wasting no time with his centre, Brearley got his head at the ball and steered it well out of the reach of Joyce into the net. 
McCLURE’S FINE SHOT.
The Rovers, nothing daunted by this somewhat unexpected reverse, returned to the attack with undiminished energy, and the Everton defenders were soon in the throes of a terrific struggle dangerously near their goal.  For a time the home forwards found the opposition impregnable, but at length McClure, with one of those fine fast, low shots of his, got the ball past a ruck of players and into the net.  Then followed a grim, hard struggle for the mastery.  The Rovers were oftener attacking than Everton, but their forwards were not so smart in shooting or in seizing upon likely openings.  After Balmer and Crelley had withstood a terrific onslaught by the Rovers’ forwards Bell and Sheridan got nicely away on the left, and the former driving in the ball at a terrific pace along the ground Joyce was beaten a second time, and thereby the Rovers found themselves a goal to the bad at the interval. 
A GRIM TUSSLE
The first half of the game had been interesting, but the second proved positively exciting.  Both teams put in all they knew, but neither side could claim any advantage.  First one goal and then the other was hotly assailed, but the respective defence kept cool heads.  Several aggressive movements on the part of the home forwards were neatly foiled by Balmer and Crelley but just when the spectators began to make themselves heard Dewhurst accepted a centre from Swarbrick and tipped the leather into the net.  What a shout of joy greeted the performance; but it was insignificant compared to that which was elicited by Whittaker when, with a grand effort, he gave his side the lead in the last six minutes of the game.  The crowd clearly thought that victory was assured, but there was an ominous silence when Everton, pulling themselves together for a final effort, fairly bombarded the home goal.  Time after time Crompton, Derbyshire, or Joyce sent back the ball, but just as often did the Evertonians return, and one shot- I think from Sheridan –grazed the outside of the post –a very near thing.  Everton did their level best to get a point out of the match, and they failed only because the Rovers’ defence kept their heads. 
WHAT THE PLAYERS DID.
Under such depressing conditions as prevailed it was impossible for the teams to put forth their best football.  The game was full of interest from beginning to end; it was strenuously fought, and no one could begrudge the Rovers their hard-earned victory of three goals to two.  Joyce had not near so much difficult work to do as Kitchen, but he kept a good goal, and deserves every praise for keeping his nerve in the last few minutes of the play when Everton attacked with such desperate determination.  Crompton and Derbyshire showed a similar quality at that critical period, as well as a fine defence throughout, both kicking and tackling grandly.  The half-back line exhibited a marked improvement on their work against Stoke, but they will be considerably more effective when they cultivate more the art of feeding their forwards with low passes.  McClure was perhaps the best in this respect and this, too, despite the fact that he had to face such a tricky, fast man as Bell.  Logan was often noticeable for clever tackling, and Robertson proved himself the hardest of workers.  The forwards, as a whole, were disappointing, not so much for their work in the open, but for their hesitancy in front of goal and their weak shooting.  The one brilliant exception to this criticism was little Whittaker, who was without a doubt the best forward on the field, and it was thanks to his promptness in seizing an opening that the Rovers were able to claim the victory.  Truth to tell, Watson so far has failed to make him a good partner, and more’s the pity, for Whittaker is playing at the top of his form just now, and if he had a really sympathetic comrade this part of the Rovers attack would want a lot of beating.  Dewhurst was only moderately successful in the centre, for he seldom made the best use of his opportunities.  Morgan fed his partner unselfishly, but would have taken the eye of the crowd more if he had worked harder.  Swarbrick filled Blackburn’s place with distinct credit.  Though Kitchen with a little lock might have saved the Rovers' first goal—the ball went right between his legs into the net—he gave as fine an exhibition of custodianship as has been seen at Ewood this season. Balmer was a host in himself at back, and this can truthfully be said of him without in any way detracting from the performance of his partner, Crelley. Booth was the pick of the half-back basket. Tom always tries to put in his best against the Rovers, but notwithstanding he has yet to share in a victory against his old club-mates. Forward, Everton were good and bad by turns. Occasionally the line got going in nice style, displaying pretty combination considering the nature of the ground and ball, but discarding these tactics they afterwards relied almost entirely upon the wing rushes of Bell and Sharp, who, by the way, were the most successful of the quintette.  Never did a forward line put forth a more determined effort than did Everton in the last five minutes of the game, and it was a distinct feather the cap of the Rovers’ defence that they withstood it. The Rovers have badly wanted a victory, and now they have obtained it their supporters are hoping for better things in the future. Blackburn Rovers; Joyce; Crompton and Derbyshire;  McClure, Logan and Robertson; Whittaker, Watson, Dewhurst, Morgan and Swarbrick.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer and Crelley; Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell.  Referee; Mr. J.T. Howcroft, Bolton. 

EVERTON BEATEN AT BLACKBURN.
Athletic News - Monday 10 November 1902
By Junius
After leading at half-time by two goals one, it was disappointment to find Everton beaten at Ewood Park by three goals to two. They had, with the exception of Booth for Russell at centre-half, the same team that defeated Bolton Wanderers the previous week, but it is a carious coincidence that no matter how strongly the Goodison Park team be going, the Rovers invariably upset their calculations on their own turf.  Everton, with three successive away matches, were prepared to be perfectly satisfied with three points, and the interval score seemed to denote that even this sanguine anticipation would be realized. Still, the team did very well under the circumstances, for the Rovers were badly in need of points. It will be pleasing to the supporters of the club to know that Settle is once more under the trainer's orders, and his presence in the team must of necessity mean a source of strength to the forward division. Sheridan has filled the vacancy with great credit, but Settle is an artist in this position that if thoroughly fit he could scarcely be kept in the background. Everton are fortunate in possessing such a capable understudy to the international as Sheridan.

RED AND THE BLUE RESERVES
Athletic News - Monday 10 November 1902
By Junius
With both our premier League clubs away from home, what would have otherwise been an unpalatable break in local football was filled by the meeting of reserve elevens of Liverpool and Everton, this being the initial encounter in the Combination tourney. Fully 10,000 persons were attracted to the Anfield Ground, an attendance which would have been considerably augmented had the weather been more favourable, whilst the race meeting at Aintree no doubt influenced the dimensions of the gathering. On comparative form the game appeared almost a certainty for the “Blues.” but the home side was considerably stronger than had been the case in the previous Combination matches, and Everton only just managed to avert defeat, though on the general run of the game, they did not deserve to lose the two points. In fact they had the better of the opening exchanges, and loose work by the Anfield defenders let in Bowman, who gave Perkins no chance whatever with a tremendous drive from short range. Up to this point Everton had certainly been the more efficient side, and fully deserved their lead. Nothing but excellent custodianship of Perkins, who displayed old time form throughout, kept the Everton eleven from increasing their advantage, and it was close on the interval when Hughes, the home centre, made a gallant effort, and succeeded in equalizing. Whitley coming out but failing to prevent the plucky Anfielder from gaining what he richly deserved. Another excellent individual performance by Morris five minutes after the resumption, placed Liverpool once more ahead, but from a corner Clarke equalized, and the honours were left divided, a result which just about coincides with the respective capabilities of the combatants.
A GENERAL SURVEY
The game was very stubbornly contested, but did not reach level attained in previous between these second strings. Everton were the more finished in their endeavours, as far as mid-field work was concerned, but they were very lax when within shooting range, though they found Perkins in First  League form when their best efforts were forthcoming. The Liverpool half-backs were not the source of support to the front line that might have reasonably been expected, though Raisebeck,  brother of the League player, improved as the game progressed, and accomplished some capital work in the later stages.  Everton, however, were the better side in this department and Perkins had far more to accomplish than his vis-a-via.  To the supporters of the Anfield eleven his excellent work in goal would come as a pleasing surprise, and, judged by his form in this match, he appears to be regaining his quondam efficiency. The backs in front of him were exceedingly weak, which makes his performance all the more creditable, for they gave him little assistance.  The forwards were also spasmodic in their attempts, but one thing can be stated in their favour, they were not wanting when a favorable opening presented itself. Morris played a capital game on the extreme left, his goal being a very fine one, and it was a reprehensible piece of play on the part of one of the Everton defenders which caused his retirement ten minutes from the close. McGuigan was not a success, and, of the remainder, Green ranked a good second to Morris, though Hughes by reason of his plucky effort which gained the first equalizer, deserves some mead of praise. The Everton front line acted more harmoniously than that of their opponents, but did not by any means realize anticipations. Makepeace shaped well, as did Monks, whilst Rankin was always dangerous when in possession. The halves were well in touch with the men in front, but the backs were very moderate indeed, and, in this respect, both teams were on equality. Whitley kept a good goal; in fact, the respective custodians deserve the greatest credit for their displays. Everton, however, were slightly the better side, but Liverpool played so stubbornly  in the second half against the downpour of rain and a strong breeze that they deserved their partial success.

BLACKBURN ROVERS v. EVERTON.
Sheffield Independent - Monday 10 November 1902
The visit of Everton to Blackburn did not prove so strong an attraction as might have been expected, the spectators at the outside not numbering more than 5000. The Rovers laboured under one serious disadvantage, Blackburn, who under suspension, being away. Russell was also absent, and his place was taken by Booth, ex-Rover player. Everton had rather the better of the opening half, which for the most part was keenly contested. Brearley headed through for the visitors, but shortly afterwards McClure equalised. Nearing the interval, however, Bell got through, and Everton crossed over with a lead of two goals to one. Although at the end of the first half the Rovers found themselves a goal to the bad they had had the most of the play, but a fresh start, being made Everton showed to more advantage, and were very dangerous. This stare of things, however, did not last long, the Rovers playing hard and gaing the upper hand. Dewhurst, amid enthusiasm made the score level, and then Whittaker put Rovers ahead. Result; Blackburn 3, Everton 2

BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 EVERTON 2
November 10, 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
For the second week in success, Everton had on Saturday to make the journey to a Lancashire town, Blackburn being the venue, and in view of the lowly position of the Rovers, the players were hopeful of reversing last season's result, when the Rovers triumphed by 3 goals to 1. The visitors had the full strength, Booth reappearing but Blackburn, who has been suspended, was absent from the home side. Rain, which had fallen heavily during the morning, cleared of half an hour before the start. The teams were: - Everton: - Kitchen goal, Balmer, and Crelly, backs Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs Sharp, Brearsley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Joyce, goal, Crompton, and Derbyshire, backs, McClure, Logan and Robertson half-backs Whittaker, Watson, Dewhurst, Morgan, and Swarbrick, forwards. Young set the ball in motion, and it was early evident that the desperate position in which the Rovers find themselves in the League table would have an effect upon the players. Right from the kick-off a most determined attack was made on the Everton goal, and it was fortunate for the visitors that both Balmer and Kitchen kept perfectly cool. The latter in particular distinguished himself, but so worrying were the tactics of the home front line that it was only with difficulty that the Evertonians could get the ball away from the vicinity of their goal. The first retaliation in the direction of an attack came from the visiting left wing. This however, was soon nipped in the bud, and in a twinkling Kitchen was called upon to negotiate a long shot from Logan. The assault on the Everton goal continued, with out, however, producing anything tangible and then Bell again got away. He was soon brought up by means of a foul and the free kick being of no avail the Rovers once more took up the running. A rather weak kick on the part of Crelly presented the home forwards with a grand opening, but dallying tactics were to no use, and just when the danger threatened Abbott cleared in fine style. The first serious attempt to lower the Rovers colours came from Young, who drove in hard at Joyce. The goalkeeper saved his shot, but the ball hovered around the Rovers goal, and as the result of some clever work on the part of the Everton forwards, Brearley defeated Joyce after the game had lasted 15 minutes. This reverse had an encouraging effect upon the Rovers, who attacked with great vigour, and in a manner which really deserved success. Kitchen however, was the great stumbling block, one of his saves during a period of strenuous attack being wonderfully clever. Apart from a run down by Young, which was unproductive, the Rovers pretty well monopolised the play. Their efforts however, were spoiled by the undue eagerness of the forwards to find the net. Swarbrick on one occasion tried his luck when well placed, only to find that the ball curled the wrong side of the upright. Following a free kick the ball was headed in swiftly, and Kitchen brought off a very smart save. A corner to the Rovers was afterwards conceded, and a few anxious moments for Everton followed. Ultimately Abbott removed the danger and Bell made a move in the opposite direction. This came to nothing, and the next item of interest was a long shot by Derbyshire, the ball being caught and punted away by Kitchen. A moment or two later the Rovers were rewarded, a low shot from McClure taking effect, although Kitchen might have saved it. The shot however, came in unexpectedly, and his colleagues interfered with Kitchen's view of the flight of the ball. The spectators with terrific cheering received the equalisng point, and the applause was renewed as the Rovers exhibiting the utmost determination maintain a vigorous onslaught on Kitchen's charge. This time the Everton custodian was not caught napping. Once the ball was planted in the net, but the whistle had previously gone for offside. Suddenly Young dashed away, and the outcome of a neat movement was that Bell was enabled to defeat Joyce, and once again place Everton ahead. This was after thirty-five minutes, and Everton retained the lead to the interval. Half-time Everton 2, Blackburn Rovers 1.
The game was resumed in a falling light before 3,000 spectators. The first aggressive movement came from the Everton left wing, and this led to a long shot from Young, which went the wrong side of the upright. A free kick enabled the Rovers to make ground. Balmer neatly intercepted a clever centre from Whittaker. In a trickling the Evertonians carried the play into their opponents territory where Young was pulled up for offside. Midfield play ensued until the Rovers got within reach of Kitchen. Their efforts, however, were weak. Next Sharp had hard lines with a rattling shot, which struck the crossbar, the Rovers having a very lucky escape. The home side tried desperately hard to reduce the adverse margin, but Kitchen was not to be beaten. Swarbrick had a nice opening, but his shot was lacking in direction. A heavy downpour of rain interfered not only with the players, but with the comfort of the spectators. Both sides however played with remarkable energy, and the game was always interesting. The Rovers had the better of the exchanges towards the close, and Derbyshire equalised. Whitaker gave the home team the lead, and they held their advantage to the Finish. Final result Blackburn Rovers 3; Everton 2.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
November 10, 1902. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination
Played at Anfield in showery weather, before about 8000 spectators. Both sides were at full strength, Liverpool having Perkins in goal. Everton had to play against the wind in the first half, but were the first to show to advantage. Perkins making several fine clearances. Several corners fell to the visitors without anything resulting, and on Liverpool taking up the running, Whitley saved finely. The Reds forwards were a long time settling down the Everton halves playing a splendid game. Bowman was prominent in several attacks by Everton, and after nearly half an hour's play, he ran through unaided and scored a brilliant goal. Then the Reds got down but finished badly and Perkins was kept busy. He was equal to all demands, and Raisebeck sent in a magnificent shot to Whitley, who saved finely. Just before the interval a dash by Liverpool resulted in Hughes equalising. Play in the second half continued to be vigorously contested, the game being a very keen one all through. Early on Morris gave Liverpool the lead and for a long time the home side showed considerable improvement, and kept Everton on the defence. Afterwards the visitors attacked in determined fashion, and Clark who had shown splendid form, throughout made the score level. Each side tried hard to secure a leading point, but failed, and a capital game in a draw of two goals each . Liverpool: - Perkins, goal, McCallum and Orrill, backs, Taylor, Fleming, and Raisebeck half-backs, McGuigan, Parkinson, Hughes, Green and Morris, forwards. Everton: - Whitley goal, Henderson and Balmer (r), backs Wolstenholmes Russell, and Clark, half-backs Rankin, Monks, Bowman Makepeace, and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
October 10, 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton on Saturday were much kinder to the Blackburn Rovers than they had been a week previously to another Lancashire club- Bolton Wanderers- who require points even more than do the Rovers. At the same time, it was not so much a case of being generous to their opponents, as it was instance of plucky play on the of a team full of determination. Undoubtedly on the day's play no one could begrudge the Rovers the full measure of points, which were so exceedingly welcome to the supporters of the historic club. Indeed, it is a long time since a more pronounced exhibition of delight has been seen at Ewood park than was the case on Saturday, when only a few minutes from time, Whittaker shot what proved to be the deciding goal of the match. Hats were thrown into the air and despite the depressing state of the elements the terrific cheering of the three of four thousand spectators who assembled, called up recollections of a scene which is usually only associated with the English Cup tie final. Seeing that the Rovers have only placed one victory to their credit in the League tournament, it is not to be wondered at that both directors and supporters of the club viewed with the utmost anxiety Everton's visit. Another defeat would have been truly disastrous and certainly, at one period of the game, there seemed every possibility that the Rovers would have another reverse added to their king list of disappointments this season. When at half-time, Everton crossed over with a lead of two goals to one, the outlook from the Rovers point of view was decadently depressing. To the credit of the home team, be it stated, they struck to their work in the most galliant manner possible. They did not give up heart, and playing with an energy worthy of the reputation of the Rovers in their best days, they gradually got the better of the Everton defence and ultimately pulled the game out of the fire in a fashion, as before remarked, which sent their supporters into ecstasy.
Although Everton held the lead at the interval it can hardly be said that this was a true reflex of the general run of the play. Unquestionably the Rovers were responsible for the bulk of the attack, and on more than once occasion were distinctly unlucky in not scoring. To a great extent Kitchen was responsible for the in as much as he kept out some splendid shots which almost deserved to count. Everton's two goals came from sudden dashes on the part of the left wing.on one occasion Booth- the old Rover-tapped the ball across to J.Bell, who raced along in his best form, and finally passed to Brearley who placed the ball into the net, while Joyce the Rovers custodian was vanity appearing for offside. The second goal came with when the visiting front line headed to the other end, after constant pressure, and Bell with a beautifully-judged shot, had sent the ball into the net, without giving Joyce the slightest chance to effect a save. McClure was responsible for the first goal which the Rovers registered. It was a low fast shot and came somewhat as a surprise to Kitchen, who had he been prepared for it. Might have stopped it in time. The other two goals, the Everton keeper had no opportunity of clearing, and the Blackburn victory, under the circumstances, was most meritorious. While not being as clever in their movements as the Evertonians, any luck of science was compensated by the absolute determination and energy which the Rovers displayed right from the kick off, until the final whistle blew for the final. In place of Blackburn who is undergoing a period of suspension, the Rovers introduced at outside left a youth Swarbrick, who, judging by his work on Saturday, is worthy of a sustained trial. Time after time he had such a clever exponent of back play as Balmer in difficulties, and the manner in which he swung the ball across to the opposing wings shows that he has been making of a good outside man. At the other end of the line, Whittaker too, displayed excellent judgement in this respect, and it was but fitting that this player should have had the honour of scoring the winning goal, which was so urgently needed. The Evertonians played by no means a bad game, but the heavy nature of the ground was scarcely suited to the tactics they adopted. It was only on somewhat rare occasions that the forward line got into their real swing, and this was in no small measure due to the harassing methods employed by, the home half-backs. The left wing was certainly the most conspicuous, Sheridan and Bell putting in many of the prettiest touches of the game, and Booth shone above his confreres at half-back, but Crelly though working hard was at times unequal to the desperate onslaught of the Rovers'right wing.

