WILLIAM SCOTT
Belfast Telegraph - Monday 02 November 1908
Willie Scott's popularity amongst the proud Evertonians was never more pronounced than it is at the present moment.  It is of a character unparalleled in the history of the Mersey Club, and probably not even excelled by Nick Ross and Johnnie Holt, two of the most popular Taffies who ever donned the Royal Blue for the great Liverpool club.  And Everton's proud position shows that it is all thoroughly deserved, too.

A S RAMBLE AT GOODISON
Athletic News - Monday 04 November 1907
Everton 1, Nottingham Forest 0
By Junius
When the Foresters of Nottingham last visited Goodison Park they were trembling on the verge of the Second Division, and had to face Everton, who the previous Saturday had won the English Cup. They failed to rise to the occasion, and went under and on Saturday their visit Goodison Park provided the worst exhibition seen on the ground this season. And yet the Midlanders were undeservedly beaten by a goal-the only one scored in the match. Everton again tried Chadwick at left half back, for the first time included Mountford at inside left, vice Settle. The ex-Burslem youth had gained his promotion by his excellent performances with the Reserve eleven, and by a stroke of fortune he was enabled to register the solitary goal of the afternoon. He was assuredly favoured in the accomplishment of this feat, for the shot which proved fatal to Linacre was not a difficult one to stop, but the custodian, who got to the ball and seemed certain to clear it, most unaccountably failed. Notts introduced Wolfe to the centre half back post, and owing to Morris being unable to turn out, with a damaged ankle, the forward line was rearranged, and Shearman led the attack. The term attack is rather a strong word to use in this connection, for the efforts of the Foresters scarcely justified such an expression, and feebler work near goal I have rarely witnessed. It is little consolation to them to state that the Everton five were no better; indeed, the two sets of forwards were ragged in their movements, disjointed in their attempts at combination, and puerile potteries when it came to question of shooting. Had they displayed any deadliness at close quarters, the Foresters might not have fallen.
ENFERVATED EVERTONIANS
Only fifteen minutes had elapsed when Mountford received from Makepeace and dribbled in, when it was generally expected he would transfer the ball to Hardman. Instead, he tried his luck with a ground drive, and as already stated, gained renown thereby. After this success the standard of play deteriorated gradually, yet very, consistently, and although both sides   secured ample opportunities of scoring they failed to profit by them. The Midlanders had a splendid chance of equalizing after the change of ends, for Scott was penalized for an illegality in clearing, and a free kick was awarded the visitors near the posts. The players crowded round the post in unescorted medley.  The ball came out to Maltby, who was unmarked, and he drove it yards wide of its intended billet. Everton played feeble and ineffective football, and with the exception of Makepeace the team cannot be said to have sustained their reputation. One cause of the disjointed and haphazard nature of their play was the extremely moderate work of the half backs, and it was only on the right wing that cleverness and skill were forthcoming. At times Taylor checked the Forest advances in his characteristic style, but his passes almost invariably went to an opponent. Chadwick has seldom been seen to such disadvantage, his tackling was weak, while he maintained no touch with the men in front of him. We looked in vain for that harmonious working between half backs and forwards which has in the past been such a notable feature of Everton’s standard of football. In match it was a negative quality. A natural consequence was that the forwards were not properly attended to, but I must say that even with the chances they did secure feeble use was made of them. Young was completely off colour. Sharp was not properly fit, his damaged thigh caused him to leave the field in the first half, and afterwards it was the subdued, not the scintillating, Sharp that we saw. As a matter of fact the whole front rank performed moderately, sans skill, sans vigour, and sans everything. The defence was fairly good, alternating in quality, and Scott was seldom tested. This was, however, not due to the exceptional brilliance of the defenders in front him, but was entirely the result of the inept efforts of the Forest forwards.
FRAIL FORESTERS.
Whatever failings I have attributed to the Everton vanguard must be laid to the charge of the Forest forwards, and, only one of the five showed any knowledge of where the Everton goal was located.  West stood out as the best of the bunch; he made chances for himself, and he once nearly beat Scott.  This in itself is sufficient to single him out from the rest of the front rank.  How he missed the one glorious opportunity of the game, when he could not utilize an open goal is to me a mystery.  It was, however, a stupid idea of his to get at loggerheads with Bolton, which necessitated the intervention of the referee.  We must have seen the Foresters at their worst, for their aimless advances, and feeble finishes conveyed the impression that they never would score a goal.  Without being unduly prominent the half-backs got through their work with a fair measure of success, and Wolfe was never seriously menaced by Young, though Armstrong appealed to me as the most capable performer.  Further behind, Maltby played a capital game, kicking sturdily and giving evidence of creditable powers of interception.  He was the strong man in defence, and Linacre with the exception of his one unsuccessful effort –fort I consider that he ought to have stopped Mountford’s shot – kept goal well.  Everton; Scott; Balmer (W.), Balmer (R.); Makepeace, Taylor, Chadwick; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Mountford, and H.P. Hardman.  Nottingham Forest; Linacre; Dudley, Maltby; Hughes, Wolfe, Armstrong; Hooper, Marrison, Shearman, West, and Spouncer.  Referee; H.S. Bamlett, Gateshead. 

EVERTON FINED
November 5, 1908. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
The Lancashire Football association council have before it at Blackburn last night, the replies of the Everton, Liverpool, Manchester united, and Bury clubs to their demands for explanations of the weak teams played by the clubs in the Lancashire Senior cup-ties. After a long consideration, the council decided to accept the explanations of Bury and Liverpool. Everton were fined £25, and the Manchester United verdict was postponed for further inquiry.