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 10 November 1902
MR. J.J. BRODIE
Mr. J. B. Brodie shares with Mr. R. Holmes the distinction of being the only English Internationals who now control the League matches in which they were once active participants, and if memory serves us right the Prestonian has yet to take his initial First Division match. Mr. Brodie’s playing career was prolonged, and his ambition was to secure an English Cup medal. He happened to play against Preston North End, however, in the final during a season when the Prestonians did unusually well—that is they won the English Cup without losing a goal, and the League Championship without losing a match. Yet the very season following his retirement the “Wolves” won the Cup (in 1893), and if he was not in at the winning of the trophy he had a hand in transmitting the good tidings to Wolverhampton, for when the crowd broke in at Fallowfield his broad back was used as a desk by a journalistic friend. He is one of the few Internationals who have figured both as an attacker and a defender, for he was centre-forward against Scotland and Ireland in 1889, and two years later he was a half-back when playing on his own ground against Ireland. In the old days of County Matches-back so far 1883—he played for the Birmingham Association and the Staffordshire Association, was captain of both in fact, for which he holds caps, jerseys, and medals. Like all old stagers, regrets the fate of the county fixtures, particularly with Scotch counties, for these were enjoyable in every sense. He also figured in aNorth team against the South. He was evidently born to be a leader, for he captained Saltley College, and held that position for Wolverhampton Wanderers until his retirement. When at Saltley he was a full back—one only was played—but on returning to Wolverhampton, rather than oust the then backs—and Charles Mason was at his best —he proffered to play anywhere, and that anywhere was centre-forward, his first match being against Stafford-road, then in the height of their fame; but a sensational game ended in favour of the Wolves by 5—1. The hardest game ever he had was when playing against Lancashire at Stoke. David Russell was the Lancashire centrehalf, and as neither were lambs they had a rare combat, which was continued to the end. Like all good sportsmen Mr. Brodie follows almost any game, has been a cricketer all his life. After giving up football he served on the directorate of the Wanderers until two years ago, when the League prohibited directors from refereeing in the Division in which their club were members. Like many other referees, he is a member of the scholastic profession, being the headmaster at Brewood. It is often said that old players make very unsatisfactory referees, but this cannot be said Mr. Brodie.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 10 November 1902
Nothing could be more depressing than the approaches to Ewood on Saturday, and only a few hundred spectators lined the enclosure just before the start. The turf looked well on the surface, but ten minutes of play made a wonderful difference, and it was quite evident that the side which was best adapted to mud-larking would win. In the early stages of the game Everton never looked like winning, as Sharp and Bell could make any headway, and when Brearley opened the score it was with a very lucky shot. For full twenty minutes the Rovers kept their opponents penned in, and Kitchen, Balmer, and Crelly had to exert themselves to the utmost to stave off disaster. Kitchen effected some capital saves on his knees whilst Crelly was floundering about in the mud, which was particularly thick in front of goal. Young missed a fine opportunity with an open goal, but, as Dewhurst did the same, the loss was minimised. It was in attack where the great superiority of the Rovers was manifested, and though their forward play was not at all finished, every man of the front line worked like Trojans from start to finish, and, considering the state of the ground, their speed and dash was remarkable, and their ultimate victory cleverly achieved and fully deserved.

EVERTON v  BLACKBURN ROVERS
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 10 November 1902
At Blackburn. About 3,000 spectators were present. Teams;-
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Rovers; Joyce goal; Crompton and Derbyshire, backs; McClure, Logan, and Robertson, half-backs; Whittaker, Watson, Dewhurst, Morgan, and Swarbrick, forwards.
The Rovers’ captain won the toss, but it did not bring any great advantage, the wind being very slight. Young started before 2,000 spectators, after mild exchanges in midfield Abbott cleared, but immediately after Kitchen’s charge was endangered by a shot from Dewhurst, who received for the left. The Evertonian custodian brought off a brilliant save on his knees in the first minute, after which Crelly cleared cleverly. Play continued in Everton’s territory until Bell made a move, but the Rovers were awarded a throw in, which Abbott neutralised. Then Swarbrick centred cleverly, and Logan took a long shot, which Kitchen just managed to deal with in time. After some weak exchanges in midfield, Sheridan and Bell endeavoured to make a move, but could not travel enough on the heavy ground. The Rovers made a smart move down the centre, Watson winding up with an easy long shot, which Kitchen disposed of. It was now evident that the game would be slow, as the turf was already giving out. The Blues advanced slowly, and Young managed to break through their opponents half-line, and put in a strong shot, the first which Joyce had dealt with. The home backs failed to clear, and Everton sticking to their advantage passed rapidly Joyce’s charge. Crompton and Derbyshire now went shaky under the pressure, and after Sheridan had shot across Brearley fastened on the leather, and, without hesitation, sent direct at Joyce and lowered his colours after fourteen minutes’ play. The Rovers took up the game with great energy, and the leather was very soon in front of Kitchen, when Whittaker and Watson made ineffectual efforts to equalise, Kitchen clearing cleverly from the latter. A free kick put the Rovers in at close quarters, and a swift, long shot from McClure was cleverly fisted out by the Everton custodian, who was afterwards fairly bombarded. After a corner Balmer brought relief, but a pass from Bell went a begging. The home lot were very keen on attack, but Sheridan them, and got the leather out to Bell, but it must be recorded that the Everton forwards were sorely distressed on the heavy ground, and did not shine to advantage, and the major portion of the attack was monopolised by the home lot. After Whitaker and Watson had done good work at close quarters, the leather came out to McClure, who let fly immediately at Kitchen, who did not appear to be quite on the alert, and failed to clear. For the next few minutes after this equalisation the Rovers made a big effort to get in front, and had Kitchen not kept perfectly cool he must have once more been beaten by the leather. The success of the Rovers in getting level was well deserved, as they had played a fine forcing game from the commencement, and it was chiefly owing to Balmer and Kitchen that they did not obtain an early lead. After the Rovers’ forwards had clustered round Kitchen, Morgan put the leather in the net, but he was palpably offside. The visitors lost no time in getting busy on their left, and the ball was sent over to Young, who put in a pretty run, and took the leather in dangerous proximity to Joyce. Sheridan received, and, after pretty tactics, passed out to his partner, Bell, who sent in a clean drive, which Joyce had not much chance of dealing with, and once more the Goodisonians were ahead. The remaining portion of the game to the interval was in favour of the visitors, who worked themselves close up to Joyce without troubling him seriously.
Half-time; Everton 2 Rovers 1.
On resuming, both ends were visited, and Everton showed better tactics, and a fine shot nearly beat Joyce, the ball striking the upright, Swarbrick, for the Rovers, had a goo opening for centring, but the ball went out of play. A corner fell to the Rovers, but ended in nothing, the ball going over. After seventeen minutes’ play, Swarbrick got in a good centre, which Dewhurst steered into the net. The Rovers had most of the play, but their forwards were by no means what they should have been. Eight minutes from time. Whittaker put the Rovers ahead. Result; Blackburn Rovers 2 goals, Everton 2.

BLACKBURN ROVERS v. EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 10 November 1902
At Blackburn, on heavy ground before 3000 spectators. The Rovers attacked hotly, Kitchen having to save half-a-dozen times before Everton could get away. Then Brearley scored for them for the first goal of the match. After a spell of even play, McClure equalised with a fast, low shot. Bell put Everton ahead, and the Rovers tested the visitors’ defence severely up to the interval.
Half-time; Everton 2; Rovers 1.
On the resumption Everton showed better methods, their shooting being much ahead of the home men. After 17 minutes, however, Dewhurst equalised for the Rovers, who thereupon livened up, Whittaker following with a really grand shot, which Kitchen just got down to at the corner of the goal. With eight minutes to go, Whittaker put the Rovers ahead from a grand effort. Everton tried hard, but failed to equalise. Result- Blackburn Rovers 3 Everton 2.
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Rovers; Joyce goal; Crompton and Derbyshire, backs; McClure, Logan, and Robertson, half-backs; Whittaker, Watson, Dewhurst, Morgan, and Swarbrick, forwards.

EVERTON v. MANCHESTER CITY
Liverpool Echo-Monday, November 10, 1902
Lancashire Cup, 2nd Round, Replayed
Although favoured by a fine autumn weather the second round of the Lancashire Cup, which took place at Goodison Park this afternoon, failed to attract more than a few hundred spectators. Everton played a mixed team, while the Manchester eleven were nearly as League strength. The teams were as follows;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Clarke, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, and Dilly, forwards.
Manchester.- Hillman, goal; Davidson and Slater, backs; Croft, Hynds, and Bevan, half-backs; Guy, Bannister, Gillespie, Turnbull, and Threlfall, forwards.
Gillespie kicked off for Manchester with the sun in his eye, and the visitors went forward, but were quickly repulsed. Following this, Clarke sent across, but the right wingers at once took up the running, and Brierley got through and scored a clever goal in the first minute of the game. After this midfield play ensued, during which each set of halves were heavily engaged. Guy slipped through, and passed to his left, meeting the return and shooting a yard wide. Just afterwards Turnbull shot into Whitley’s hands, and then Balmer cleared out to midfield, and the Everton men endeavouring to break away on the left, Sheridan was nearly robbed by Frost, and Clarke slipping Gillespie ran through, and passed out to his right. Guy centred finely, but Wolstenholme headed away, and Everton followed with an attack on the right at the conclusion of which Rankin shot near the mark. A corner which followed was put over the cross-bar by Clarke. A free kick in the visitors’ quarters yielded no advantage to them, and the home contingent broke away on two occasions, Dilly putting in a couple of sprints and and centred finely at the end of each, but on both occasions there was no one up in time to take advantage of the opportunities offered. Another Everton attack on the right culminated in Rankin shooting high over, and a little later on Bowman shot past the post. After end to end play Gillespie beat Clarke, and ran down the centre, but when he was about to shoot he was grandly beaten by Henderson before a clearance could be made. Turnbull took possession, and shot by the side of the post. Good work by the Everton forwards gave Bowman an easy chance of scoring, but he misjudged the ball, which ran harmlessly out of play. A moment later Bowman was about to rush the ball; through, when he encountered Hillman, who, although brought down, managed to clear his goal. At the end of a bright move by the Mancunians, the forwards were about to close on Whitley, who came out of his goal, with the result that Bannister had too good a chance to miss, and he promptly netted the ball, the equalising point coming after twenty-five minutes’ play. The Evertonians, however, soon took the lead again, Bowman scoring another easy goal at the end of a good move. Subsequently Manchester attacked fiercely all along the line, and on the ball coming out to Guy he at the finish sent in an oblique shot, which, by a great effort, Whitley managed to get away. Sheridan was badly fouled when making for goal, and from the free kick Abbott shot over. Just afterwards Everton gained a corner, which was poorly managed by Dilly. Soon after the kick-out the City men were pressing hard, and ultimately Guy centred, Turnbull taking possession and making the score even once more. From this point to the interval Everton had rather the best of the game, but nothing further was scored. Half-time; Everton 2 goals, Manchester City 2 goals.
Bowman restarted, Everton turning out with ten men, but after the game had been in progress a couple of minutes Henderson appeared and made up the full complement. For some minutes the Everton defence was rather hard pressed, Clarke, Balmer, and Wolstenholme, working desperately hard to stave off some ugly rushes. Whitley nearly lost his goal by coming out of his position, but somehow or other the ball was got away. The Evertonians commenced to get into their strides, Hillman saving from Dilly, after which Clarke kicked at the ball and shot yards wide. The homesters still kept pressing forward, a centre from Rankin causing Hillman to come out and clear. The Citizens retaliated on their left, Turnbull shooting across the Everton goalmouth, Dilly and Sheridan then taking up the running and carrying the work into the enemy’s camp. At the finish of his move, however, Brearley overran the ball, and lost a good opportunity. Abbott robbed a couple of his opponents, and passed forward to Bowman, who, along with Sheridan, managed to force a corner. This was badly placed by Dilly, and enabled Gillespie to break away, but Clarke soon disposed of Threlfall when he came into possession. The Manchester forwards rushed to the point of goal, but offside was given by the referee when they were close up. At the other end a beautiful centre came from Rankin, this being met in the goal mouth by a host of players, most of whom came to grief, and during the struggle the ball went out of play. Just afterwards a very bad foul was evident against one of the City men, and from the penalty which was awarded Abbott shot wide. During a subsequent passing movement by the visitors, Threlfall got in a good centre, which Whitley got away, and a moment later Bannister shot wide from a pass by Gillespie.
Final; Everton 2 goals, Manchester City 2 goals.
After extra time the score remained the same.

EVERTON 2 MANCHESTER CITY 2
November 11, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Senior Cup, second round Replay
Walter Abbott, sent penalty kick wide.
The replayed tie in the second round of the Lancashire Cup Competition was played at Goodison Park yesterday afternoon between Everton and Manchester City though the ground was heavy after recent rain. Everton made three changes from their selected side, but the City were almost at full strength. The teams were: - Everton: - Whitley goal, Henderson and Balmer (r), backs, Wolstenholme, Clark, and Abbott, half-backs Rankin, Brearley, Bowman Sheridan, and Dilly forwards. Manchester City: - Hillman goal, Davidson, and Slater, backs, Frost, Hynds, and Bevan, half-backs Guy, Bannister, Gillespie, Turnbull, and Threlfall forwards. Gillespie started for the City about five minutes after time, before a moderate attendance. Clark was prominent and after a couple of minutes play Brearley scored a capital goal for the home team. Everton next forced a corner, which Dilly placed behind. The Everton half-backs cleared a dangerous rush and then Gillespie shot wide. The same player tested Whitley with a slow shot. The visitors continued to press, but Whitley save splendidly from close quarters. Rankin and Brearley put in some good work, but Bowman got offside. A moment later Rankin, from almost midfield sent in a capital shot, which Hillman tipped over the bar, the corner being put behind by Dilly. The City forwards got down and Henderson headed out from under the bar, Clark clearing. City received the ball, and got close in, but Whitley saved. At the other end, Bowman had a glorious chance, but sent the ball on the wrong side of the post. The City then attacked, and Bannister equalised from a centre sent in from the right wing. A few minutes later, however, the Everton forwards got down, and Bowman put the home team ahead. Guy next shot in strongly, but Whitley saved finely, although opponents surrounded him. Sheridan ran down in promising fashion, but Davidson fouled him just outside the penalty area. Following the free kick, Abbott tried a shot, which went wide. A moment later Hillman saved brilliantly at the expense of a corner, which was fruitless, and then Guy dropped the ball right under the Everton crossbar, and Turnbull made the score equal. Towards the interval Everton attacked, and Hillman cleared from Abbott and Dilly. On the last occasion Dilly put the ball right under the bar, but the City goalkeeper fisted out in fine style. Half-time Everton 2, City 2. Everton resumed with 10 men. Henderson did not return for some minutes, and then limped badly. The City attacked strongly, and the home goal had two narrow escapes. Exciting play was witnessed in the Everton goalmouth before Whitley at last cleared. Sheridan tried hard to get through, but shot wide on two occasions. Slater headed out good attempt by Clark, and the City dashed away, Threlfall's centre going right across the goal and outside. After Hillman had saved three shots in quick succession, Dilly was tripped when close in, but from the resulting penalty kick , Abbott sent wide. The Wolstenholme left the field, and with ten men Everton had to defend for a long period, Whitley, however, saved brilliantly, and on Everton retaliating, Hillman showed fine form in the City goal. Turnbull got right in front of Whitley, only to shoot over the bar. Next Brearley ran clean through, but shot into Hillman's hands from a couple of yards range, and a moment later the City almost scored. Whitley saving magnificently. Just before the close Rankin hit the bar, and when the whistle sounded, the score was still two goals each. Extra time was ordered. Play resumed in semi-darkness. Twice the game stopped, owing to injuries to players, and then a long delay occurred owing to the referee being hurt, that official having been struck with great force by the ball. Play continued to be vigorous contested, and both custodians were called upon. The goalkeeping throughout was very fine, and neither side scoring again the game ended in a draw. Result Everton 2; Manchester City 2.

EVERTON v  MANCHESTER CITY
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 11 November 1902
Lancashire Cup 2nd Round-Replayed Tie
Although favoured by a fine autumn weather the second round of the Lancashire Cup, which took place at Goodison Park yesterday, failed to attract more than a few hundred spectators. Everton played a mixed team, while the Manchester eleven were nearly at League strength. The teams were as follow;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Clarke, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, and Dilly, forwards.
Manchester.- Hillman, goal; Davidson and Slater, backs; Croft, Hynds, and Bevan, half-backs; Guy, Bannister, Gillespie, Turnbull, and Threlfall, forwards.
Gillespie kicked off for Manchester with the sun in his eyes, and the visitors went forward, but were quickly repulsed. Following this, Clarke sent across, but the right winger at once took up the running, and Brearley got through and scored a clever goal in the first minute of the game. After this midfield play ensued, during which each set of halves were heavily engaged. Guy slipped through, and passed to his left, meeting the return and shooting a yard wide. Just afterwards Turnbull shot into Whitley’s hands, and then Balmer cleared out to midfield, and, the Everton men endeavouring to break away on the left, Sheridan was nearly robbed by Frost, and Clarke slipping Gillespie ran through, and passed out to his right. Guy centred finely, but Wolstenholme headed away, and Everton followed with an attack on the right, at the conclusion of which Rankin shot near the mark. A corner which followed was put over the cross-bar by Clarke. A free kick in the visitors’ quarters yielded no advantage to them, and the home contingent broke away on two occasions, Dilly putting in a couple of sprints and centred finely at the end of each, but on both occasions there was no one up in time to take advantage of the opportunities offered. Another Everton attack on the right culminated in Rankin shooting high over, and a little later on Bowman shot past the post. After end to end play Gillespie beat Clarke, and ran down the centre, but when he was about to shoot he was grandly beaten by Henderson before a clearance could be made. Turnbull took possession, and shot by the side of the post. Good work by the Everton forwards gave Bowman an easy chance of scoring, but he misjudged the ball, which ran harmlessly out of play. A moment later Bowman was about to rush the ball; through, when he encountered Hillman, who, although brought down, managed to clear his goal. At the end of a bright move by the Mancunians, the forwards were about to close on Whitley, who came out of his goal, with the result that Bannister had too good a chance to miss, and he promptly netted the ball, the equalising point coming after twenty-five minutes’ play. The Evertonians, however, soon took the lead again, Bowman scoring another easy goal at the end of a good move. Subsequently Manchester attacked fiercely all along the line, and on the ball coming out to Guy he at the finish sent in an oblique shot, which, by a great effort, Whitley managed to get away. Sheridan was badly fouled when making for goal, and from the free kick Abbott shot over. Just afterwards Everton gained a corner, which was poorly managed by Dilly. Soon after the kick-out the City men were pressing hard, and ultimately Guy centred, Turnbull taking possession and making the score even once more. From this point to the interval Everton had rather the best of the game, but nothing further was scored. Half-time; Everton 2 goals, Manchester City 2 goals.
Bowman restarted, Everton turning out with ten men, but after the game had been in progress a couple of minutes Henderson appeared and made up the full complement. For some minutes the Everton defence was rather hard pressed, Clarke, Balmer, and Wolstenholme, working desperately hard to stave off some ugly rushes. Whitley nearly lost his goal by coming out of his position, but somehow or other the ball was got away. The Evertonians commenced to get into their strides, Hillman saving from Dilly, after which Clarke kicked at the ball and shot yards wide. The homesters still kept pressing forward, a centre from Rankin causing Hillman to come out and clear. The Citizens retaliated on their left, Turnbull shooting across the Everton goalmouth, Dilly and Sheridan then taking up the running and carrying the work into the enemy’s camp. At the finish of his move, however, Brearley overran the ball, and lost a good opportunity. Abbott robbed a couple of his opponents, and passed forward to Bowman, who, along with Sheridan, managed to force a corner. This was badly placed by Dilly, and enabled Gillespie to break away, but Clarke soon disposed of Threlfall when he came into possession. The Manchester forwards rushed to the point of goal, but offside was given by the referee when they were close up. At the other end a beautiful centre came from Rankin, this being met in the goal mouth by a host of players, most of whom came to grief, and during the struggle the ball went out of play. Just afterwards a very bad foul was evident against one of the City men, and from the penalty which was awarded Abbott shot wide. During a subsequent passing movement by the visitors, Threlfall got in a good centre, which Whitley got away, and a moment later Bannister shot wide from a pass by Gillespie.
Final; Everton 2 goals, Manchester City 2 goals.
After extra time the score remained the same.

EVERTON v  MANCHESTER CITY
Liverpool Mercury - Tuesday 11 November 1902
LANCASHIRE SENIOR CUP SECOND ROUND
This replayed tie in the second round of the Lancashire Cup competition was decided at Goodison Park, before a moderate attendance. In the first minute Brearley scored for Everton, after clever work on the right wing. Interesting play was witnessed, both goals being threatened alternately, but after 25 minutes Whitley was drawn out of his goal, and Bannister equalised. This state of affairs was quickly altered, Bowman giving his side the lead; but before the interval Turnbull made the scores again equal. After the resumption the game continued to be stubbornly contested, both custodians being frequently requisitioned. Before the finish a penalty kick was awarded Everton, but Abbott shot wide, and when time was called the score was two goals each. An extra half-hour was decided upon, but nothing tangible was obtained, the result being still a draw, which will thus render a third meeting necessary. Result;- Everton 2 goal, Manchester City 2.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Clarke, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, and Dilly, forwards.
Manchester.- Hillman, goal; Davidson and Slater, backs; Croft, Hynds, and Bevan, half-backs; Guy, Bannister, Gillespie, Turnbull, and Threlfall, forwards.

ARBROATH PLAYER'S SUCCESS IN ENGLAND.
Dundee Evening Post - Wednesday 12 November 1902
DILLY AND EVERTON TEAM.
It will be learned with pleasure by his many admirers in this district that Tom Dilly, the old Arbroath forward, is just now playing in rare form, and that has been selected to appear in the first eleven team Saturday first against Sunderland. His displays for the reserve team this season have won for him the admiration of the Directors, and it is not surprising learn of his early promotion. Dilly will therefore have an opportunity of testing Doig, his famous townsman, with his shots. It may also be mentioned that Sunderland intended to play another Red Lichtie, Willie Maxwell, on Saturday against Everton, but owing to his father's death on Monday this player, who has just recovered from a recent injury, will not now play. He is at present resident in Arbroath. Everton's team will be: Kitchen; Balmer and Crelly; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott; Rankin, Brearley, Young, Bell, and Dilly.

EVERTON v  MANCHESTER CITY CUP -TIE
Manchester Courier - Wednesday 12 November 1902
ACCIDENT TO THE REFEREE
Mr. Howcroft, who was the referee in the Lancashire Cup tie between Everton and Manchester City, at Goodison Park, on Monday, met with an accident under extraordinary circumstances during the game. Thew incident happened in the period of extra time, and it appears that Slater, one of the Manchester players in making a clearing kick drove the ball with great force against the referee. The latter was struck in the lower part of the body, and it not only winded him but caused him to fall. As he was falling another player collided with Mr. Howcroft’s shoulder. The referee was dazed for a short time, but recovering he continued to officiate, although he was advised to leave the field. Mr. Howcroft afterwards felt much pain in his shoulder, and on returning to Bolton he consulted his doctor, who found that the shoulder was dislocated.

THE NELSON CENTRE FORWARD
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer and Clitheroe Division News - Friday 14 November 1902
SELLERS
Those who take an interest in Nelson football (says an evening contemporary), will remember the great difficulty the team encountered last season owing to the uncertainty attaching to the centre-forward position. It was occupied by several good men, whose services had, however, to be disposed of for various reason. Who, for instance, could say a word against McDonald's football, when he was in form, but for causesextraneous to the game he was sent back to Scotland. Other men were tried, but constant changes are only a source of weakness. The team is not likely to suffer from similar mistake s this year. Sellers is reliable in every sense of the word. His football is very similar to McDonald's, and he understands the requirements of his position. Full of trickery, he is not often robbed in the field. He passes and feeds his men beautifully, and occasionally treats the spectators to individual efforts. There is no indecision about him, his mind is made up instantly. He has already proved of great service to the team, although some rather hard things were said of him a couple of weeks back when the Rovers were here. Certainly he did not exhibit his usual form, but had the spectators been aware that there was a serious reason for it they would have forgiven him, and perhaps looked upon him rather as a hero. In first ten minutes of the game he had his collar bone smashed, but played to the end. No wonder he was off form! Sellars has played football from being 12 years old, and is an enthusiast of the most devoted pattern. When he was 16 he played with Everton in a trial match against Chester. His position was outside left, but after playing with the toffee team he gave up football, owing to a somewhat serious injury. Subsequently, however,he joined Trawden Forest, and later played for Rising Sun, a Blackburn team. Whilst with this club they won three cup, and three sets of medals. Altogether Sellers has eight medals, which he has received through football. He is a very gentlemanly young fellow, and is appreciated in Nelson. It is hoped that he will soon be fit again. He is progressing well at present.

GORDON
Scottish Referee - Friday 14 November 1902
Vale of Leven, Gordon (late Everton) takes George McKinnlay’s place at right half tomorrow. He played against Renton last Saturday and made a fairly good impression.

Tom Wolstenholmes
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 15 November 1902
Tom Wolstenholmes is a player of promise and is likely to render Blackpool valuable service in the immediate future. He first attracted the attention of the Blackpool committee towards the close of last season when playing in a medal competition match, and before the season finished he assited the team in one or two friendly engagements. he was signed on as a professional just before the present season commenced, and already he has demonstrated his worth, having played some sterling games against Liverpool in the County Cup competition. Born at Little Lever, he has pl;ayed football nearly all his life. At the age of 15 he was figuring regularly with Farnsworth Wednesday -a team of shop assistants. Two years later he signed League form for Everton, but as he had secured a good position in business at Blackpool he only played for Everton reserves on two occasions, and the Blackpool Wednesday, a team of shop assistants had the benefit of his services. Though only 19, Wolstenholmes is a well-developed youth standing about 5ft 10 inches, and weighing about 12 stones. Sam Wolsteholmes, the Everton international, by the way is his brother.

EVERTON RES V BLACKBURN RES
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 15 November 1902
at Goodison Park. The absence of Jones, the visitors left half, delayed the start Blackburn at once made a vigorous against Russell, and Hoagn leading off. Makepeace stopped them, but then Carthy ran down the centre and passed out to Kay, who gappoped for goal. He was pulled up just in time by Henderson for Whitley, in goal, looked none too safe. The ball having removed to the Blackburn end, Sheridan lost a fine chance by dallying with his shot. Eastham did not give them a second chance, and when Bowman renewed the atatck he found McIver ready for him. Aagain Russell and Hogan made play, and brought the ball away at a great pace. Sherdian retaliated with a dashing run, finishing with an unsucceesful claim for a corner. Play for a while settled in the visitors' half, Bowman when going straight for goal passed back. Though McIvor had more to do than the home goaler he was not serious pressed. Eastham and Riley being reliable at back and causing Bowman and his partner to shoot at long range. a couple of corners to the visitors had no result, but Whitley thrice had to clear. The Clarke scored. Half-time; Everton Reserves 1, Blackburn Rovers Res 0. Resuming Everton soon scored again, Bowman putting in a shot which glanced off one of the Blackburn backs into the net. McIver having no chance to save. Whiteley tipped out a captial shot by Hogan. The visitors were by no means done with yet, though they were now defending. Bowman nearly caught McIver napping. Sheridan proved a thorn to the visitors and he ran in repeatedly. Result- Everton Res 2, Blackburn Res 0.

P Sheridan
Nottingham Evening News, November 15, 1902
Most senior clubs see the folly of paying hugh transfer fees, and the junior ranks are closely watched for likely youths. Everton made a sound investment when they signed P. Sheridan (Clyde Junior) last spring.

Everton's Step Down
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 15 November 1902
by John Lewis
Everton's downfall at Blackburn shows, writes a Liverpool correspondent, not so much their want of skill as their want of stamina -they can't stay an hour and a half if resoulately tackled all the time. The clockwork movements of Everton were thrown out of gear by the Rovers; like all delicate pieces of mechanism they soon get out or order. I believe the "Toffees" would have won had they met a team more after their own refined style of play; but sometimes the most skilful duelist is beaten by the mere tyro, who laid about the "Toffees" and whipped them by sheer pluck. Still, victories" do in polities and the result is a step down the League ladder for the "Toffess"
Injured Evertonians
I am afraid Everton will go lower still before they mount higher. Three of their best men are off hurt -Settle, J. Sharp, and Wolstenholmes. Settle, of course, has not played since September 13th, when he got hurst against Newcastle United. His right leg has been in sprints ever since. It is too good to be true, the annoucement that he has resumed training. Secretary Cuff tells me that Settle will not begin to train for two or three weeks yet, and, of course, it will be sometimes after that before he is fit to play again, and still longer if ever, before he is his old self once more. The loss of last season's champion League shot for so long is a serious blow to the "Toffees."

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 15 November 1902
Everton v. Sunderland. League match at Sunderland, kick-off 2.30;
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Brearley, Young, Bell and Dilly, forwards.
Everton Combination v Blackburn Rovers Reserve
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park; Kick-off 2.45.
Everton;- Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Clark, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; McDonald, Monks, Bowman, Sheridan, and Dixon, forwards.

EVERTON v  SUNDERLAND
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, November 15 1902
LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
1 GOAL EACH AT HALF-TIME
The Everton eleven were engaged at Sunderland this afternoon, and in order to meet the fixture the team travelled North yesterday afternoon, the evening being quietly spent at one of the local theatres. This morning the players enjoyed the invigorating breezes of the North Sea, and they appeared on the field in the pink of condition. The weather was beautiful fine, and, despite the counter-attraction of an important launch on the river Wear, a great crowd put in an appearance at Roker Park. There were two changes in the Everton team from last week, Sharp, who is suffering from a strained tendon, and Sheridan both being absentees. This necessitated a rearrangement of the forward line, Dilly, being given the outside left position, while Bell came inside, and Rankin partnered Brearley. Prompt to time the players faced each other as follows;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Rankin, Brearley, Young, Bell, and Dilly, forwards.
Sunderland.- Doig, goal; McCrombie and Watson, backs; Farquhar, McCallister, and Jackson, half-backs; W. Hogg, Robinson, Miller, Gemmell, and Hewitt, forwards. Referee.- Mr. Adams, Birmingham.
The memory of Everton’s sensational victory last season added zeal to the encounter and excitement to the match this afternoon, when the visitors, having lost the toss, Young set the ball in motion against a slight breeze. The homesters at once made ground on the left, but the movement was spoiled by the ball going out of play. From the throw-in the Weirsiders continued their advance, and the leather being sent over to the right wing, Robinson sent in a strong shot which Crelly kicked clear. The visitors then advanced on the left, but McCrombie checked them, and after a further attempt on the part of Bell and Dilly to make ground, Sunderland worked down, and a fine combined effort ended in Robinson shooting just outside. So far, the game had been of an even charcater, but Everton gradually forced their way along on the right, and Watson had to concede a corner. The place kick was splendidly taken by Rankin. The ball struck the upright, and Young, getting the return banged the leather into the net. This success came after eight minutes’ play, and naturally infused great spirit into the visitors who ran down again on the right and Rankin sent in a long oblique shot which caused Doig to run out in order to effect a clearance. Midfield work followed both centre forwards.
DISPLAYING CONSIDERABLE CLEVERNESS
The Wearsiders eventually got the better of the argument, and Robinson was once more prominent, sending in a splendid shot, which Crelly was rather fortunate in interesting, keeping up the pressure, the home front rank gave the Everton defence several anxious moments, and Gemmill had a clear goal in front of him, when, fortunately for the visitors he shot a yard outside. Still the Wearsiders paid persistent attention to Kitchen, and from a pass by Hogg Robinson headed the ball into the Everton custodian’s hands. There was now no mistaking the determination on the Sunderland men, who broke through several times in rapid succession, and it was only the wildness of their shooting that precluded them from drawing level. Gemmill on two occasions put in long shots, which Kitchen dealt with in masterly fashion, and then Robinson looked like getting through when Abbott checked him. After this Everton moved away on the right, Taylor serving his forwards admirably, and Brearley was about to shoot when it was justly pulled up for being offside. Following upon this more midfield work took place. The visitors, however, gradually made ground on the left, but the movement was nullified by Abbott shooting over the bar. The Sunderland right wing was next busy, but Crelly administered a temporary check. A moment later, however, the whole Sunderland front rank moved down upon the Everton goal, and Miller, from a short range, sent in a terrific shot, which Kitchen, fortunately for Everton, passed just over the bar. Sunderland were now playing a remarkably fine game. Evertonians being practically penned in their own quarters, and shots by Robinson and Gemmill were kept out more by good luck than good management. A couple of corners were forced in quick succession, but there were cleared, nothing resulting. The home team, however, preserved with great tenacity, and Robinson got the ball, ran it to within a yard of Kitchen, and then shot. The Everton custodian got the ball between his knees, but before he had time to draw it away Robinson and Miller were upon him, and both the players and their leather rolled into the net together. Mr. Adams allowed the point, greatly to the delight of the home supporters. The teams being on equal terms the game was continued at a great pace. Both goals were visited in turn, Doig having to clear a shot from Dilly, while Robinson gave Kitchen a warm handful. A break away on the part of Booth looked extremely dangerous when Watson intervened very cleverly and sent the leather to the centre line, where Brearley got possession, worked his way through and was within an inch of scoring when the Sunderland left back cleared. Towards the interval, the home team put on further pressure, and both Robinson and Hogg sent in magnificent shots, which Kitchen dealt with superbly, and the Wearsiders were still in front of him when half-time arrived, the score standing at 1 goal each. Play was resumed before a crowd of 10,000 spectators, and at once became interesting and exciting, both teams doing their best to obtain the lead. There was no mistaking the persistence of the Sunderland attack, and it was only vigilance of Balmer and Crelly that kept them from scoring. Eventually, however, Everton made ground, and a combined movement on the part of the inside men looked like being successful when McCrombie nipped in and cleared magnificently. Following upon this there was an exchange of hostilities, in front of both goals, but neither side was able to pierce the defence, though on one occasion Robinson, who was the most prominent of the Sunderland forwards came within an ace of scoring. Final Result; Sunderland 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.
Everton returned from the North last season with 4 goals to 2 to their credit.