EVERTON’S WONDERFUL RECORD.
Cricket and Football Field- Saturday 07 November 1908
By Richard Samuel.
Surely Everton on Saturday set the seal on their fame as champion “away” performers by winning at the Nottingham Forest ground, and thereby triumphing for the sixth match in succession on foreign soil this season. It is an achievement of which the men are reasonably proud, and as far as I have been able to make out, it is achievement with only a single parallel in League history of Division 1., either ancient or modern, for any one season. I have been at some pains this week in wading through the League records, and find that Preston North End in the League’s opening season 1888-9 won the championship without losing a match, yet never won more than thrice in succession away, nor the following season, when they again won the League. When Everton won the championship from Preston the following year, each club only totaled five "away" wins for the full eight months.
Preston’s Six Successive Away Wins.
The next season (1891-92) the League was for the first time enlarged, and it was therein that Everton’s present record was set for the first and only time prior to this year. Sunderland were a great side that winter, and won the Championship with a return of 42 points out of possible 52, and curiously enough, they did not play a single drawn game. But it was not Sunderland who achieved the great feat of winning six times off the reel on foreign territory, albeit they went precious near it, for between November 28th and March 19th they won five away games in succession, Notts County then spoiling the sequence winning I—0. Sunderland chipping in with two more away wins to close a great season. It was "Proud ’’ Preston who gained the six successive away wins medal, yet strange say, those six wins were Preston North End only away victories that season! They opened the campaign disastrously losing thrice away in September, and losing therein seven goals to nil.  In October their first away match was drawn, and then began their splendid sequence of wins opponents’ rounds, viz. October 24th v Blackburn Rovers, won 4—2; November v.’ Stoke, won 1—0; November 21st v. West Bromwich Albion, won 2-1; December 5th v. Derby County, won 2—l; January 1st v. Darwen, won 4—0; and January 2nd v. Accrington, won 3—l. Preston, as I have said, won no other "away" matches that season, and the most remarkable feature their record-run, to my mind, distinctly lies in the wonderful fact that the six clubs defeated and enumerated above filled absolutely the last six places on the League table at the close of that 1891-92 season! Such fact is significant, to say the least of it, and surely tends to take away from Preston little the usual glamour.
Everton’s Greater Performance.
With all due respect to the famous Ribble-siders, Everton’s run must be accounted a finer one seeing that League clubs are now much more a standard quality. As far I have been able to trace, the nearest approaches to a six successive “away” set of triumphs in one season stand opposite the names of Aston Villa and Liverpool. The Villa had a splendid season in 1896-7, when they won the League championship and defeated Everton in that great final for the Cup. I find that the Clarets wound up that champagne—l mean campaign—in irrepressible fashion, not only as cup fighters but also in the League. They actually closed their away programme reeling off five successive wins thus—February 6th, beat Bury 2—0; February 6th, beat Burnley 4—3; March 6th, beat Notts Forest 4—2: March 27th beat Bolton Wanderers 2—l; and April 26th, beat Preston North End I—0. And as the Villa's opening away match the following season was won 3 —2 v. Notts County, at Trent Bridge, they too, strictly speaking, can, like Everton and Preston, claim to have won six away games in succession, but not in the same season, however, Everton’s Skill. Taking Liverpool’s case, I find that in season 1898-99 the Reds, between December 24th and March 11th, decided seven away matches, five of which were won and two drawn—a very fine achievement although not “successive.” It was about this particular period, by the way, that the Beds achieved wonderful defensive set of performances in First League football by deciding seven successive matches (home ‘and away) without being debited with a single goal! But enough of the past. Let us to the present. Everton have delighted all and sundry with their skill in foreign parts. As home missioners, however, and they know—to our mutual regrets—that the Blues have more than once strayed. Despite this their fine work beyond Goodison has earned for the Everton men a rightful position at the head of the table, for this morning they held a clear (is that the right word?) two ‘points lead over their greatest rivals, thanks to Liverpool’s "good offices of a week ago, and Manchester United’s dire Wearside misfortunes. Everton’s position has been rightly won on merit alone. The Forest ground-there was doubting the fact that they were the better side—they played the better football, and the more finished football, whilst they stayed the course better than did the men in red.
Young’s Recovery.
It was only natural to look for a goal from Freeman, and hoodwinked the goalkeepers as usual. Indeed, Freeman came twice within ace of two further goals ere the end after tricking the defence, Maltby on one instance effecting a sensational race-back and clearance with Linacre otherwise well beaten. I must congratulate “Sandy” Young on a return to his best form. He was the cleverest forward on the field, and a much different man from the jaded-looking inside left the Villa match, when he was however, suffering through indisposition. The other forwards did their work well on the whole, as did the half hacks, whilst nothing could have been finer than the full back displays of Macconnachie and Bob Balmer. Scott, too, gave nothing away.