EVERTON COMBIANTION v.  BLACKBURN ROVERS RES.
The Liverpool Football Echo, Saturday November 15, 1902
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
The above Combination match took place this afternoon, in fine weather, before a fair gate. The visitors were late in turning out, the game starting ten minutes after time. McCartney gave the initial kick for the Rovers, who were the first to make a dangerous move, but the ball was sent outside. The Everton forwards got away nicely from the goal kick, some pretty play being shown by the front rank, Bowman missing a possible chance by dallying too long. Another attack by the homesters resulted in Bowman sending a rather weak shot to McIver, who saved easily. The game after this was nearly all in favour of Everton. Bowman having another good shot at goal, but hit the side of the net. The Rovers at length broke away, but their stay was very brief, and, in a twinkling, the home men were at the other end, and Bowman was given another opening, but shot too high. A sudden burst away by the visitors ended in Kay getting a nice opening; but just as he was about to shoot he was charged and his shot went wide. Makepeace made a grand attempt to open the scoring, but just failed. For a considerable time Everton kept up a pressure on the Rovers’ goal, but met with a most determined defence. The Rovers’ left wing got away, Greenbank’s shot causing Whitley to concede a corner, but it was fruitless. The visitors were not done with, however, as from an exciting tussle in goal they nearly scored, and another shot from the left just missed the mark by inches. The game was much more even now, but at length Everton got in front, and from Bowman’s pass Monk shot an offside goal. A minute later Clark put on a good point. There was no holding the Evertonians after this success, and they kept pegging away at their opponent’s goal, but without further score.
Half-time; Everton Combination 1 goal, Blackburn Rovers Reserves nil.
Final.- Everton Combination 2 goals, Blackburn Rovers Res nil.

SHERIDAN
Nottingham Evening Post - Saturday 15 November 1902
Most senior clubs see the folly of paying huge transfer fees, and the junior ranks are closely watched for likely youths. Everton made a sound investment when they signed P. Sheridan (Clyde Juniors) last spring.

SUNDERLAND v. EVERTON
London Daily News - Monday 17 November 1902
Favoured with fine weather the meeting between these sides at Roker Park attracted a crowd estimated at fully 10.000. There were changes in both teams. Sunderland pressed at starting, but Everton were the first to score through Young who got through from a corner. Sunderland then played with Increased vigour, and with a swift shot Robinson equalised the score at half-time belng one goal each. After change of ends Sunderland had most of the play, and at the end of fifteen minutes McAlister put them ahead. This advantage was maintained to the end, and Sunderland won by two goals to one.

EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 17 November 1902
Everton went to Sunderland with a team which did not include Sharp, who injured a tendon of the thigh at Blackburn, and will not play for least a fortnight. Rankin took his place, and Dilly made his first appearance in League football at outside left, with Bell as his partner. Dilley, who is 5ft. 7in. and weighs 11st., comes from Arbroath, and was engaged April, when Everton had their long Scottish and Irish tour. Last November Everton gained their only victory at Roker Park 4—2, but they were beaten on Saturday 2—1 in the game of the season on Wearside, As against Wolverhampton, Rankin, who originally went to Goodison Park as an assistant trainer, showed rare football which led up to the first goal. Young Robinson, who equalised, gives promise of making William Hogg a rare helpmate. But McAllister obtained the winning point, and will, we suppose, calmly await the arrival of more piano-; and gold watches. Sunderland had not won since October 4, and their line in the merit table is now rather a curiosity with eleven points for as many matches, with an equal number of goals for them and against them, and with four victories balanced by four defeats. This is Wearside wonder.

SUNDERLAND SQUARE WITH EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 17 November 1902
By Tom Tiddler
The visit of the Everton team to the Roker Park enclosure is generally looked forward to by Wearside supporters of the Association code with peculiar pleasure, for they know from experience that a good game is invariably to be witnessed. Having a vivid recollection of the showing up Everton gave the Northern lads last year there was much curiosity to see what would happen on Saturday, and the weather being on the best possible behavior, that is, for mid-November, some 12,000 persons lined the ropes. Many were doubtful, but all were hopeful of success, and their wishes were gratified to the full, Sunderland winning handsomely by two goals to one.
THE STRUGGLE.
Young set the rolling, and his side were not long in getting to business. With the game eight minutes old Rankin placed a corner grandly, and Young, collaring the ball, from short range clean beat Doig. Play was quiet for some time after this, and then Sunderland pressed in fine style, all the forwards having shies at goal without success.  At the end half hour Hogg placed the ball forward to his partner, and Robinson drove hard for goal. Kitchen stopped the ball when it was apparently over the line, but the other forwards were on him in a moment, and the score was equal. Everton made determined efforts to regain the lead, their forwards executing some fine movements. Sunderland were, however, not giving anything away, and the interval arrived with the score one goal each. In the second period the play was of an up and down character, and so even as to leave the issue very much in doubt. Both sides played for all they were worth, and some exciting episodes at each end were witnessed. About sixteen minutes from the close the visitors cleared strongly from a corner. McCombie, who was near the centre line, returned the ball sharply, and McAllister meeting it on the run breasted it through amid volleys of cheers that might have heard a mile away.  Everton were far from being done with, however, and in the closing stages made desperate attempts to wrest at least one point from the champions. This they failed to do, and they had to retire beaten.
THE PLAYERS CRITICISED.
The game was certainly the beat seen at Roker this season, and I think all present enjoyed it. The play was fairly evenly distributed throughout the game, and whilst Sunderland did more of the pressing than their opponents, there was not a great deal in it; besides, the visitors were nearly always dangerous when they got to close quarters. Really the Everton forwards’ work was excellent, but at times there was just a little too much of the passing business, which was the more noticeable from the fact that the home men went in for the open style of play. Reviewing the game all round, both teams have reason to be satisfied with the display they gave. Now as to the players, Sunderland were best served in the forward line by the right wing, Hogg and Robinson playing nicely together. The new man worked hard, and was a distinct success. The crowd gave him every encouragement, and applauded vigorously when he opened the home score. Miller put in some pretty touches at times, and though slow in the first half he improved later. Gemmill also was slow, and made mistakes, but doubtless his recent sad bereavement had something to do with it. Hewitt, when in possession, always "made” ground, and got in some fine centres. All the halt-backs were tip-top, and played a worrying game all through. The backs were excellent alike in tackling and playing, McCombie giving one of his best exhibitions. Doig brought off saves with his accustomed ability. On the visiting side the most dangerous man was undoubtedly Rankin. His sprinting and centring were a treat to watch, and he was a thorn in Watson’s side. Young proved himself a capable centre, and the goal he got was a real trimmer. The left wing pair were not so prominent, nevertheless they did a lot useful work; indeed, the line, as a whole, left little or nothing to cavil about. Coming to the half backs, Tom Booth was in grand form, his placing and judgment being very rarely at fault. His partners worked hard, though for once in a way Abbott failed to give us some of those telling shots he is noted for.  Balmer and Crelley are a stubborn pair of backs, and take lot of beating. Crelley looked after Hogg in a game fashion, and shapes like a coining back. Kitchen was a masterly custodian.  He was more often tested than Doig, and he was not to blame for the shots that beat him. The game, though a keenly fought one, was conducted in a sportsmanlike manner, and rarely indeed was the referee called upon to penalize a player. Sunderland; Dog; McCombie and Watson; Farquahar, McAllister, and Jackson; Hogg (W), Robinson, Miller, Gemmell, and Hewitt. Everton; Kitchen; Balmer and Crelley: Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott; Rankin, Brearley, Young, Bell, and Dilly. Referee; J. Adams, Birmingham.

EVERTON DEFEAT AT SUNDERLAND
Athletic News - Monday 17 November 1902
By Junius
Everton have not found Wearside a happy hunting ground for points but they created a surprise last season by winning by four goals to two- their first victory in those parts though once before they succeeded in drawing.  With the changes made in the forward division Everton could scarcely hope to equal either of these results, and their defeat created no astonishment.  It was found necessary to provide a substitute for Sharp, who injured his thigh at Blackburn a week ago, and Rankin was tried in his place.  Then the directors decided to give Sheridan a rest, though I see that he was playing with the reserve eleven against the Rovers and the policy was adopted of playing Bell at inside-left to Dilly.  This partnership was the same that played against Glasgow Rangers last May, and the success in this game no doubt influenced the executive in their decision to try the experiment at Sunderland.  Next week Settle will be ready for the fray, Everton hope to have their best team in the field against Stoke.  They have not done as well as anticipated in their three away matches, but they now have two successive games at home, and will doubtless make up some of their lost ground. 

EVERTON RESERVE DEFEAT THE ROVERS
Athletic News - Monday 17 November 1902
By Junius
Another capital crowd was present at the reserve team fixture at Goodison Park, and the home eleven scored a ready victory by two clear goals.  Play throughout was in favour of the Everton team, but they only led by a goal at the interval, gained by Clarke.  Afterwards Bowman added the second, numerous chances of increasing the total being missed by the Everton front line.  These latter were, however, a long way ahead of their opponents.  Sheridan doing well with Dixon on the left wing, whilst at outside right McDonald created a very favourable impression.  The halves were not so prominent as usual, but Balmer at full-back kicked cleanly, though the defence all round was not seriously tested, the Rovers forwards being very dilatory in their attacks.  On the other hand, the visiting backs were a capital display, and McIvor, in goal, proved a rare customary, repelling several stinging shots in good style.  But the play all round failed to produce the interest usually attendant at these matches for Everton had the game well in hand throughout. 

SUNDERLAND 2 EVERTON 1
November 17, 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
In view of their match with Sunderland at Roker-park on Saturday, the Everton team travelled north on Friday, owing to an injury to Sharp, Rankin played at outside right, while Sheridan was rested. Bell playing inside left with Dilly for his partner. Fine weather attended the game, and the teams faced as follows: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott half-backs, Rankin, Brearley, Young, Bell, and Dilly, forwards. Sunderland: - Doig, goal, McCombie, and Watson, bacjks, Farquhar, McAllister, and Jackson, half-backs Hogg (w), Robinson, Miller, Gemmill, and Hewitt, forwards. Referee J.Adams.
Prompt to time Young opened the play for the visitors against a slight breeze. The first movement of any note came from the Sunderland left wing, but opposed to Taylor they were kept well in check, and Rankin made some headway. The ball was, however, quickly back owing to the close attention of Jackson, and when Miller looked like getting through Crelly did well to kick into touch at the critical moment. The Everton left wing pair were then in evidence, but the final touch from Young caused little anxiety to Doig, who cleared, in easy fashion. Soon after a corner was forced off Watson. It was well placed by Rankin, and rebounded from the crossbar. Young met the ball, and with a rising shot completely beat Doig, play having been in progress seven minutes. Following this the Visitors pressed strongly and a low shot by Rankin caused Doig to run out. Pressure was levelled upon the visitor's goal, and on Balmer charging down a shot from Miller, the ball travelled to Gemmill, who had an absolutely open goal, but shot wide of the mark. A couple of minutes later Robinson also had a chance from Hogan, but headed over the line, and their continued the onslaught of the home team aroused much enthusiasm among the crowd. Again Robinson had a chance in front of goal, but harassed lifted the ball high over the bar, and a further attempt ended in Gemmill testing Kitchen with a beautiful oblique shot, which the custodian just managed to reach and clear. There could be no mistaking the earnestness of the home team just now, and but for their faulty finishing touches they must have got on equal terms. Equally promising were the defence tactics of the Everton backs, of whom Balmer was putting in much good work. At the result of fine play by McAllister and farquhar, Robinson sent in a swift shot which Kitchen ably attended to, but a minutes later the custodian was lucky in dealing with an effort from Gemmill and a corner kick, followed to the home side, but it availed them nothing. Had they been at all clever when in range they must have pulled level. At length the persistent efforts of the home team were rewarded. The ball was put to Robinson who, outwitting Crelly, drove in, Kitchen stopped the shot on the line, but before he could get it away the home forwards were on him, and the ball was rushed into the net. Miller was next in evidence with a tricky run down the centre, but was eventually outclassed by Booth, and a further attack ended in Brearley shooting in feebly though he laboured under difficult conditions. The Everton forwards were just now having the greater measure of play, but they found in McCombie and Watson a determined and reliable pair of defenders. However, a long kick from McAllister gave Hewitt a chance but he headed wide, and Rankin Brearley and Young changed the venue. Play slackened down somewhat, but breaking away again the home side were seem at great advantage, and Robinson put in a beautiful shot which, beat Kitchen and struck the post. The ball came to Hogg, who with a fine overhead kick, only a few yards from goal, just skimmed the bar. This was an exceedingly narrow escape for the visitors who were now heavily pressed. McAllister with a long shot was only slightly wide of the mark. Getting to work again the home van were extremely dangerous and one movement looked like being produced when Hewitt was ruled off side. Half time Sunderland 1, Everton 1. There would be about 11,000 present when the game resumed. Immediately the visitors, but strong kicking by McCombie made the running and Watson frustrated their efforts to shoot at Doig. From a free kick again the home right back the custodian had to run out to meet a shot from Taylor. Then Booth placed nicely forward. McAllister scored for Sunderland twenty minutes from the finish, and the home team retained the lead until the Finnish. Final result Sunderland 2, Everton 1.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 0
November 17, 1902. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination (Game 10)
At Goodison park. Even play was the order for some time, and then Everton asserted their superiority, but failed to score until near the interval, when Clark beat McIvor. In the second half, the home side continued to have the best of matters, but could again only obtain one goal. Final result Everton 2, Rovers nil. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson, and Balmer (r), backs, Clark, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs, McDonald, Monks, Bowman, Sheridan, and Dixon forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
Novemeber 17 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
That the Everton team had an exceptionally stiff task on hand on Saturday last was generally admitted, despite the somewhat unsatisfactory performances of late by the Sunderland eleven at Roker Park. Unfortunately, the executive were not able to command the full resources of the club, and the side was of a somewhat experimental nature. Still, there were equally drastic changes to be effected on the part of the home team, owing to transfer and injuries, and there could scarcely be found one who could confidently point out the victors of what promised to be a hard-fought contest. On the Everton side, Sharp had perforce to take a rest, owing to an injury to one of the tendons of his thigh, and every supporter of the Everton club must know what a loss his absence must be to the team. Then again, Sheridan was given a rest, and here again the constitution of the left wing gave rise to some misgiving, which subsequent events demonstrated were not altogether without foundation. Forward play was not of a satisfactory character, and though the Everton Club are to be congratulated upon having at their disposal a most serviceable array of reserves, it must be admitted that in a contest of the nature of that on Saturday, where experience counted much towards success, there was a lack of efficiency shown that stood out markedly to the general run of the methods of the team. To begin with, though Rankin played a fairly successful game as outside right, he was not a Jack Sharp, and to one who has followed the fortune of the game so far this season, Bell is not the deadly agent in the inside position as on the extreme left. It was this upheaval in the Everton forward line that accounted for the failure of the team to repeat the performance of twelve months ago on the same enclosure. Then the visitors for the first time in their career, defeated their opponents after a sensational game by four goals to two, and there could be no question that had the full resources of the club been at command on Saturday last, the result of the game would have been of even more pronounced in character. There was, unfortunately, a lack of the cohesion among the van, which is so essential to success, and as play progressed there was a combination of individual effort, and moderate generalship that rarely gave one hopes of ultimate success. The opening of the scoring favoured the Evertonians, who despite the swagged movements of the forwards, managed to lay an early foundation to victory. Their came about a change which completely turned the balance in favour of the home team. Kitchen shopped a hot shot apparently on the line, and while in the act of saving some half dozen opponents were upon him, and equalising point was successfully claimed. Upon what grounds the point was allowed it was somewhat difficult to apprehend for the referee was certainly not in a favorably placed for adjudicating the point and under the circumstances there was no reason whatever why the defending side should not have had the benefit of the doubt had such existed. The concession of this point to the Wearsiders had a wonderful effect upon their subsequent play, and there could be no question that during the remainder of the play they were the better side, and on the general run of the game were worthy of the acquisition of full points. What with transfers and injuries to players the executive of the northern club were in difficulties as to forward representation, but judging from what transpired on Saturday, they would be well advised in giving the latest quitted a sustained trial. There was plenty of dash displayed, and this combined with cleverness in front of goal, particularly by the outside men should, if Saturday's display be not of an deceptions character, carry them though many severe engagements successfully. They are certainly fortunate in their choice of inside right in the person of Robinson-a local youth-who was unsurpassed on the field for readiness and persistency combined with good judgement in front of goal. Still, taking forward play into consideration, there was a great falling off in the standard of play that has previously obtained in the meetings of the clubs, and from a local point of view, it was unfortunate that the “Blues” were not able to call up their full resources.
At half-back there was a display of dogged determination that savored almost of desperation. For the greater portion the game resolved itself into a tussle between the rival halves, and little indeed was there to choose between them. The ever reliable Booth and the attentive Taylor and Abbott were always in the forefront; and little removed in point of effectiveness were the these half-backs, who taking advantage of the somewhat loose methods of the visitors' forwards, lost no opportunity of making the best of their chances. Back play was a prominent feature of the game on both sides, and from an Everton point of view, it is a satisfactory item to chronicle that Crelly gave a much improve display, and a worthy of a continued trial. McCombie and Watson were powerful factors to Sunderland's and Doig brought of many fine saves but at the same time he was scarcely equal in ability of the Everton custodian, who played a markedly fine game.

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 17 November 1902
FRED KIRKHAM
The name of Preston will ever be revered in Association football circles, and if the North End can only be referred to as a club with a past Preston can at least claim a referee who now occupies a position, keeping with the former reputation of the North End: indeed, Mr. Fred Kirkham is one of the few really first-class referees who have hailed from the town on the Ribble. There may be officials of equal calibre, but none his superior in the handling of a high-class match. He is one of the few prominent referees who have participated in professional football, as a player for several seasons with Sunderland Albion, when that club finished second in the Alliance in 1890. He, however, left home against parental wishes, but, like a dutiful son, returned after short a spell of truancy. While at Sunderland he gained a splendid reputation for smashing up combination. It was part of his game, and it was usually a case of Kirkham or opponent on Mother Earth. He has retained his firmness to this day, for the howling of a crowd has not the slightest effect on his decisions.
Mr. Kirkham claims to have played with the first Association club in Preston, the Wanderers, in 1882, and then for many years was a North End reserve man, during which time the Preston second eleven was strong enough for most clubs, and in its own sphere gained almost as great a reputation as the “Invincibles.’’ Like many others he left Preston to strengthen outside organisations, going to Newcastle West End to fill Kelso’s place, but the West End transferred him to Sunderland Albion. Abandoning the life of a professional, he served a probation a linesman.  After refereeing a couple of benefit referee in 1896 at Darwen, and creating a favourable impression at the onset, he has never looked backward. Though he is one of the new school of officials he shares the common failing, or the general ambition, whichever pleases the reader, to control the final tie for the English Cup some day at the Crystal Palace. If the honours go round his turn will come, or we are much mistaken in our man, for he has a thorough grip of the game and players’ methods. As an instance of his spreading fame, we may say that the other week he was called upon take a Southern League match, although he is not on the registered list of that body. Mr. Kirkham has been an ardent cricketer, and boasts a medal for figuring three successive Preston and District League champion teams, whilst as a wielder of the wooden the bowls he is a past champion of the Fulwood club—one the strongest in Lancashire.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 17 November 1902
STRUGGLE AT SUNDERLAND
Although they were unable to repeat last season’s somewhat sensational performance at Roker Park, the Everton team played a really excellent game on Saturday. The eleven was by no means at full strength, Sharp and Sheridan both being absentees, while the left back position was again entrusted to Crelly. As matters eventuated, the latter was perhaps the better back of the two, his tackling being at all times smart and effective, and his defence generally sound and confident. The inclusion of Dilly and Rankin in the forward line interfered perhaps with the general combination, but both men played sterling football, the whole quintet showing rare cleverness. Young’s goal, which came from a corner kick, was very finely engineered, but there is quite a question as to whether Kitchen was in the net when he got rid of Robinson’s shot. Mr. Adams evidently had no doubt, for he gave the goal immediately. The second half saw some exciting play, and when the homesters eventually succeeded in gaining a lead, they made no mistake about losing it. Both Watson and McCombe defended Doig’s charge with judgement, as a result Everton had to put up with defeat. In Robinson the Wearsiders have an exceeding valuable inside right. The Evertonians as already intimated, did, on the whole, extremely well, and a more accurate indication of the game would have been a draw. Sunderland, however, got the benefit of the doubt- a verdict which was eminently satisfactory to the home supporters.

EVERTON v.  SUNDERLAND
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 17 November 1902
Played at Sunderland, about 10,000 spectators lining the enclosure of Roker Park. There were two changes in the Everton team from last week, Sharp who is suffering from a strained tendon and Sheridan both being absentees. This represented a rearrangement of the forward line, Dully being given the outside left position, while Bell came inside, and Rankin partnered Brearley. Prompt to timethe players faced each other as follows;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Rankin, and Brearley, half-backs; Rankin, Brearley, Young, Bell, and Dilly, forwards.
Sunderland;- Doig, goal; McCrobie and Watson, backs; Fantham, McAlister and Jackson, half-backs; W. Hogg, Robinson, Mitter, Gemmill, and Hewitt, forwards. Referee.- Mr. J. Adams, Birmingham.
The memory of Everton’s sensational victory last season added zeal to the encounter and excitement to the match on Saturday, when the visitors, having lost the toss, Young set the ball in motion against a slight breeze. The homesters at once made ground on the left, but the movement was spoiled by the ball going out of play. From the thrown-in the Wearsiders continued their advance, and the leather being sent over to the right wing, Robinson sent in a strong shot which Crelly kicked clear. The visitors then advanced on the left, but McCombie checked them, and after a attempt on the part of Bell and Dilly to make ground, Sunderland worked down, and a fine combined effort ended in Robinson shooting just outside. So far, the game had been of an even character, but Everton gradually forced their way along on the right, and Watson had to concede a corner. The place kick was splendidly taken by Rankin. The ball struck the upright, and Young, getting the return, banged the leather into the net. This success came after eight minutes’ play, and naturally infused great spirit into the visitors who ran down again on the right and Rankin sent in a long oblique shot which caused Doig to run out in order to effect a clearance. Midfield work followed. Gemmill on two occasions put in long shots, which Kitchen dealt with in masterly fashion, and then Robinson looked like getting through when Abbott checked him. After this Everton moved away on the right, Taylor serving his forwards admirably, and Brearley was about to shoot when he was justly pulled up for being offside. Following upon the more midfield work took place. The visitors, however, gradually made ground on the left, but the movement was nullified by Abbott shooting over the bar. The Sunderland front rank moved down upon the Everton goal, and Miller, from a short range, sent in a terrific shot, which Kitchen, fortunately for Everton passed just over the bar. Sunderland were now playing a remarkably fine game, the Evertonians being practically pepped in their own quarters, and shots by Robinson and Gemmell were kept out more by good luck than good management. A couple of corners were forced in quick succession, but these were cleared, nothing resulting. The home team, however, persevered with great tenacity, and Robinson got the ball, ran it to within a yard of Kitchen, and then shot. The Everton custodian got the ball between his knees, but before he had time to throw it away Robinson and Miller were upon him, and both the players and the leather rolled into the net together. Mr. Adams allowed the point, greatly to the delight of the home supporters. The teams being on equal terms the game continued at a great pace. Both goals were visited in turn, Doig having to clear a shot from Dilly, while Robinson gave Kitchen a warm handful. A break-away on the part of Booth looked extremely dangerous when Watson intervened very cleverly and sent the leather to the centre line, where Brearley got possession, worked his way through, and was within an inch of scoring when the Sunderland left back cleared. Towards the interval, the home team put on further pressure, and both Robinson and Hogg sent in magnificent shots, which Kitchen dealt with superbly, and the Wearsiders were still in front of him when half-time arrived, the score standing at 1 goal each. Play was resumed before a large crowd of spectators, and at once became interesting and exciting, both teams doing their best to obtain the lead. There was no mistaking the persistence of the Sunderland attack, and it was only the vigilance of Balmer and Crelly that kept them from scoring. Eventually, however, Everton made ground, and a combined movement on the part of the inside men looked like being successful when McCombie nipped in and cleared magnificently. Following upon this there was an exchange of hostilities in front of both goals, but neither side was able to pierce the defence, though on one occasion Robinson, who was the most prominent of the Sunderland forwards came within an ace of scoring. Seventeen minutes from time McAllister secured the lead amid tremendous enthusiasm, breasting the ball through. Play was exciting to the close. Result- Sunderland 2 goals Everton 1 goal.

SUNDERLAND v.  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 17 November 1902
Played at Roker Park, Sunderland before 8000 spectators. From the outset the visitors, who had lost the toss, pressed, and seven minutes from the start Young scored for Everton. Twice after this Doig was called on. Half way through the first period Sunderland attacked strongly, but met with brilliant defence. At length Robinson shot into Kitchen’s hands and rushed him through thus equalising. Even play followed to the interval. Half-time-Sunderland 1; Everton 1.
On resuming Everton at once attacked, and Doig saved from a free kick. For some time Sunderland attacked, and play was very exciting, but Kitchen and his backs defended brilliantly. Attack and counter-attack followed, Crelly, Booth, Rankin, Robinson, and Hogg being conspicuous, but the goal could not be pierced. As time approached excitement rose high, and McAllister scored for Sunderland from a corner kick. The game was exciting to the finish.
Result; Sunderland 2 Everton 1.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Rankin, and Brearley, half-backs; Rankin, Brearley, Young, Bell, and Dilly, forwards.
Sunderland;- Doig, goal; McCrobie and Watson, backs; Fantham, McAlister and Jackson, half-backs; W. Hogg, Robinson, Mitter, Gemmill, and Hewitt, forwards. Referee.- Mr. J. Adams, Birmingham.

SUNDERLAND v EVERTON.
Newcastle Journal - Monday 17 November 1902
VICTORY OF THE WEARSIDERS
The Sunderland team were at home at Roker Park on Saturday on the occasion of a visit from Everton in a First League fixture. Netther team had done well this season, and Everton held the advantage perhaps in that they won last season in both their meetings with Sunderland. Both teams were somewhat altered from their usual composition, Settle and Sharp being absent from the visitors, and Barrie and Buckle were dropped from the team that played for Sunderland last week, Gemmell and Hewitt appearing in their places. The weather was fine, though somewhat misty. At the time for starting about 7,000 spectators were present, but the attendance were almost  doubled as the game went on. The teams were as follow :
Sunderland; Goal Doig; Backs; McCombie and Watson; Half-backs; Fauquier, McAllister, and Jackson. Forwards; W.Hogg, Robinson, Miller (Captain), Gemmill, and Hewitt.
Everton; Goal Kitchen; Balmer and Crelly; Half-backs; Abbott, Booth (Captain), and Taylor; Forwards; Dilly, Bell, Young, Brearley and Rankin. Referee; Mr. J. Adams, Birmingham. Linesmen; Messrs T. Shorttle, Middlesbrough, and H. Gray, Darlington.
Miller won the toss and elected to play with the advantage of a slight wind. Everton started the game, and Sunderland pressing Miller had a good opening, but Crelly cleared in good style. A brief visit to Doig's charge was repulsed, and play returning to the visitors’ goal Robinson sent a few inches past the posts. Everton assumed the offensive, and obtaining a corner Rankin sent in a beauty to the right of the posts, which Young promptly transferred to the net, giving Doig no chance to save. The Wearsiders now warmed up, and despite good play and many likely openings seemed fated not to score, Gemmell completely missing Kitchen’s charge when within a few yards and Robinsen twice sending past in quick succession. The defence of the visitors was very sound, and their cleaning was extremely creditable. The Home men obtained two corners in quick succession, but failed to improve them. After half an hour’s play Robinson received the ball when well up the field, and sending in a swift shot Kitchen just managed to catch it between his legs. The impact, however carried him over the line, and several of the home forwards rushed the ball further into the met. During the remainder of the half the play was mostly forced by the home side, but despite some good shooting by Robinson and W Hogg, half ‘time arrived with the score of one goal each.
On resuming, Everton took up the offensive, and some smart forward work was witnessed. Rankin made a good run, but Dilly receiving his pass senit over the posts. Miller made a long Spirit, andwas warmly applauded for his effort, but after clearing, the halves he lost the ball when near the goal line, Crelly returning it to the home territory. A minute later Miller sent a fine shot into Kitchen’s hands. Midfield play ensued for a short time, and then the home forwards carried the leather down and the visiting backs were repeatedly called upon. A corner proved futile, and a short respite being obtained Doig was called upon. Booth sent in a smart shot, which just went over the cross-bar, and when play was transferred to the visitors’ lines. A centre by W Hogg was received by Hewitt, who had just put into Kitchen’s hands when given offside, Sunderland had now the best of game and some good work was done by the right wing. The next point, however, was obtained by McAllister. McCombie having sent in a swift long shot, Kitchen returned, and ’McAllister quickly securing the ball put the leather right into the net. Play became very exciting. Rankin made a Jong shot which Doig just caught at the corner of the posts. A corner was obtained and Taylor sent in, but the ball travelled to midfield. During the remainder of the game the Wearsiders held the advantage, but there was no further scoring. Result:— Sunderland 2 Everton 1.

MANCHESTER CITY y. EVERTON.'
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 17 November 1902
(LANCASHIRE CUP.—SECOND ROUND.)
These teams met, after two drawn games, at Hyde-road, Manchester, in fine weather. There were not more than 3,000 spectators present when the game commenced. There were Reserves in the Everton team, but the home team consisted entirely of reserves. A rather late start was made. Everton played with the wind in their favour, and were soon round the home goal, and After corner given by Holmes had been cleared, Henderson, from quite 30 yards' range, sent in terrific drive, the ball striking the corner the goal and bouncing out play. Soon afterwards Sheridan made a good shot. Some excellent work by the home halves opened out the game, but the City were never allowed to get dangerous. As the result of some sharp passing by the City forwards, Whitley had to throw away from Bannister. A second corner was abortive. Sheridan eventually beat Edmondson with a good shot. Half-time—Everton 2. City 0. The home team began the second half in promising fashion, Whitley just saving from Guy. Rankin, from halt-way raced through the home defence, and shot past Edmondson. Rankin, Sheridan, and Young were all unsuccessful in shots goal. Result- EVERTON 3, CITY 0.

SUNDERLAND v.  EVERTON
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Monday 17 November 1902
VICTORY FOR SUNDERLAND
On Saturday afternoon the Sunderland team was once again performing at Roker, after a lapse of a couple of months. Teams; Sunderland; Goal, Doig, backs, McCombie and Watson; half-backs, Farquhar, McAllister, and Jackson; forwards, W. Hogg, Robinson, Miller (Captain), Gemmill, and Hewitt.
Everton; Goal, Kitcher; backs, Balmer and Crelly; half-backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott; forwards Rankin, Brearley, Young, Bell, and Dilly.
Referee. Mr. Adams (Birmingham). Linesmen Messrs T. Shorttle (Middlesbrough) and H. Gray (Darlington).
The attendance was not large, and was estimated at about 12,000.
THE GAME
Having won the toss, Sunderland decided to play from the south-east end, and at 2.30 Young set the ball in motion. The first attack was by Sunderland, but they fell back, and Everton drove by. Both teams were playing very carefully, and short passing and heading were the chief features of the opening display. From a free kick Everton ran down by the right wing, and forced a corner. The ball from the corner kick was well placed, and as it passed along in front of the goal Young the Everton centre forward, banged it into the net from a very short range. This opening was scored by Everton eight minutes from the start. Sunderland then came into visiting territory and made towards the goal. W. Hogg passed to Robinson, who from short range sent a swift shot at Kitchen, the custodian. The latter dropped down to stop the ball with his hands, and the latter, when he got it, looked to be well over the line. Several players, however, including Robinson and Gemmill, rushed at him, and all of them lay in a heap trying to push the ball a little further towards the net. This they accomplished amid tremendous excitement. This equalising after 29 minutes’ play was greeted with tremendous enthusiasm, and Robinson was heartily congratulated by his colleagues on his goal.
Half-time; Sunderland 1 goal Everton 1 goal.
On re-starting at 3.25 the pressure was opened by Everton. After being kept busy defending for some minutes the Wearsiders managed to cross the half-way line, and Hogg carried the ball further along the wing. Here Robinson centred, and Hewitt, who was standing offside, headed the ball into the goalkeeper’s hands. A shot from Robinson was cleared by Kitchen, and Crelly in face of pressure, gave a corner. A scrimmage followed this in which Sunderland were driven back, and when some distance down the field McCombie shot at the goal. Kitchen cleared the ball away, but McAllister from a crowd of players rushed in and breasted the ball into the goal, and gave Sunderland the lead half an hour after the cross-over. Final- Sunderland 2 goals Everton 1 goal.
NOTES OF THE GAME.
By Referee.
A finer day in mid-November could scarcely have been conceived, and the ground being in excellent condition everything favoured a fast game. The visitors were the first to score, and 20 minutes had passed away before Sunderland equalised. In the second half the winning goal came off McAllister’s breast, and the points remained at home. Each side made a couple of changes from last week. Up to this afternoon Everton had gained two points upon their last season’s comparative results, while Sunderland had lost a couple. Sunderland’s victory to-day therefore practically means a transference of their adverse record to the Evertonians. Everton early began to test the home defence. It was a fast run by Rankin that led to the opening score, and the success of the visitors was quite deserved. For a brief period the exchanges favoured the visitors, and then Sunderland getting warmed to their work put in some really fine pressure. About 25 minutes from the start Miller had a grand chance of drawing level, but, to the great chagrin of the crowd, he sent wide. However, a few minutes later the equaliser was brought about in a sensational manner. Hogg securing the ball after manoeuvring a bit, passed it forward to Robinson, and the latter sent in a fast shot which Kitchen stepped back to clear. In a moment Gemmill and Miller were on him, and a desperate struggle ended in the scores being level. Play was interesting to the interval, which arrived with the teams on equal terms. On the play there was little to choose on the first half. Sunderland did a shade more pressure, but the Evertonians were always very dangerous when they got to the front. The second period opened in quiet fashion. The visitors were the first to get a look in, “bobbing” the ball up and down in close proximity to Doig’s citadel. Sunderland quickly relieved, yet they were not able to stay long at the opposite end. They soon found their way back, and there were some lively skirmishes near the Evertonians’ quarters. Sunderland were repulsed, and the game resumed its give-and-take character. About eighteen minutes from the call of time McAllister breasted through what proved to be the winning goal amid great enthusiasm. It was a peculiar kind of goal, and McCombie is entitled to a good share of the credit, for he it was who returned the ball nicely. From then to the finish there was plenty of excitement, but no more scoring. The game all through was a fine one, and fairly even. Before Sunderland got their second goal the teams appeared to be so evenly balanced that it was difficult to guess which was likely to be winner. The home front rank played an open game, and displayed any amount of energy. Robinson justified the good opinions formed of him at Stoke, and acquitted himself with credit before a crowd that was critical as well as kindly disposed towards him. Hogg and he worked well together, and were, to my mind, the best wing on the field. Rankin was, perhaps, the smartest forward. He strides along at a great rate, and knows how to take the ball with him. Young was very smart in the centre, and Bell proved himself a very useful, if not showy, player. The forward line, as a whole, was a good one. Hewitt was likewise a success, and Miller did some good things, especially in the second half. The halves were at their best, and that is saying a great deal. Further behind, one noted that McCombie showed up better than usual. Watson had a rare handful in Rankin. As usual, Everton were strong at half-back, the three giving nothing away. Balmer was the more reliable back, but Crelly did not play badly. It could be seen, however, that he lacked experience, a fault with us all at a young and tender age. The victory gives Sunderland a much-needed lift in the table. We learn officially that just under 12,000 paid for admission.