STRAY MEMS FROM MERSEYSIDE
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 07 November 1908

• Everton per the ever-zealous Jack Taylor, have been mulcted in two “penalties” this season, but in each case no goals has accrued.
• Everton have seven “ever-present” to date, whilst two other men have each only once been absent. 
• Everton this morning had succeeded in turning four of last season’s defeats into victories, and hoped to increase the total to five at Sunderland’s expense.
• I am glad to find that the Everton directors have allotted the Manchester United match next month for the joint benefit of those two most deserving professionals, Robert Balmer, and Harry Makepeace.  They deserve a bumper, and with Everton so splendidly placed on the table are likely to get it.
• With Everton’s “away” record in such a most interesting position, tremendous interest will attach to their visit to Chelsea next Saturday.  The Chelsea team defeated Everton both at home and abroad last season, but I fancy they will find the Blues must sterner stuff to tackle now.  A seventh successive “away” win for Everton is what we are all hoping for.  It rests with the “boys” as to whether it shall be done or not. 

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 07 November 1908

• A cheer for Everton.
• Manchester United came united at Sunderland.  Have Everton avenged their fellow county men?
• As Everton have retained their wonderful away record without a break, it is now Chelsea’s turn to try and defeat the notorious Blues.
• Since September 12, Manchester United’s opponents have the week following been met by Everton, and whereas United have obtained 10 points out of a possible 16, Everton managed to get the maximum 14, leaving today’s match with Sunderland in hand.
• Everton and Blackburn Rovers are both yet undefeated on foreign soil.
• Macconnachie has improved the Everton defence wonderfully.  He might get his place in the Scotch team this year.
• Since Young and Barlow took the places of Bolton and Donnachie the Everton team has improved out of all recognition.
• Donnachie is not only playing well for Oldham Athletic, but is scoring goals, an offence he was rarely guilty of when with Everton.
• Goodison park habitués are promised a rare treat next month, when Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday are due on successive Saturday to visit Everton.
• Young was in grand trim at Nottingham.  He fed Barlow well, and his footwork was superb.  His goal came after a fine effort, in which he completely hoodwinked Dudley and Wolfe.
• Hearly congratulations to R. Balmer and Harry Makepeace, who receive their benefits this season.  As both players are still young they have possible chance of receiving another benefit with the Blues.
• Everton put up a record in league Football by winning their sixth successive away match last Saturday, while at Middleborough the great Steve was putting up another record by scoring his 250th goal in League Football.
• Everton have made fewer changes in the personnel of their team than any other club.  This without doubt has had a lot to do with their successes.  All the same they are playing brilliant football, and fully deserve the position they have attained.
• Everton are indeed playing like champions.
• Everton still continue to bask in fortune’s smile.
• Liverpool did Everton a good turn last Saturday by defeating Newcastle.
• Everton, Sunderland, and Burnley are the only three League clubs who have not played a drawn game.
• It seems strange that “Watty” White, who was regarded as the best Scottish inside left in the Kingdom last season, should now be unable to secure a League team permanency with the Wanderers.  While figured in the England-Scotland match last April.
• Who will be the first to lower Everton’s colours in away matches?
• Everton’s Chadwick has not turned out a gold-mine as yet for Preston North End.
• Everton created a record on Saturday through winning at Nottingham.  They also created consternation in the Forest camp.
• Everton are still very much at home away from Goodison Park.  We wonder if they will be comfortable at Chelsea next week?
• Everton, apart from their own success, have to thank both Liverpool and Sunderland for giving a step back to dangerous opponents.
• Roose was a revelation, even to Everton, at Goodison last season, and his remarkable saves paved the way to Sunderland’s 3-0 success on that occasion.  How has he fared today against the improved Everton team?
• By their brilliant six wins away from home the Goodison team stands out as the best in the land.  This great performance has no precedent in the annuals of football, the best hitherto being Manchester United –five wins and a draw away from home last season.
• Enthusiasm has been on the wane in the Chelsea camp because of the team’s inconsistency.  We suppose a big crowd will congregate, however, at Stamford Bridge next Saturday, to witness the home team’s big effort to stem Everton’s away tide of success which began to flow at Plumstead in September.  It would be strange if Everton’s successes should begin and end in the same district.