MANCHESTER CITY 0 EVERTON 3
November 18, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire senior Cup, round two, Second Replay
These teams met after two drawn games, at Hyde-road, Manchester yesterday in dry and seasonable weather. There were no more than 3,000 people present, when the game began. Several reserves were included in the Everton team but the home side consisted entirely of reserve men. The teams were as follows : - Manchester City: - Edmondson, goal, Ray, and Slater, backs, Robinson, Deardin, and Holmes, half-backs, Guy, Bannister, Bevan, Turnbull, and Booth, forwards. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson, and Crelly backs, Clark, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs, Rankin, Monk Young, Sheridan, and Dilly forwards. A rather late start was made, and Everton playing with the wind were soon round the home goal, and after a corner had been cleared, Henderson from quite thirty yards range sent in a terrific drive, the ball striking the corner of the goal, and rebounding out of play. Soon afterwards Sheridan made a good shot, and some excellent work by the home halves opened out the game, but the City never allowed to get dangerous. After some smart passing by the Manchester forwards, Whitley had thrown away from a harder by Bannister. Then Everton forwards dashed back again, but the defence did not give them many opportunities for shooting. Sheridan however, got one fine shot, which Slater headed away at the expense of a corner. This was soon disposed of, the ball being headed wide of goal. Fairly strong wind enabled the visitors to keep the home side on the defensive. The next man to make an attempt was Abbott, who tried a long shot without success. Deardin interposing. Another corner from Bannister and a second corner to Everton were abortive. Sheridan eventually beat Edmondson with a good shot. Ten minutes after their first success a fusillades by the visiting forwards resulted in Monks sending the ball again into the net, after Edmondson had smartly cleared from another forward. Immediately afterwards the same player sent in another shot, but the City custodian this time proved equal to the occasion. Half-time Everton 2; Manchester City nil. The home team began the second half in very promising fashion. They dashed down the field, and Guy dropped in a long shot, which Whitley only justed tipped over the bar. The corner kick brought nothing, and Everton started to the other end, where a shot by Dilly was charged down. The City got away, and Bevan missed a fine chance. This Rankin got possession, and started from the half-way line and ran clear through the home defence, finally finishing up with a low shot, which gave Edmondson no chance. Everton thus obtained their third goal five minutes after the re-start. From a corner forced and well placed by City Guy, the Everton goal had a narrow escape, the ball only requiring a touch to send it through, but an Evertonian arrived first, and the danger was averted. Near the end, Bevan left the field limping, and just afterwards Edmondson fisted out a fine shot from Rankin, and Everton had the best of matters for the remainder of the game, and won by three goals to nil.

DILLY'S DISPLAYS FOR EVERTON.
Dundee Evening Post - Tuesday 18 November 1902
Dilly on Saturday against Sunderland, and yesterday against Manchester City in the Lancashire Cup, showed some of his best form as an outside left. His shooting from the touch-line (says an English correspondent) were features of his play, and should not be long in finding a regular place in the first Everton team.

LANCASHIRE CUP.-RE-PLATED TIE THE SECOND ROUND. MANCHESTER CITY v. EVERTON.
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Tuesday 18 November 1902
These teams met Hyde-road yesterday to replay their match in connection with the second round of the Lancashire Competition. Each of the two preceding games which had been played between them had ended a draw of 2 goals each, and tossing for choice of venue. City won, with the result that the game took place Hyde-road in glorious weather but moderate attendance. The visitors had a capital side, but City played their reserve team in its entirety. From the start Everton pressed, Rankin and Dilly the outside wings being very dangerous. Edmondson saved cleverly and then Henderson hit the corner of the upright with fine shot, whilst Russell missed by inches only. The City forwards made several efforts to get away, but Henderson and Crelley easily dealt with the attack. Turnbull was prominent with pretty work which placed Bevan in good position, but "Henderson cleared. Then for the first time Whitley had save from a header by Turnbull. but aided by a strong wind had all play, and Slater twice headed out from Abbott and Monks. The visitors' forwards, however, dallied too much in front of goal, whilst Slater and Ray offered stout, resistance, but after 20 minutes' play Rankin centred cleverly and Young shota fine goal.. Half time arrived with the score: Everton, 1 goals; Manchester City, 0.
On resuming. City took up the attack mainly through Bovan, and Whitley, at the expense of a corner, had to save a high curling shot from Guy. Five minutes from the restart Rankin raced round and scored with a fast low shot, which gave Edmondson no chance. Afterwards the home goal had further narrow escapes, but City were playing much better with the wind, and after a abortive corner, Whitley made a brilliant save from Guy. Everton were, however, far too clever for the - home side, and matters pretty nearly all their own way. City forwards were easily held by the opposing halves, Bannister; who worked very hard, and from a foul committed against him, Robinson shot many yards over the bar. City pressed in the last few minutes, but without avail. Result: Manchester City 0, Everton 3
Remarks on the Game.
As the score would appear to indicate, the Everton men were all intents and purposes masters of the situation throughout the game, which is not surprising;, considering that the Mancunians placed their second string in the field in its entirety. That wellset-up player Who on the previous occasion that the GoodisonPark men figured at Hyde-road defended his charge with so much ability, had comparatively little this instance, for the Everton backs and half-backs scarcely ever allowed the City reserve forward line get into that swing which has won them' many matches. The advantage in weight which the winners possessed, particularly in the rear division, was also a material factor in game, but all the same the Everton men gave a good display. Young and Rankin the forward line, Abbott and Russell at half-back, and Crelly and Henderson the back division, being particularly fine. The third goal Rankin was possibly, the result best effort, of the afternoon. Getting the ball about midfield. this player dribbled at a tremendous pace and shaking off Slater he crowned everything by beating Edmondson with a capital shot. Rankin it may be mentioned. acts as assistant trainer to the club. As regards the City team, Guy, Bannister and Turnbull were the pick the forward line, while Dearsden acquiited himself well at centre half, though he had a troublesome customer to deal with in Young.

REPLAYED LANCASHIRE CUP TIE
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 18 November 1902
EVERTON v.  MANCHESTER CITY
These teams met for the third time in the second round of the Lancashire Senior Cup at Manchester, in beautiful weather. The City played their Reserve team. From the start Everton pressed hotly. Rankin and Dilly centred finely, and Henderson, from full back, hit the post with a grand shot. Edmundson then saved from Monks, whilst a minute later Russell grazed from close quarters. The City were seldom dangerous, and the home defence was severely tested. Slater headed away terrific shots from Monks and Abbott, whilst Young, with a clear opening, shot over the bar. Young scored after twenty minutes’ play, and Sheridan added a second ten minutes later. Everton had all the play, but took matters easily, the visitors halves easily holding the home forwards.
Half-time; Everton 2 goals, Manchester City nil.
On resuming, Whitley had to save from Guy, at the expense of a corner. Rankin, however, scored four minutes from the restart, and afterwards the home goal had many narrow escapes. The City were now shaping much better, and Whitley saved grandly from Guy, after Crelly had conceded a corner. The last-named had to concede another flag-kick, which proved fruitless, and Dilly, at the other end, shot yards too high with a clear opening.
Final; Everton 3 goals, Manchester City nil.

MANCHESTER CITY v.  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Tuesday 18 November 1902
LANCASHIRE SENIOR CUP-SECOND ROUND
These teams met at Hyde-road, Manchester, yesterday, before 4000 spectators. City played their reserve team, and the visitors had nearly all the game, whilst taking matters easily. Young and Sheridan scored for Everton in the first half, and Rankin in the second, the visitors winning easily.
Result; Everton 3 goals, Manchester City, nil.

EVERTON PLAYER TRANSFERRED TO BLACKBURN ROVERS
Manchester Evening News - Tuesday 18 November 1902
At the conclusion of the Lancashire Cup tie at Hyde Road yesterday, Blackburn Rovers came to terms with Everton for the transfer of Monks, their reserve forward. Like Tom Booth, Monks is an Ashtonian, and was first heard of with Stalybridge Rovers, where Bury discovered him. Everton gave Bury a fancy price for him at the beginning of the season. Monks, who will play inside right with the Rovers, gave a capital exhibition yesterday.

LANCASHIRE CUP- RE-PLAYED TIE IN THE SECOND ROUND
Manchester Courier - Tuesday 18 November 1902
MANCHESTER CITY v  EVERTON
These teams met at Hyde-road yesterday to replay their match in connection with the second round of the Lancashire Cup Competition. Each of the two preceding games which had been played between them had ended in a draw of goals each, and tossing up for choice of venue. City won, with the result that the game took place Hyde-read in glorious weather,but before a moderate attendance. The visitors had a capital side, but City played their reserve team in its entirety. From the start pressed, Rankin and Dilly the outside wings being very dangerous. Edmondsson saved cleverly and then Henderson hit the corner of the upright with fine shot, whilst Russell missed by inches only. The City forwards made several efforts to get away, but Henderson and Crelley easily dealt with the attack. Turnbull was prominent with pretty work which placed Bevan in a good position, but Henderson cleared. Then for the first time Whitley had save from a header by Turnbull, but aided by a strong wind Everton had all play, and Slater twice headed out from Abbott and Monks. The visitors' forwards, however, dallied too much in front of goal, whilst Slater and Ray offered a stout, resistance, but after 20 minutes' play Rankin centred cleverly and Young shot a fine goal. Half time arrived with the score: Everton, 2 goals; Manchester City, 0.
On resuming, City took up the attack mainly through Bevan, and Whitley, at the expense of a corner, had save a high curling shot from Guy. Five minutes from the restart Rankin raced and scored with a fast low shot, which gave Edmondson no chance. Afterwards the home goal had further narrow escapes, but the  City were playing much better with the wind, and after an abortive corner, Whitley mode a brilliant save from Guy, were, however, far too clever for the home side, and had matters pretty nearly all their own way. The City forwards were easily held by the opposing halves, Bannister, who worked very hard, and from a foul committed against him, Robinson shot many yards over the bar. City pressed in the last few minutes, but without avail.
Result: Everton 3 Manchester City 0
Remarks the Game.
As the score would appear to indicate, the Everton men were all intents and purposes masters of the situation throughout the game, which is not surprising, considering that the Mancunians placed their second string in the field in its entirety. That well-set-up player Whitley who on the previous occasion that the Goodison Park men figured at Hyde-road defended his charge with so much ability, had comparatively little to do in this instance, for the Everton backs and half-backs scarcely ever allowed the City reserve forward line to get into that swing which has won them so many matches. The advantage in weight which the winners possessed, particularly in the rear division, was also a material factor in the game, but all the same the Everton men gave a very good display. Young and Rankin in the forward line. Abbott and Russell at half-back, and Crelly and Henderson in the back division, being particularly fine. The third Rankin was possibly the result of the best effort, of the afternoon. Getting the ball about midfield, this dribbled at a tremendous pace, and off shaking off Slater he crowned everything by beating Edmondson with a capital shot.  Rankin it may be mentioned, acts as assistant trainer to the club. As regards the City team Guy, Bannister, and Turnbull were the pick of the forward line, while Dearden acquitted himself well at centre half though he had a troublesome customer to deal with in Young.

BLACKBURN GET MONKS
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 19 November 1902
At the conclusion of the Lancashire Cup tie at Hyde-road, manchester, on Monday, the Blackburn Rovers came to terms with Everton for the transfer of Monks, their reserve forward. Like Tom Booth, Monks is an Ashtonian, and was first hard of with Stalybridge Rovers, where Bury discovered him. Everton gave Bury a fancy price for him at the beginning of the season. Monks, who will play inside right with the Rovers, gave a capital exhibition on Monday.

New Player for Blackburn Rovers.
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Wednesday 19 November 1902
The success of the Rovers from Blackburn over Sheffield Wednesday seems to have given them a now lease of life, and they are determined leave no stone unturned to obtain a better position the chart. They are making strenuous endeavours to strengthen the team, and their latest capture is that of Monks, a reserve forward belonging Everton. Terms -were settled, and the transfer completed the conclusion of the' Lancashire Cup Tie on Tuesday evening, Hyde Road, between the City and Everton. It was probably the capital display he gave that match that influenced the management of the Rovers' Club in coming to decision. Monks is an Ashton lad, and later, after figuring ranks the Stalybridge Rovers' team, was signed on for Bury, who parted with him at the commencement of the present season to Everton for a big price. His first appearance for his new club will be at inside right.

EVERTON PLAYER TRANSFERRED TO BLACKBURN ROVERS
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 19 November 1902
At the conclusion of the Lancashire Cup tie at Hyde-road on Monday, the Blackburn Rovers came to terms with Everton for the transfer of Monks, their reserve forward. Like Tom Booth, Monks is an Ashtonian, and was first heard of with Stalybridge Rovers, where Bury discovered him. Everton gave Bury a fancy price for him at the beginning of the season. Monks, who will play inside right with the Rovers, gave a capital exhibition on Monday.

DILLY AND EVERTON
Dundee Evening Post - Thursday 20 November 1902
Owing to a slight cold Dilly will be unable to appear in the Everton team against Stoke on Saturday, and Bell will reappear at outside left, with Sheridan as inside player.

EVERTON'S BAD RECORD.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 22 November 1902
Things are looking rather glum at Everton just now. Secretary Cuff is sensitive to good and had fortune as Secretary Watson. Everton are just reversing the proceedings of Liverpool; they began well, but are going worse. A season ago they were second; now they are 12th in the League, with a bad record. They scarcely expected, of course, to win at Sunderland—except last season they never have beaten the Wearsiders at home, and the goal that separated them last Saturday is the margin by which Sunderland have won a dozen times in the past. Where Everton have lost has been on their own ground. A team that can pick up points neither at home nor away is in a bad state, and that is the state of Everton. There is some talk of fresh blood,” with which the secretary's absence just now is not unconnected. It is too late now to patch up; Everton must make the best of their present lot.

ACCRINGTON STANLEY V EVERTON RESERVES
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 22 November 1902
There was a good attendance at Accringtron this afternoon. Teams; Accrington; Walker, goal; Finney and Boulton, backs; Ashworth, J. Bradshaw, and W. Bradshaw, half-backs; Morgan, Watkins, Brunton, Hargreaves, and Gardiner, forwards. Everton Reserves; Whiteley, goal; Balmers and Maudsley, backs; Clark, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; McDonald, Boardman, Chadwick, Dixon and Dilley, forwards. The visitors won the toss, and played towards the Clayton goal. Stanley were at once aggressive, and in the first two minutes Watkins scored with a splendid oblique shot. Another good attempt came from the right wing, but Whiteley was ready. After five minutes' even play Watkins and Morgan passed Maudsley, but the outside right shot too high. A minute later, however, Watkins hit the upright and Morgan securing the ball on the rebound, landed a second goal in ten minutes. Play now became more even, Everton gaining two futile corners. A couple of free kciks were awarded for fouls by Boardman. The heavy downpour of rain on a ground previously hard with frost made good play difficult. Still Stanley pressed, and Finney followed up one of his clearances with a pass to Hargreaves, who neatly screwed the ball into the corner of the net, making the third for Stanley in 25 minutes. After another corner from a scrimmage had been forced by Everton, Watkins and Morgan evaded the halves and backs, but offside averted danger on the left wing. brunton was rewarded for neat dribbling and even play followed up to the interval. Half-time; Accrington Stanley 3, Everton Res 0.
Stanley immediately invaded the Everton territory, and from a pass by hargreaves made no mistake registering a fourth goal. Soon afterwards he received a nasty kick on the shine by Balmer, but was able to resume. Everton reorganised their team, and this strengthened their defence. Morgan got in a good centre, and a corner was followed by a scrimmage, but th ball went oout of play. The visitors made a determined charge, and Walker, running out to save, was bowled over. He struck to the ball several seconds, and then cleverly threw away. Before he could get back to his charge, however, Broadman had scored. he was badly injured in the melee, and for some minutes had to support himself against the uprights. Soon afterwards the game had to be stopped because Morgan was injured in a collison with balmer. On resumption Whiteley was hard pressed, and stopped two hard shots from a ruck of players. After 20 minutes Ashworth scored a fifth goal for Accrington with a lucky long range shot. Morgan sent in another late centre, Whiteley giving a corner which was fruitless. Result- Accrington Stanley 5, Everton Reserves 1