EVERTON 4 SUNDERLAND 0
November 9, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON'S GREAT VICTORY.
"HAT-TRICK" FOR FREEMAN
Everton made no mistakes in their match with Sunderland at Goodison-park. They gained the day by the decisive margin of four goals to nil. This was more than their most ardent admirers anticipated. It was generally felt that the contest would be close and that whichever side, prevailed there would be "little in it," Having been regruited by one English and two Scottish internationals, the idea was that the Wearsiders would make Everton go all the way, even if they did not snatch a victory. Everton were of quite another way of thinking. They had fought their way to the proud position of League leaders, largely owing to their unrivailed record of six successive "away" victories, and they did not mean to thrown away any chances of success in the competition. Right worthily did they justify all the praise, which has been bestowed upon them. Once again they proved that they possess the finest set of forwards in the League, while Freeman added to his reputation of champion goal getter of the season by accomplished the "hat-trick." It was in occasion, pleasurable indeed, to all supporters of the good old Everton club. At the same time the game was more even than the score suggests. Everton thoroughly deserved their victory, especially on their exhibition in the second half, but Sunderland were worthy formen, and if the fates, had been kinder they would not have been beaten pointless.
INCIDENTS OF THE GAME.
It was during the earlier stages of the game when Sunderland had the benefit of a cross breeze, that they were seen to best advantage. As a matter of fact, despite the excellence of the Everton defence, they had two glorious chances of scoring when Hogg and Bridgett had no one to beat, but the goalkeeper. Bridgett was obviously disgusted with his failure, and as for Hogg, he was simply bewildered at the successful daring of Scott, who took the ball literally from his toes. Meanwhile the Everton forwards had been by no means inactive. To this the versatile L. R. Roose would be most willing to testify. Freeman, Young, and Sharp, and Taylor gave him plenty to do, and once after he had saved a terrific drive from marvellous Jack Taylor, Sandy Young feebly shot at the custodian instead of utilising a splendid opportunity of finding the net. It was only about five minutes before the interval when the first goal of the match arrived. Forster, Sunderland's left back, who had been playing a quiet but effective game, was accidentally injured, and had to be carried off the field. From the throw down, Sharp placed the ball nicely to Freeman, who promptly netted, quite out of the reach of even such a custodian as the Welsh international. How far Forster's absentee affected the situation is at matter of conjecture. However, he was on the field during the whole of the second half, and it was in this period that Everton filled the picture. Sharp paved the way for Coleman to score. After this a tremendous shot from Thomson rebounded from the upright, and this piece of bad luck seemed to dishearten the Sunderland men. On the other hand, the Everton forwards and halves indulged in some remarkably pretty, and effective play, which was a treat to witness. Thanks largely to sharp, another couple of goals fell to Freeman, and although the opponents never gave up, they could make no impression on Scott, the end coming with a splendid victory for the Blues by four goals to nothing.
CONCERNING THE PLAYERS.
The match produced as fine display of Association football you could wish to see. In view of the number of internationals on the field, this was what might have been expressed. The first half did not compare either in play and cleverness with the second half. For the Everton boys covered themselves with glory. In every position the visitors were gradually served. Scott had not so much work as L.R. Roose, but for all that, only a goalkeeper of his resource would have kept his charge intact. As for the amateur custodian, the shots, which beat him, were absolutely unstoppable. Balmer was the most effective back, although MaConnachie's coolness was a great service to his side. The half-back line was really brilliant, and it is pleasing to see that Harris seems to improve each game. Although Freeman credited himself with the hat-trick, Jack Sharp was the best of the forward line. His centres, were remarkably accurate, and it was no wonder that a centre of the capabilities of Freeman should have been so successful. Tim Coleman was in happy mood, and though Barlow and Young were not so prominent, it his old ability, as the pivot of the attack, the best of the forwards being Bridgett and Hogg. Teams: - Everton: - Scott, goal, R. Balmer, and MaConnachie, backs, Harris, Taylor, and Makepeace, half-backs, Sharp (Captain), Coleman, Freeman, Young, and Barlow, forwards. Sunderland: - Roose, goal, Agnew, and Forster, backs, Low, Thomson, and Jarvie, half-backs, Murdue, Hogg, Brown, Holley, and Bridgett, forwards. Referee J.T. Howcroft.

CARLISE UNITED 0 EVERTON RESERVES 1
November 9, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One
Everton on Saturday sustained their first defeat since September 9. Carlisle United just getting home by the only goal of the game. On the run of the play Everton did not deserved to lose, but the Cumberland men presented a sound defence, particularly in the closing stages, when the visitors did a lot of pressing. Carlise's goal was scored in the first half, Stewart heading through after a shot from Campbell had been opened, and afterwards the home backs, and goalkeeper did so well that Everton could not get on level terms, though Lacey shot well. Everton: - Berry, goal, Stevenson, and Strettell, backs, Rafferty, Borthwick, and Adamson, half-backs, Buck, Lacey, Couper, Bolton, and Dawson, forwards.

EVERTON’S EFFORT
Athletic News - Monday 11 November 1907
Manchester United 4, Everton 3
By Jacques
Every team they meet now burns with an audible desire to beat Manchester United, and on Saturday Roberts and his men found themselves fiercely and skillfully opposed by Everton, who at Clayton were only beaten 4-3 after a contest abounding in thrilling incidents.  That the people of Manchester anticipated a supreme effort by Everton was evident from an assembly of probably 35,000 folks. 
Splendid First half
Everton, at full strength, gave a fine exhibition of high class football, and were on ever terms with the League leaders at the half-way stage.  It seemed to me that, though there was little in it, the Goodison Park men were the cleverest side up to the interval.  Their footwork was prettily accurate, and they moved a superb pace and with rare precision on turf slippery and soft.  They played so well that it was a great pity certain members of the side should, in some way, spoil the effect of the team's cleverness by introducing unnecessary vigour to an extent that kept the referee's whistle going frequently, caused James Turnbull and Roberts to limp, sent Wall off the field in evident pain, and finally resulted in William Balmer being spoken to by the referee and hooted from the ring.  The second half of the match was much cleaner.  The two goals came in the opening portion were scored inside two minutes, for no sooner had Meredith slipped past Robert Balmer and forced pass Scott, than the Everton inside forwards bewildered the United defence with a superb bout of passing that worked the ball to the feet of Bolton, for the inside right to take quick aim and baffle Moger with a fast high volley that passed just inside the goal post.  These goals came after half an hour of strenuous football.
Thrilling Five Minutes
Everyone felt that if Manchester United were to win the game they would need to rouse themselves to a supreme effort, and though they had Wall with them again when they returned to the field they gave no signs of doing anything of the kind for some time.  Everton doing most of the attacking and both sides seeming to be feeling the effects of a hard game on heavy turf.  But after a quiet spell Meredith was seen flying along on the right wing with the ball at his feet, and though Everton knew it not this was the signal of their doom.  For Meredith work a corner kick, and dropping the ball into the goalmouth saw Roberts carefully place it over the heads of a group of players into the net.  In the next five minutes the United reached their best form.  Led by Meredith, the Manchester forwards, twice in quick succession, tore through the Everton ranks.  Each time Meredith swung the ball well across the goal, and each time Wall met it and scored.  In five minutes the whole appearance of the game changed, and instead of the scores being one each, the United at the end of those few thrilling moments gave themselves the commanding lead of four goals to one.  For a time Everton played as if the heart were knocked out of them, but with the United slackening, the light growing dim, and hundreds pressing towards the gates, Settle shot a splendid goal.  A minute later Moger lost possession of the ball on the goal-line, and saw it rushed into the net, while he on his knee, and facing the goal vainly tried to hold it.  There were but a few minutes left, and the Manchester men retaliated warmly, nut nothing further was scored. 
Four Fast Forwards
No forward in the country has played better than Meredith this season.  I must awar5d the palm to him.  Well fed by Duckworth and Bannister, he was a source of the greatest danger and trouble to Abbott, Robert Balmer and Scott.  Both Turnbulls played hard, and also made mistakes, and  Wall, though he did clever things and scored twice, suffered from the knocking about he received.  Roberts was about the greatest of three excellent Manchester half-backs though I thought Bell and Holden should have had a better understanding with regard to Hardman in the first half, the latter, before the interval being given a great deal of room.  I do not expect any match in the county had four so fast outside wing forwards as Meredith, Wall, Sharp and Hardman, and of course, this meant work for the defence of either side.  Except for matters I have alluded to I should say Burgess was about the best back on the field, and that all four were good.  Moger played very well, though he might have saved the third Everton goal, and Scott was in no way to blame for the defeat of his side.  Makepeace I liked the best of a sound and vigorous Everton half-back line, though Taylor, too, played very well.  Sharp, Bolton, and Makepeace worked beautifully together prior to the interval and the line were very dangerous.  Young lying well up and being keen and clever, though he had more than one or two free kicks given against him.  The left wing were also smart, and Hardman found a lot of sprinting and hard work for Holden.  Everton certainly proved much the best team seen at Clayton this season.  Manchester United; Moger; Holden, Burgess; Duckworth, Roberts, Bell; Meredith, Bannister, Turnbull (J), Turnbull (A), and Wall.  Everton; Scott; Balmer (W), Balmer (R.); Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.  Referee; T. Robertson, Glasgow. 