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 22 November 1902
Everton v Stoke. League match at Goodison Park; Kick-off at 2.45.
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Everton Combination v. Accrington Stanley.
Lancashire Combiantion match at Accrington; 2.45.
Everton;- Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Clayton, Russell, and Clark, half-backs; Boardman, McDonald, Chadwick, Makepeace, and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON 0 STOKE CITY 1
November 24, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
After three successive matches away from home, Everton had a visit from Stoke on Saturday. Owing to an injury to Crelly, Henderson was called upon to Partner Balmer, while Stoke had two changes, Forest and Lockett appearing for Johnston and Bridgett. Unfortunately, rain fell persistently, but it cleared before the kick off. The teams were as follows : - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Balmer, and Henderson, backs, Taylor Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Rankin, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards. Stoke:- L.R.Roose, goal, Burgress, and H.Smith, backs, Baddeley, Holford, and Bradley, half-backs, Forrest, Whitehouse, Watkins, Capes, and Lockett, forwards. Referee Fred Kirkham. Stoke having lost the toss Watkins started the game at twenty-five minutes to three in the presence of about 7,000 people, the early kick-off no doubt being responsible for this in large measure. There was a fairly strong wind blowing across the ground, which was rather favorable to Everton. The visitors were the first to take up the running, and Capes had a chance, but his shot went wide. The half-backs on both sides were particularly strong. The Stoke left wing suddenly broke away, but Capes was pulled up for off-side. Henderson soon afterwards relieved finely, and led to another attack by the Everton forwards, who however, could make little impression upon the visiting defence. At length Young shot in grandily, the ball, fortunately for Roose, going a little the wrong side of the upright. Next the Stoke right wing were prominent, but Kitchen easily dealt with a long shot, and then Rankin was rushing away nicely when he was fouled by Holford. From the free kick Taylor landed the ball into the net, but it had not been played a second time in its progress. Play continued to be very keen, without bringing forth anything usually interesting. Stoke quite held their own on the slippery turf not a few of the players finding it difficult to keep their feet. This interfered considerably with a correct exposition of the game. Once Watkins had a rare opening, but dallying too long, he was robbed of the ball, still the visitors attacked. Forrest being particularly noticeable and the Evertonians were somewhat lucky in maintaining their goal intact. When Everton did get away Roose was all there, his fearless kicking being of great use to his side. In the course of another onslaught, Balmer effected a smart clearance by means of his cranium, and this was followed by a run down the wing by Bell, whose final effort, however, was particularly weak. An unexpected shot from Sheridan called for attention of Roose, who was no doubt pleased that the ball passed over the line on the wrong side of the upright. Aided by free kicks, Everton stayed for some time in their opponent's territory, but the forward line was lacking in combination, and their efforts were rarely dangerous. A moment later a pretty movement between, Bell, Sheridan and Young, ended in the latter shooting in from short range, Roose, however, saved brilliantly. After a smart work on the part of the left wing especially Sheridan, Everton seemed likely to score, but Taylor sent the ball far away from the goalmouth. Gradually the Stoke players worked their way to the other end, and once while Henderson was on his back, Forrest had a shot on his own account. His aim, however, was not accurate, and the home goal escaped. At this period of the game the Potters were smarter in their methods than Everton, but singularly enough neither goalkeeper had much work to do. Towards the interval Roose saved two or three times in rapid succession, and at the end of one spirited attack the Stoke custodian seemed to hurt his knee. Just before half-time, Brearley had a great chance, but failed lamentably. Half-time-Everton nil; Stoke nil.
The second half opened in sensational fashion. Right from the kick off, the Stoke players dash off Lockett flashed the ball across, and after Watkins had missed his kick, Whitehouse sent into the net. Kitchen being quite unable to stay its course. This success encouraged the Potters, and for some they were all over the Evertonians, whose defence fortunately for them held out. The Everton forward line had undergone a change since the opening half, the experiment being tried of playing Bell inside right with Brearley outside left. The home side tried desperately hard to draw level, and once Roose in plucky style took the ball away almost from Sheridan's toes. Then Sheridan had extremely hard lines with a splendid shot, which hit the post. The Stoke players now only occasionally got away, and for the main part the Evertonians were acting on the aggressive. Roose fisted away a dropping shot from Taylor, and it seemed as if Everton were not to be allowed to score. After a fine run down by Brearley, a grand chance of equalising fell to Rankin. The game was exciting to the finish, but Everton failed to score. Final result Everton nil, Stoke 1.

EVERTON VANQUISHED AT HOME.
Athletic News - Monday 24 November 1902
By Tityrus
The ineptitude of the Exert on forwards at Goodison Park proved absolutely fatal in the match with Stoke, for the Staffordshire team turned last year's defeat by a bare goal into a victory of exactly the same margin on Saturday in the presence of 15,000 spectators. Possibly the reverse was very unpalatable, but at the same time there is no escaping from the conclusion that Stoke deserved their success, although the goal they obtained directly the second half commenced was not the reward of one of those sparkling sallies and scintillating shots which instantly carry conviction to the spectator’s mind. Nevertheless Stoke were the superior team forward, and in defensive tactics. There was an earnestness and incisiveness about their attack which were altogether lacking among the Everton vanguard, although the home half-backs never to failed give the men in front of them every possible chance.  But when the Goodison Park five had the ball they could do little with it in midfield against a most formidable half-back line, and a pair of reliable and valiant backs. If perchance they did not obtain a position in the shooting zone the attempts at scoring would have moved tragedy queen to laughter. Everton ought to have had the first goal just before the interval, but Brearley unaccountably failed to make the most of the simplest opportunity, while in the second portion Sheridan had dreadful luck in crashing the ball against the post at such an angle that instead of going into the net the leather rebounded to be cleared by a full back. All these incidents are part and parcel of football strife, and if the turf was greasy and treacherous owing to rain supervening upon frost, it must not be forgotten that it was the same for both sides. Nor were Everton at full strength, for Crelley, the back, was kicked on the thigh at Manchester the previous Monday, and Sharp and Settle are under treatment for injuries. But these things are of the fortune of war, and must not be advanced by way of excuse, Everton took their defeat like the sportsmen they are.
THE STORY OF THE GAME
Everton had the benefit of the breeze  in the opening portion, and the work between their centre and left wing was very telling, Sheridan being particularly prominent in several attacks, but Lockett, on the other side, was just as pertinacious, and was the leader in many a raid. After Young had shaved the wrong side of the posts from his point of view, there was excellent combination between the visiting half-backs and forwards, but either weak shooting or an  infringement of the on-side rule spoiled the midfield mauceuvres. But Bell and Sheridan were again aggressive, and the latter making a beautiful side-foot square pass to Young the Everton centre shot the moving ball hard into goal, but Rouse, even at short range, saved his charge cleverly, if rather luckily. Henderson let in Forrest on the right wing, and Balmer being also at fault when the ball crossed, Stoke looked very dangerous, but Watkins could only make an outer. Still Stoke were very smart, and were playing the better game, despite severe pressure at intervals by the home eleven. Brearley once sent in a splendid ball, but Roose picked up like an artist, and bouncing the leather ran out to his left, where he managed to hurt himself when he cleared his lines. Directly after, and just near the interval, Brearley had The chance of the match, as, with a pass from the left, he stood under the shadow of the bar, so to speak.  It seemed as if the tiniest touch would mean a goal, and yet he lifted the object ball over the bar, amid ironical laughter. Possibly he could not have done such a feat had he tried once in half a dozen times. Such is the perverseness of football. After breathing time the dashing and deft-footed Lockett came down his wing, when Balmer headed into touch. From the throw-in Lockett whipped across in front of coal, and Whitehouse gently guided the ball where Kitchen was not. This was the deciding point. It was not a gashing wound; 'twas but a scratch, and yet it served. Everton, who had rearranged their forwards, trying Bell at inside right and Brearley going outside left, tried desperately to get on terms, but there was cohesion in their efforts, and save for Sheridan’s shot, to which I have already alluded, they never looked like equalizing the score, although Rankin could have troubled the goalkeeper instead of wildly whizzing the ball among the crowd. On the other hand, Stoke frequently boded danger, and Watkins had the mortification of seeing Kitchen tip over on to the netting a grand ball from his left foot. This shot seemed even more deserving of a goal than that which took effect. And with yet another shot Watkins crashed the leather in, and all Kitchen could do was to present a pair of shins to a swift grounder. 'This was just the kind of shot to take a goalkeeper by surprise. A third time was Watkins troublesome, as he turned to account a centre by Lockett, who had fallen lame, but all was in vain, and Stoke had to rest content with a victory by 1-0
THE STOKE TEAM
Stoke have a habit of sensational achievement at Liverpool, and they kept up tradition winning a good match—especially remembering the condition*. They made a change on each wing, for Lockett superseded Bridget as outside left and Forrest was substituted for Johnson. Beyond all question Lockett was the finest forward on the field. He is really brilliant and can weave his sinuous way into goal at thrilling speed, and his centres are not those useless sort of things which often pass for such, as they were of the right height and position for other forwards to make the most of. I was not struck with young Forrest in his new position, but it is impossible to play him in the centre so long as Watkins shows Saturday’s form, for he fed his wings capitally, shot fiercely and finely, and was always in the thick of the fight. Capes and Whitehouse were also serviceable, and the line as a whole was composed of hard triers. Stoke are blessed with three splendid untiring half backs, and of the trio Bradley is the man for me, although Baddeley is treading on his heels. Holford is excellent, but like Capes he carries about with him quire an air of injured innocence when the referee blows his whistle. They are three rate men at breaking up combination, and they never forget the forwards on their side. The defence of Stoke was remarkably strong. Even if Roose betrayed a most excitable disposition he is a great custodian, and one of his clearances in the first half—when he injured himself—was worthy of Sutcliffe and his Rugby method of picking up. Roose has two strong backs in front of him, for at taking the ball either on the volley, or the half volley, they have not many superiors. Herbert Smith, the Oxford City back, is nearly twice the size of his brother, the centre half, who played for the South last season, and I have no hesitation in describing him as a high class man. I should like him better if he controlled the leather to keep it lower, but otherwise he gets his long legs to all sorts of balls and always meets his man on the advance without unduly using his weight. His partner. Burgess, a coming back—if he has not come. EVERTON SWEETS AND BITTERS
In making his debut in a League match at Everton, Rankin certainly did not do himself justice. He was quite poor, and found Bradley and Smith too good for him. From what I had seen of Rankin I expected smart and speedy play, but he certainly was not well served by Brearley, who could do nothing right at all. Young was always trying hard, but what can a centre do without wings? Quite moderate was John Bell, although he showed some good football in the first half, and in trying to open out the game in the latter portion from inside right. Far and away the beet man was Sheridan, and there were no passes better than his. The Everton half-backs were scarcely inferior to those of Stoke, but Abbott was never allowed to get a shot in. Taylor and Booth were hard workers, and the former was indefatigable in defence when it was necessary to fall back. I do not think that left-back is Henderson's position, and, consequently, I do not wish to be severe on him, although he was often at fault. Balmer had two men's work to do, and on the whole did it well, while Kitchen could in no wise be held culpable. Stoke; L.R. Roose; H. Smith, and Burgess; Bradley, Holford, and Baddaley; Lockett, Capes, Watkins, Whitehouse, and Forrest.  Everton; Kitchen; Henderson, and W. Balmer; Abbott, Booth, and Taylor; Bell, Sheridan, Young, Brearley, and Rankin.  Referee; F. Kirkham, Preston. 

ACCRINGTON STANLEY RESERVES 5 EVERTON RESERVES 1
November 24, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination
At Accrington, Everton were but poorly represented, and had the worst of matters throughout. At the interval Acrrington lead by 3 goals to nil, and finally won by five goals to 1. Everton: - Whitley, goal, not known, and Balmer (r), backs, Clayton, Russell, and Clark, half-backs, McDonald Boardman, Chadwick (j), Makepeace, and Dixon, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
November 24, 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton gave a very disappointing display against Stoke, and to the mortification of their supporters were beaten at home for the second time this season by a goal to nil. Not by any stretch of imagination could the game be designated a great one, it was stubbornly contested encounter, but rarely did the standard of play reach a high level though Stoke were the more accomplished side in this respect, and thereby fully deserved their victory. In the first half, a splendid save by Roose from Young, and an uncountable blunder by Brearley just on the interval when he placed the ball over the bar from about a couple of yards range, prevented Everton from gaining the lead, though truth to tell, their play did not warrant them bring ahead of their opponents at breathing times. Stoke held the preponderance, even in the midfield exchanges during the moiety, but their final efforts lacked string, and thus with one side making but little headway, and the other finishing feebly, it will readily be seen that there was little in the game to arouse genuine enthusiasm. Immediately on resuming Stoke scored after some manourving on the left wing, and Whitehouse converted a centre from Lockett. Even the reverse did not stimulate the ragged Everton front rank, and half an hour elapsed before they were seen to anything like advantage. Luck, however, did not favour them even now, and a fine shot from Sheridan, which had beaten Roose all the way, struck the side of the upright. This was their last expiring effort, and Stoke was prevented with the utmost difficulty from increasing their lead. They thus reversed last season's verdict, and as they managed to draw at Anfield earlier in the season, they need be highly satisfied with the visits to this city. Their success was due more to determination and sterling endeavour rather than to any particular display of classy football, and in this they were superior to Everton, who could neither do one thing nor the other.
Everton's great weakness was in the forward line, and the feeblest part of this unsatisfactory combination was the right wing. For some reason it was deemed fit to transfer Brearley to outside left in the second half, this bringing Bell to partner Rankin, but this change did not prove one whit more effective than the customary wing had done, and the former positions were quickly resumed. There was a complete lack of understanding and method in this department of the team, and it cannot be said that they lacked opportunities, for the half-backs gave them ample chances, but they seemed unable to turn any one of them to an advantageous account. Young was only moderate in the centre, and is still a long way removed from his form of a season ago. Sheridan as usual, worked hard, and was an easy first amongst the attacking forces, though he would do better if he roamed less. Bell was in an indifferent mood, and the right wing was absolutely disappointing throughout, Rankin being unable to utilise any of the opening which did come his way. In addition, the whole line seemed to be acting in discord throughout the piece; there was no unity of method permeating their movements, and a more disjointed, uneven performance has seldom been given by the Everton front line than that which they displayed in this match. The halves worked untiringly but they failed to get the men in front of them moving in their customary fashion, and their best efforts were thus allowed to go astray. Booth played a hard game whilst Taylor and Abbott laboured with commendable persistency, but they were unable to alter the moderate attempts of their comrades in front. Balmer was not at his best, and Henderson was beaten with ease on several occasions by the Stoke right wing. As this was the weakest part of the Potters' attack, some idea of the Everton back's efficiency may thereby be gathered. Kitchen had not much to do, but he appeared hypotised by the shot that scored, for he might have been more agile in his efforts to prevent it reaching the net.
Stoke gave a far superior exhibition to that which they displayed at Anfield some weeks ago their embodying plenty of dash, interspersed with a fair amount of skill and cleverness. Watkins at centre forward plied his wings most judiciously, and he was always on the alert for every opportunity. The extreme wingmen were speedy and on the left Lockett was repeatedly in evidence, his dashing runs and centres invariably keeping the Everton backs fully extended. Capes proved a clever partner though prone to illegal tactics at times, but the cause of Stoke's success was the enthusiastic manner in which they threw their whole energy into their work, and their most glaring fault was the feeble finishing touches at the end of otherwise excellent movements. Their halves were a capital trio, Bradley on the left wing being in excellent trim, and further behind Burgess and the amateur Smith gave as fine an exhibition of the full back game as need be desired. The latter simply overwhelmed Rankin and Brearley by real football and in Burgess Stoke possesses a defender who infuses headwork into his play, for he seldom made a false move. The impressible Roose kept a characteristic goal and he does not lack the ability to make known to all and sundry on the field- referee included- that he is a rather important member of the team. He made one splendid save from Young in the first half, and the influence of this one feat on the remainder of the game can scarcely be over estimated.

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 24 November 1902
MR. J.W. BAILEY
Mr. J. W. Bailey, of Leicester, is one referees who have come to the front quite recently, and his abilities may be gauged from an extract from our correspondent’s report of the recent Grimsby v. Notts match. This reads : A word of praise is due Mr. Bailey, who refereed most correctly.” Now as Grimsby only drew, and their position in the League table is one which conducive to carping criticism, such testimony may be taken as high praise, especially when written by an experienced referee himself. Mr. Bailey is yet another member of the scholasticprofession, being engaged under the Leicester School Board, and it was as a member of the Leicester Teachers’ F.C., after a probation at Chester College, that his abilities as a player gained him county honours, for he figured as a centre-forward against the Birmingham and District Association and Derbyshire on behalf of Leicestershire. He also laid the foundation of a successful local cricket career at College. In his opening year he was first in bowling and second batting, and in his second he was first in batting and second in bowling. He has accomplished the “Hat trick” on six occasions, and he finished his active career in 1900 with a batting average of 40 for Belgrave, one of the Leicester league clubs. When a youth in his teens he was proclaimed champion athlete of Woo house Kaves, where was then teaching, by finishing first in the 100 yards and quarter-mile, and second in the mile, altogether gaining four firsts and second in five events. As with many other players a knee accident closed his football career midway through the 1894-5 season, and on the formation the Leicestershire Referees’Association he was one of the first top bear the hall-mark label. For several seasons his abilities were confined to local matches, then a couple of seasons with the Midland and United Leagues, and as a League linesmen, while for the past two seasons he has received regular recognition as a referee both by the Football League and the Southern League. He has acted as linesman in an English Cup-tie proper, but has yet to take a position in the centre of the field. In the legislative world Mr. Bailey has been the representative of a junior club on the Council of the L.F.A., is on the Committee of the Rolleston Charity Association, and a member of the Referees’ Committee of the L.F.A Mr. Bailey bears himself as a likely man to command the respect of players, covers plenty of ground, and gives his decisions without hesitancy, whether right or wrong. His first great match was the League encounter last season between Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland, when he acquitted himself uncommonly well. With every quality to make a name he only needs experience.

EVERTON v  STOKE
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 24 November 1902
In miserably damp and cold weather this League match was played at Goodison Park, before 9000 spectators. Stoke played Forest and Lockett for Johnson and Bridgett, while for Everton, Henderson partnered Balmer at back. There was no scoring in the first half, Stoke playing a capital game. Everton were more dangerous near goal, but Roose brought off several fine clearances. Brearley missed a chance. The second half opened sensationally. In the first minute from a centre by Lockett, Whitehouse scored for Stoke. Everton now play Bell inside right, and tried desperately hard to equalise, but Stoke fully held their own. Rankin failed to utilise a grand chance of equalising, while Sheridan struck the post. Stoke were the better team on the play.
Result- Stoke 1 Everton 0
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Henderson, backs; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Stoke- L. R. Loose, goal; Burgess and H. Smith, backs; Baddeley, Halford, and Bradley, half-backs; Forest, Whitehouse, Watkins, Capes, and Lockett, forwards.