EVERTON RESV.DARWEN
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 14 November 1908
Darwen were the visitors at Goodison Park, this afternoon.  There was a moderate attendance when Everton started.  Murray kicked a centre from Cox away to the Darwen forwards, and some exciting play was seen in front of the Darwen goal.  The home team forced a corner, but Woods sent behind.  Murray saved well from Smith at the other end.  Couper scored twice in quick succession, and Lacey put in a third goal a minute later.  Shortly afterwards, Couper obtained the fourth and Buck the fifth for Everton.  Murray saved well from Lacey and Couper finished a fine run with a weak pass, which McLaughlin intercepted and cleared.  Stephenson played very well, kicking the ball off a player’s toe on one occasion.  Rafferty was the best of the halves, whilst Couper was far and away the best forward on the field.  Derbyshire was hurt, Hollis falling back and taking his place, whilst Batey went half-back.  On the Darwen side Mockett played very well at half-back.  Interval; Everton Res 5, Darwen 0.
Final; Everton Reserve 7, Darwen 1.

CHELSEA V. EVERTON
(League.- First Division.)
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 14 November 1908
There was great interest taken in the visit of the victorious Everton team to Chelsea this afternoon, and the attendance must have reached nearly 35,000.  The weather was dull.  Teams;- Whitley, goal; Cameron, Right-back; and Miller, Left-back; Warren, Right half-back, Warren, Centre half-back and Humphreys, Centre half-back; Birnie, Left half-back; Brawn, Outside-right, Rouse, Inside-right, Hilsdon, Centre, Windridge, Inside-left, and Fairgrey, Outside-left.   Everton; Scott, goal; Balmer (R.), Right-back and Macconnachie, Left-back; Harris, Right half-back, Taylor, Centre half-back, and Makepeace Left half-back; Sharp (captain), Outside-right, Coleman, Inside-right, Freeman, Centre, Young, Inside-left and G.H. Barlow, Outside-left.  Referee; A.J. Barker, Stoke.  
An Early Goal
Everton won the toss.  Hilsdon commenced proceedings, and sent out to Brawn.  The long winger raced away and centred, Hilsdon scoring with a fine shot.  From the restart Everton went away, and Freeman tested Whitley with a very weak shot.  Sharp then was very prominent with a splendid run, beating Miller and working his way into goal, but Birnie robbed him just in time.  At the other end Hilsdon tried hard to head a beautiful centre of Brawn’s into goal, but just missed.  A fine pass from Taylor set Sharp going, and after beating Miller and Birnie he ended up with a brilliant centre which Freeman headed into goal, but Whitley saved.  A foul against Everton very nearly caused the downfall of their citadel, for the free kick was splendidly placed by Rouse, and with both Brawn and Hilsdon in close attendance Scott saved brilliantly.  The latter’s kick came out to Freeman, who at once made tracks for goal.  He passed out to Barlow, who returned it, Freeman then testing Whitley with a ground shot which, however, did not have much power behind it.  A tussle come off best, and passing to Hilsdon the centre forward shot wide of the post.  Chelsea came again, and Balmer miskicked, Scott only just happening to be in position to prevent the ball entering the net.  Some splendid combination was seen on the Chelsea left, the effort ending in a fine shot by Windridge.  Hilsdon then delighted the enormous crowd with one of his individual runs, beating all the defence, but he was hampered in the rear by Macconnachie, consequently hi shot, which was travelling at a terrific speed struck the outside net and lodged in between the iron stanchions.  The goal kick was obtained by Taylor, who set Sharp going with a well-timed pass.  The forward line came away in a line, Sharp and Freeman indulging in some pretty combination, Freeman concluding with a fine pass to Coleman, who dribbled right into goal and scored for Everton after about 40 minutes’ play.  This equalizer infused more spirit into the play, Sharp trying hard to get a lead with a shot.  Half-time; Chelsea 1, Everton 1.
More Goals
When the game was resumed the crowd was quite 45,000.  Freeman started, but Chelsea were the first to attack through Rouse, but Makepeace relived and gave to Sharp, who, serving the ball well into goal, Whitley rushed out to save, but Cameron headed the ball straight up.  It came down just in front of the goal to Freeman, who had nothing else to do but score.  From the restart Chelsea went away and Humphreys gave a fine pass to Hilsdon, who ran in and beat Balmer, finishing up with a shot that beat Scott all ends up.  Matters were again equal, but did not remain so long, for Freeman, after a fine individual effort, placed Everton ahead again with an unstoppable shot.  This was quick work-three goals in nine minutes.  But still they were to come, for during an attack by Chelsea one of the Everton defence handled amid great excitement, Mr. Barker awarded a penalty from which Hilsdon scored.  Warren was then responsible for robbing Barlow.  His pass set Brawn going, but Makepeace put out of touch.  Both ends were now playing a very safe game, Chelsea forced an abortive corner.  Scott saved splendidly a shot from Hilsdon.  The light now was very bad, and a draw fairly represented the play.  Final; Chelsea 3, Everton 3.