EVERTON v.  STOKE
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 24 November 1902
At Goodison Park. There were about 10,000 spectators present. Teams;-
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Henderson, backs; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Stoke- L. R. Loose, goal; Burgess and H. Smith, backs; Baddeley, Halford, and Bradley, half-backs; Forest, Whitehouse, Watkins, Capes, and Lockett, forwards.
Having lost the toss, Watkins commenced on behalf of Stoke, who promptly run down, Capes sending wide. After the kick-out, Everton took up the attack, and a mistake by Smith left Sheridan in possession, and for a moment or so the home left threatened danger. Burgess, however, cleared his lines all right, and play was afterwards confined to the centre. Fiddling play was the order for some time. The first genuine attack came from the Stoke left, Capes passing the ball out to Lockett, and the pair worked their way past Taylor and Balmer. Kitchen’s charge seemed in imminent danger when Capes passed the ball finally to the outside man, but Mr. Kirkham promptly whistled for off-side directly Lockett touched the ball. A turn now took place in the game, Everton more than holding their own, and the Stoke goal having two narrow escapes. Young and his right wing made pretty play, and finally Brearley shot wide, after which, at the finish of another assault, Young headed outside. These efforts were supplemented by very clever work in the midfield, the only result of futile runs down either of the home wings. Following upon this Holford swung the ball over to Forest, who ran it down and forwarded a long one to Kitchen just as he was tackled by Henderson. The Everton custodian came out and cleared effectively, the home lot carrying play into Stoke’s quarters again, but they were unable to make any real impression. Stoke were playing a hard, plodding game, and more than once the home defence was sorely tried, Balmer once tipping the ball back to Kitchen when under severe pressure. A rush by the Blues brought Roose out of goal, but the Stoke keeper fielded the ball beautifully and had no difficulty in shifting the leather to safer quarters. Bradley served up to his front line, and Watkins worked the ball close in again. A lot of heading ensued and the Potters were highly dangerous for a minute or so, but eventually Young got hold, dashed away, and then slung the ball out to Bell, who sailed in only to finish with a long shot over the top of the goal. After a stoppage owing to one of the Stoke players being hurt, Everton improved considerably in their movements, and Burgess and Smith were harassed to some tune. Smart work by Sheridan on the left ended in the ball being crossed to Rankin, who had a fairly decent chance of opening the score, but shot badly. Nothing daunted, the visitors made tracks for Kitchen again, and the home halves had all their work cut out to keep them at bay. Whitehouse got possession and put in quite the best bit of work yet seen in the game when he beat Booth, Abbott, and Henderson, and finally landed the ball over to Forrest, who was much better placed for scoring. Forrest ran the ball a few yards, and then took deliberately aim, but his effort, though a capital one, passed wide of the goal, and Everton breathed freely again. No sooner had the excitement over this stirring incident died away than the Stoke left wingers were making just as bold a bid for a goal as the previous one from the right. A quick rush along the touchline was followed by a champion centre from Lockett, the subsequent struggle in the centre being followed by the first corner of the game, this, however, causing no anxiety. A free kick against the visitors put an end to their attacking for a time, and the Everton wings put in some pretty work. A nice pass from Booth set Sheridan going, and passing ensued all along the line, but at the finish Burgess put his foot to the ball, and repulsed the invading party. Interesting half-back play culminated in Forrest receiving the ball when in a favourable position, but he was given offside, and then Capes put in a long shot, which went by the side of the post. This was followed by a couple of futile attacks by Everton, during which Brealey failed when he ahd a distinct chance. At half-time neither side had scored. Young restarted the game, Brearley and Bell changed places. The game had only fairly commenced when the Stoke left wingers were observed to be busy. The ball was soon transferred to the centre, where Watkins missed, and the leather quickly passed to Whitehouse, who made no hesitation, and at once netted the ball, somewhat to the surprise of the Everton defensive forces, the Potters gaining their success during the first minute of the second half. Stoke elated at their success, again raided the home half, Watkins swinging the ball out to his wings in rare style, and it required the best efforts of Booth, Abbott, and Co. to keep them at bay. Rankin, however, changed the venue with a smart run, but Smith tackled him, and Roose came out of goal to aid in effecting the clearance. Sheridan had a race with Burgess, and upset the Stoke back, Everton making bod efforts to get on terms. Bell, from the inside right position, made one desperate rush to get through, but he was penalised for jumping. The Evertonians answered well on the right and left, but to no purpose for although they showed any amount of dash when moving down, they unaccountably fell away to nothing when in front of goal, several opportunities being thus thrown away. From a breakaway by the Stoke left further danger was threatened, Lockett working the ball up very cleverly, but his final pass to Capes was seized by Taylor, who ran the ball away cleverly at a critical time. Everton strove hard afterwards, and after some exciting work Sheridan hit the post with a great shot, and Burgess was lucky to kick it clear. Result; Stoke 1 goal, Everton nil.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 NORTHERN NOMADS 0
November 27, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
The new amateur team Northern Nomads played their first match yesterday, when they opposed Everton Combination at Goodison Park. The teams were: - Everton: - Whitley, goal, Wildman, and Vernon, backs, Montgomery, Chadwick, and Makepeace half-backs, McKenna, Roche, Brearley, Dixon and Dilly, forwards. Northern Nomads A.F. Eberle (Melling), goal, W.L.Whitehead (Bolton) and G.Bucknall (Melling), backs, J.G.Birch (Liverpool Ramblers), H.Thomas (Liverpool Leek), and H.Vicears (Ramblers and Corinthians), half-backs, W.Lawrance (Blackburn Etrurians), J.A.Gaukrodger and R Barlow (Liverpool Casuals), J.W.Cropper (University College), and A.Elston (Leek), forwards. Brearley kick off and in the first few minutes by Barlow, and McKenna sent very close, and then the last named hit the post, Dilly placing over when under the bar. Bucknall played cleverly for the Nomads, who forced a corner without result. Keeping up the pressure Barlow, Gaukrodger and Lawrence tried without effect. For quite a long period Everton were kept on the defensive, but the visitors shot badly. Thomas was prominent and Lawrence dashed away in great style, but was floored when close in. he was hurt, but was able to continue, Everton then had a turn, but the visitors backs played finely, and the Nomads again took up the attack. Their shooting however, was still open to considerable improvement. Two fruitless corners were conceded, the amateurs, and then Everton pressed. Eberie saying grandly from Makepeace. Directly afterwards Elston almost scored. Whitley saving well, and the Everton custodian afterwards cleared from Lawrence. Elston, and Thomas. There was no score at the interval.
Play on resuming was evenly contested, Whitley saving a good shot from Barlow, while Everton gained a couple of corners without result. Then Thomas grazed the post, and further corners fell to the Blues. An exciting scrimmage took place in the home goal, Whitley throwing away with half a dozen players on top of him. Play was keenly contested, the Nomads showing fine form, but shot tong badly. Bucknall was hurt and had to retire for some minutes and Whitley also had to receive attention. Towards the close Everton pressed, and near, the finish Brearley scored. It was an interesting match throughout the Nomads, particularly Thomas, Bucknall, Lawrence, and Barlow- showing up well, Final Everton 1 goal, Nomads nil.

EVERTON v. NORTHERN NOMADS.
Leeds Mercury - Friday 28 November 1902
Result:—Everton one goal, to the Nomads nil. Played at Goodison Park. Everton kicked off before a small attendance, in dull weather. Vicars, of the Corinthians, captained the Nomads. Play was fast at first, and Everton were long kept on the defensive, but the visitors shot badly. Everton afterwards had a look in, but the Nomads again attacked, but their shooting was open to considerable improvement. Two fruitless corners were conceded to the amateurs, though there was no score at half-time. In the second half Brearley scored, and Everton retired victors, as stated.

EVERTON RESERVES v  NORTHEN NOMADS
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 28 November 1902
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 27 November 1902 (same article) 
There was but a mere handful of spectators to witness this match at Goodison Park yesterday afternoon. The following were the teams;- Everton: Whitley, goal; Wildman and Vernon, backs; Montgomery. Chadwick, and Makepeace. half-backs; McKenna, Roache, Brearley, Dickson, and Dilly, forwards. Northern Nomads: Eberle, goal; Whitehead and Bucknall, backs; Birch, Thomas, and Vickers, half-backs; Lawrence. Gaukrodger, Barlow, Cropper, and Elston, forwards.
Brearley kicked off for Everton, and the Nomads attacked, Barlow running the ball over the Everton goal-line. In reply, the home team ran down. McKenna finishing with a shot which went by the side of the post. After end-to-end play, Lawrence and Gaukrodger beat Makepeace, and on the ball being centred Barlow made a fine bid for goal, the ball going a trifle wide. Shortly afterwards Whitley saved from Lawrence, and then Gaukrodger made an opening for Barlow, who again shot wide. A good run by the Everton right-wingers having been checked in fine style by Bucknall, the Nomads again went down to the Everton territory; but wretched shooting spoiled their many chances, Elston being much at fault in this particular. Fine passing the home front rank finally gave Dilly possession, who with an almost perfect opening shot tamely over bar. Then Lawrence ran through and beat Vernon easily, after which he finished with a shot which went a yard wide. Some lively tussels between the half backs followed,but eventually the Nomads got the better of the argument, and they put on a lot of pressure, but all their efforts wore futile owing to their poor finish. Everton made a great rush along their left, but as Dilly was about to shoot the referee pulled him up for some informality. Elston gained a corner for the Nomads, but this yielded no advantage. Eberle then gave a corner in answer to a shot from Makepeace, but this also was barren. A little later on Whitley had a fine handful from Barlow, which, however, he got rid of safely. McKenna ran down and gave a good centre to Brearley, who was just too late take possession. The Nomads had the best the game to half-time, which arrived with a clean sheet. Barlow restarted, and after a blank attack by Everton Lawrence ran the length of the field, but shot badly at the finish. Everton gained a couple of corners,after which Thomas had a shot the home goal. Everton forced another comer. At the other end Barlow made a bold bid, and after a great struggle Whitley got the ball away. The game well contested to the finish. Brearley scored just on time. Final: Everton Reserve 1 goal. Northern Nomads nil.

EVERTON GET THEIR CRACKS BACK.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 29 November 1902
For the first time since last September, Everton were, says " Tom Tiddler,” able to play Settle again today. He was severely hurt against Newcastle United, had only just begun to practice again, and had to be hurriedly put on to repair Everton's recent disasters. Of course his record as “star” League shootist is ruined for a season; but that is not as bad as if his whole career bad been ruined. Sharp was also tried again to-day, after a considerable rest, and as Wolstenholme is the only absentee, Everton can no longer plead, as they when they get thrashed, that they have not their full team on. The next few matches will be critical for them. If they cannot improve on recent performances their supporters are expecting the Second Division. The prospect of this is staggering—a rich, historic, once powerful club like Everton in the Second Division! The lesson is that a team cannot live on past deeds; they must be up-fo-date; they must make the present worthy of the past. The tendency to linger seftly at former achievements is a bad sign; it shows that a team feel they are no longer what they once were, and if that sentimental balderdash is encouraged they will soon become team of good old have-beens.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 29 November 1902
Everton v Derby County. League match, at Goodison Park. 3.30.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Sheridan, Bowman, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Everton Combiantion v. Black Lane Temperance
Lancashire Combination match, at Radcliffe; 2.30.
Everton;- Whitley, goal; Wildman and R. Balmer, backs; Clark, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, McDonald, Brearley, Dixon, and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON v  DERBY COUNTY
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, November 29 1902
SETTLE SCORES FOR EVERTON AFTER A MINUTE’S PLAY
RICHARDS EQUALISES
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
The visitors at Goodison Park to-day were the slashing Derby County team, who are now only one step from the top of the League ladder. The 1st of November was the only lucky day in an unlucky month for the Evertonians, as they have not experienced the joys of victory since then, whilst the County are in triumphant mood.  The game was graced by the presence of the Lord Mayor (Mr. W.W. Rutherford) and a select party. The teams were as follow;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Sheridan, Brearley, Settle and Bell, forwards.
Derby.- Fryer, goal; Methven and Morris, backs; Warren, A. Goodall, and T. May, half-backs; Turner, Bloomer, H. May, Richards, and Middleton, forwards.
Referee, Mr. R. Roberts. Linesmen, J. A. Kay and W. Hackney.
Booth lost the toss, and Brearley kicked off in presence of about 12,000 spectators. Soon after the start Booth fed his forward rank, and the home team at once bounded away along the left, Bell at the finish of this move forcing a corner. Whilst this was being taken Methven handled the ball within the charmed area, and the usual penalty kick followed, this being entrusted to Settle, who had no difficulty in finding the net and scoring first goal within the first minute of the game. The Evertonians came almost straight back after the restart from the centre, and looked like scoring again, when Booth sent in a trimmer, but this missed the mark, as did a neat little shot which Brearley sent in from the centre forward position. Sharp and Sheridan wormed their way in cleverly to within shooting distance of Fryer, but just as Sheridan got at the ball he was successfully tackled by Morris, who kicked out. The Peakites now raced away on their left, where Middleton and Richards put in excellent work and almost brought about the defeat of Kitchen. As Balmer could not get the ball away before May was upon him, Creely came to the rescue and prevented May executing his shot with any degree of accuracy, and a lovely but dangerous movement came to an end with Kitchen relieving, and the referee sounding the whistle at the same time. Shortly after both Fryer and Kitchen were called upon to handle. Middleton put in a smart run along his wing, and succeeded in getting past Taylor. Then Balmer intervened, and the Derby forwards commenced to pass. Richards sent along to Bloomer, and then the ball travelled along between Turner and H. May, but when Middleton came into possession again Balmer effected an easy clearance. Archie Goodall sent up again, and the Derby forwards swooped down on the Everton goal, but eventually Richards ran the ball over the goal-line. Then the Evertonians got to work in earnest, and soon afterwards Settle found himself in possession. He worked the ball beautifully along, tricked with the most consummate skill three of his opponents, and then steadied himself and took a deadly shot at goal, the ball, however, skimming the crossbar. The County forwards were now making things hum, and kept the Everton supporters in a state of tension, but on two occasions excellent dribbling and combination of the cleverest sort proved finally abortive. on the right, Turner sailed away, and the leather was crossed over to the other wing-vice Bloomer and May- both of the Everton backs being beaten in the encounter. Finally Middleton found the leather at his toe, but in an effort to centre he sent the ball well behind, and so neutralised a powerful and prolonged movement. Soon after this May had the ball, with a wide gap between Balmer and Crelly. Doubtless a smart accurate shot might have beaten Kitchen, instead of which he skied the ball for all he was worth. Repeated fine performances by Sharp here-abouts “brought down the house.” The first item was the taking of a pass after smart all-round work by the home side. He then dashed away and shot, but Fryer came in very handily and saved his charge in remarkably stylish fashion. However, Sharp soon recovered possession, and banged the ball in again, this time striking the post; and then Fryer saved again. After this the men of the Peak worked down a pretty style, Bloomer doing the lion’s share of the work. Eventually Bloomer gave a pass to J. May, who, when he appeared to have the goal at his mercy, was splendidly robbed by Taylor. Soon afterwards Sharp made another dash along his wing, and effected a very fine centre of which Brearley took possession, and sent the ball flying over the crossbar. Good shots and Bell put Fryer in jeopardy, but on both occasions he was sufficiently resourceful to save his sticks with credit. Derby then made an onwards move, but Crelly responded. A free kick was next awarded the Peakites, and from this Middleton planted the leather right in front of Kitchen, who fisted out smartly. Smart next dashed down his wing, with greyhound speed, and warding off the attack of Morris centred too forcibly, but Brearley failing to take the ball, but Sheridan succeeded better, and a rasping shot projected the leather but a few inches outside the post. For some time Derby were in queer street, as shot after shot was hammered at them in threateing fashion. After end to end play, during which Richards on one hand and Brealey on the other, displayed good form, Everton had a free kick against Methven, from which Sharp put the ball wide of the mark. Pretty work by Bloomer culminated in H. May having another chance, but he was again robbed in the nick of time. Balmer on this occasion being the stumbling-block. Turner came back along his wing, but he was soon dispossessed by Crelly, and then the sphere was worked down to Derby quarters, where play settled for a time. Several attempts were made to get within shooting distance, but some moments elapsed before Little found an opening, which he speedily endeavoured to improve upon. However, when he attempted to score Fryer saved his position in splendid fashion. After tame exchanges in midfield the leather travelled smartly up the visitors’ right wing, and pretty work by Bloomer and his partner proved disadvantageous to the Everton defence, as the sphere was transmitted to the opposite wing. Here Middleton took possession, but made no better use of the opportunity than those which were previously accorded him as he wound up with another execrably bad shot. Shortly after Bell raced away on his own and sandwiched between Morris and Methven; but he shot wide at the rather long range, and appeared to have mulled a good chance. May, Richards, and Middleton, were now responsible for a most tenacious attack at close quarters, in which Kitchen and Balmer both got at the leather but failed to clear, and Goodall headed the ball back again. Balmer failing to get at it again, May put over to Richards, and he defeated Kitchen at close quarters but two minutes from the interval. The Everton custodian in endeavouring to save, fell against the post and hurt his ribs.
Half-time Score; Everton 1 goal, Derby County 1 goal.

BLACK LANE TEMPERANCE v.  EVERTON COMBINATION
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday November 29 1902
At Black-lane, in dull weather, before a large attendance. Temperance started against a strong head wind, and secured a futile corner. Everton resisted pressure, and Makepeace found his way into Temperance net. Black-lane continually defended, the Everton forwards showing fine combination. Crannah shot across the visitors goal, and following up the advantage out in a second shot which Whitley could not touch. At quarter-time the scores were one each.
Half-time.- Black Lane Temperance 2 goals Everton Combination 1.
Final; Everton Combination 3, Black-lane Temperance 2.

CLIVE OF SMALL HEATH
Sports Argus - Saturday 29 November 1902
Clive, who is retained by the club, has had a trail with Everton Reserves, but has apparently failed to come up to the mark.