CHELSEA 3 EVERTON 3
November 16, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
STERN STRUGGLE.
CHELSEA AND EVERTON SHARE SIX GOALS.
Everton went to Chelsea on Saturday with an unbeaten record away from home. They drew at gate of 30,000 spectators, who witnessed one of the most sensational games ever played on the famous Stamford Bridge enclosure. The Lancashirians still charish their record; but they came precious near leaving it behind, and although the result of the game was a draw of three goals each. I must certainly award the Londoners the certificate of merit as being the best team. They could not claim much superiority, however, but there was undoubtedly more sting in their football, especially in the first half.
A REMARKABLE START.
The game opened in a truly remarkable manner, for barely half a minute had elapsed when Chelsea had scored their first goal . Straight from Hilsdon's kick-off the ball was swung out to Brawn, who made a dash down the touchline, and sending his centre crashed against the upright and before the defence could clear Hilsdon scored, before the game had mean played for a minute and continued right up to the close, when both sides were struggling just as grimly for as winning goal. The exchanges always sparkled with brilliant movements, and incidents followed incident with regularity. Freeman was not as conspicuous as the Chelsea centre, but he came and he added to his fame by scoring two further goals. Chelsea did so much attacking in the first half that it is still a mystery to me now they failed to increase their lead before the interval. Balmer was none too safe, and seemed miskicking often in the Everton defence in a tangle, but somehow they managed to recover themselves and get the ball away. Only once did Chelsea appear to throw away a chance. Hilsdon had just failed to get his head to a centre from brawn, and the ball dropped at the feet of Windridge, who with only Scott facing him, shot yards wide. The Everton forwards had seldom been in the picture during the first half hour's play, but eight minutes later they started on a movement which not only protruded a goal, but served as a splendid tonic to them, for the remained of the game. Sharp slipped the ball onto Freeman, who worked through, but, being tackled, the transferred to Coleman, and the latter finished a characteristic fashion by scoring a great goal. EVERTON IMPROVE.
Everton had hardly deserved to be level with their opponents, but there was no mistaking their intentions when the second half was commenced. Their swarmed round the Chelsea goal at once, and Whitley made a glorious save from Barlow. Then followed a series of sensational incidents that almost baffle description, and three goals were scored in twice as many minutes. Everton were the successful team to obtain the first, but the goal was one of the many surprise incidents of the game. Whitley had come out of goal to meet a dangerous centre from Sharp, but Cameron got his head to the ball first, and it went straight to Freeman, who stood right under the crossbar thinking it go over, but to everyone surprise it dropped right in front of goal, so Freeman had only to touch the ball to score. From the kick off Windridge dribbled through, and passing at the exact moment to Hilsdon, saw that drive beat Scott with a splendid shot. Away went Everton again, and Freeman taking a pass from Taylor, was tackled three times. He managed to recover the ball each time, however, and eventually found an opening to score with a cross shot. The excitement ran high after this, and in a fierce attack on the Everton goal, one of the defenders handled the ball in the penalty area. Hilsdon took the penalty kick , and with a beautiful low shot he brought the scores level again. The remaining play was desperate fought out, but both sides failed to press home any advantage, so the game was left drawn as stated.
THE PLAYERS.
The football at times reached a high standard and if Everton were somewhat disappointing in the first half they made up for it with then brilliance in the later stages of the game. Scott gave a splendid display between the posts, and in a plain straight forward way, saved many threatening situations. The Everton backs were unsteady in the start, no doubt Chelsea early goal unnerved them –and Balmer made several blunders, which might have pressed fatal, and he has to thank the sterling efforts of Harris for a lot of his recoveries. MaConnachie was much safer in his methods. He kept a cool head under pressure, tackled resolutely, and kicked with great accuracy on a greasy surface. All the Everton half-back did well, and they played most untirely throughout. It was hot until the latter stages of the game that they were of much assistance to their forwards, there mostly occupied in looking after Hilsdon and Co, but once they settled down and saw distinct cleverness line- Harris and Makepeace, and find vigour in Taylor. The left wing of the visitors were the most movement, especially in the second half. Barlow them held the ball more to himself and he generally worked into advantage for his side. Young made some neat passes, but he did not get many opportunities in front of goal. Freeman still adopts, the same brisk methods, that characterised his play when a member of the Arsenal team, but he has improved immensely with his juggling with the ball, and I should say he is now one of the cleverest forwards in the League. Coleman played a rather erratic sort of game, and his feeding to Sharp left room for improvement. He is still the same deadly player in front of goal, however, Sharp did many smart things, but he found the close attentions of Birnie rather troublesome at times. Taken all round it was a bright display played by clever performers, and watched by thousands of keen critical people. Teams: - Chelsea: - Whitley, goal, Cameron, and Miller, backs. warren Humphreys, and Birnie, half-backs, Brawn, Rouse, Hildson, Windridge, and Fairgrey, forwards. Everton: - Scott, goals, R. Balmer, and McConnachie, backs, Harris, Taylor, and Makepeace, half-backs, Sharp (Captain), Coleman Freeman, Young, and Barlow, forwards. Referee A.J. Barker.

EVERTON RESERVES 7 DARWEN 1
November 16, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One
Everton defeated Darwen at Goodison-Park on Saturday by seven goals to one. As the score indicates it was quite a one-sided affair, and it was only through a mistake by the home backs that the visitors scored. Couper was early in evidence, and scored two goals in the first few minutes. Lacey was responsible for the third goal, Couper the fourth, and Buck the fifth, which completed the scoring up to breathing time. After the interval, Smith scored for Darwen, and Lacey and Buck added further goals, for the Blues. Both fore and after the home side displayed excellence understanding, and the forwards never missed an opportunity to shoot. Independent of his hat track, Couper played a magnificent game in the centre, and his accurate marksmanship was quite a feature of the match. Lacey and Buck were also prominent, while in the defence Adamson was conspicuous for clever tackling and judicious feeding. Although beaten seven times Murray the visitors custodian did well, saving shots innumerable in a cool and clever manner. Everton: - Berry, goal, Stevenson, and Strettell, backs, Rafferty, Borthwick, and Adamson, half-backs, Buck, lacey, Couper, Bolton, and Woods, forwards .

TRANSFERRED AT LAST
Athletic News - Monday 18 November 1907
It would have been appalling to think of George Wilson, the Scottish International forward, leading the life of an exile in Belfast, had there not been the consoling possibility that by example and precept he would raise the standard of skill in the Irish league.  But a brief period has he been suffered to fill the role of the schoolmaster abroad, for Wilson is now destined to wear the black and white livery of Newcastle United.  That is the climax of the unfortunate dispute which began shortly before the Final Tie for the Association Cup last April.  Everton and Wilson parted company, and as the club determined to hold his transfer he found a sphere for his activity with Belfast Distillery.  Indeed, in October George Wilson, who had a qualification about as flimsy as that of many a county cricketer, had the unblushing effrontery to wear the green shirt of the Irish league against the English League.  Even then it was mooted that he was about to join Newcastle United.  If that were so Everton did not know of the proposal, and Newcastle United declare that the negotiations commenced on Tuesday, October 29.  When the Newcastle directors make up their mind to have a player they are never happy until they get him.  They are as keen as the Jew who is fascinated by the lustre of a diamond.  They have twice sent a deputation to Belfast, twice to Everton, and once to Edinburgh, but they have secured their prize.  The price of the transfer is naively said to be under 2,000 thousand.  We think so, too.  Still, as there were two clubs to negotiate with we should not be surprised if George Wilson has cost 1,600; 1,000 to Everton and 600 to the Distillery.  There were others willing to outbid Newcastle, but Tyneside is nearer Scotland than either Teesside or Thames-side.  A Sherlock Holmes may discover a hidden meaning and a fuller application in this sentence.  In case there is a November fog, we may say that Middlesbrough and Chelsea had their cheque books handy.  But Newcastle United know how to stalk big game, as McCombie, McColl,  McCracken, and Wilson all prove. 

Irish impressions of the transaction
Athletic News - Monday 18 November 1907
Our Belfast correspondent writes;- When George Wilson appeared in Irish football his advent was heralded with a skeptical view, which, to say the least of it, was astonishing.  Perhaps the fact that a player “on whose head” a price of 1,000 thousand was put by Everton had a lot to do with this, for though a certain amount of intelligence is exhibited by the football fraternity, their general knowledge of “official football” is negative in quantity.  His work in Belfast was more of the exhibition order than the sustained effort of a brilliant footballer.  The news that he had played brilliantly for the Irish League against the League at Sunderland only confirmed the idea that Wilson was merely in Belfast “working out his own salvation,:  Thus Irish football takes leave of a man who really was but a square peg in a round hole.”  What the Distillery made out of him in more ways than one is hard to say.  At the outset his presence added materially to their gate receipts and as he came to them without a penny for transfer fee, and they have benefitted materially by his going to Newcastle United they have no reason to feel languished at their acumen and his departure.  Nor will the Irish public miss him for his heart was either at Lochgelly only England. 

Wilson’s Impending Debut
Athletic News - Monday 18 November 1907
Some ardent spirits were in hopes that George Wilson would play for Newcastle United against Bury, but this was not possible, because all the official papers had not been received by Frank Watt, the secretary of the Northern club.  Besides Wilson is a man-not a football machine –and he needs a little leisure at his home in Lochgelly.  We should think it natural that the United would desire that Wilson should make his debut as a Tyneside man in a home encounter.  Some fifteen months ago he played at St. James’s Park for Everton, and last April he appeared on this enclosure for Scotland, but on each occasion he was at outside left.  His most subtle and seductive football is seen when he comes inside, for he is most difficult to dispossess, though he never retains the ball having once drawn his adversary.  Then it is that spectator realize the truth of the adage that it is always two to one on the man with the ball.  We should say that Wilson’s style will blend with that of Newcastle.  He should dimplish the cost of his transfer if he helps his new club against Birmingham next Saturday. 

BIRMINGHAM’S NEW CENTRE
Athletic News - Monday 18 November 1907
Ezra Holmes (Ex-Everton)
Ezra Holmes, who made his first appearance for Birmingham on Saturday, acting as pivot in place of W.H. Jones, whose foot is still troubling him, did not lose much time in getting into harness, for he was not signed up until Thursday night.  Ezra Holmes, who has been playing centre forward for Gainsborough, was born at Wombwell, Yorkshire, on October 26, 1887, and is 20 years of age.  At 15 he began to play with Wombwell Main Colliery, this being his introducing to football.  He was three seasons with them, and assisted them to win the Barnsley Minor League, and the Barnsley Beckett Cup, and the Mexborough Montague Hospital Cup.  Then Holmes played in four games with Sheffield United; he received these trials the year before he went to Gainsborough for two seasons.  He also had a couple of games with Everton, playing as an amateur.  He was an inside right before he went to Gainsborough, but he played inside left for that team, and of late has been officiating in the centre.  He has scored half a dozen goals for Trinity this season, and it is interesting to note in connection with his transfer that Wigmore and McRoberts came out as centre forwards at Gainsborough, and were years ago passed on to Small Heath )alias Birmingham).  They rendered great service to the Midland club, and are both like Charley’s Aunt-still running.  Holmes, who stands 5ft 8in., and weighs 11st 3lb., has gained some reputation as a good fast bowler in Wombwell.  And they ought to know a craftsman of this kind in Yorkshire. 

AN UNDERSTUDY TO H.P. HARDMAN
Athletic News - Monday 18 November 1907
Leonard G. Woods was called upon to fill the difficult role of substitute for Harold Hardman in the match against Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park on Saturday.  Born at Prescott, twenty years ago, and educated in Liverpool, his first essays as a player were with a club named Riversdale, and his connection extended over five seasons.  As members of the West Derby League this team almost monopolized the championship year after year, and Woods, who played outside left, was a prominent factor in the acquisition of these honours.  He represented the South against the North in Inter-League fray, and scored two of the goals credited to the former.  Then for a season he assisted Fairfield Old Boys, who were connected with the Second Division of the Lancashire Amateur League.  As these fixtures were limited, he played on the otherwise vacant Saturdays with Garston Church.  This club disbanded, and at the age of eighteen Woods joined Garston Gas Workers, who were members of the Wirral Senior League, and assisted them to win the premiership and also the Pyke Cup.  After a season’s stay, he signed for the first time a professional form for St. Helens Town, and last year was a regular performer in the team at outside left.  In the away match with Oswaldtwistle Rovers, which the “Saints” won by four clear goals, he scored all the points.  He was only one season with the Town club when Everton secured his services, and on Saturday last, against the Rovers, he was promoted to the first class.  Though evidently suffering from fright in the early stages, he improved as the game progressed, and two goals came from his centres.  He stands 5ft 7in, and weighs 10st 12lb.  When an amateur he won several prizes as a sprinter over distances varying from 100 yards to 220 yards. 

THE CULT OF EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 18 November 1907
Everton 4, Blackburn Rovers 1
By Hurricus
It is seldom that I am disappointed when anticipating a good game on a visit to Goodison Park, the home of the only double-deck converted stand in the world of football, and though the opponents of the renowned "Blues" on Saturday were only the much-criticized Blackburn Rovers team, I do not desire to see a much better contest, which fact is one way of paying a compliment to the aforementioned Rovers, who, were, by the way, habited in the proverbial scarlet of the blood-thirsty pirate.  They commenced as though they had come for another victory, for they got a goal three minutes from the start, but unfortunately for their prospects the home team equalized within a minute.  Both goals were obtained in somewhat similar fashion-with the assistance of the defence.  Latheron and Bracegirdle got away very smartly from the start, and forthwith called upon Scott to exercise his skill.  Back they came again.  W. Balmer made a tremendous lunge at the ball but missed it.  Scott came out in a hurry and kicked the ball against Robertson, from whom it rebounded into the net.  Scott looked at Balmer, Balmer looked at Scott, and then offered a mutual regard for each other.  Then straight away at the other end Crompton was the culprit and Settle the scorer, so that there must have been a jelling between the two right backs that one good turn deserved another.
Bolton's Novelty Goal.
But there was no more scoring up to half time, and the Rovers were fully entitled to share the honours.  Bolton gave Everton the lead six minutes after the resumption in a wonderful manner.  Woods centred the ball right across the goalmouth; Sharp who was almost on the touch line, headed in, and Bolton, who was stood against the post with his back to the goal, just hooked the ball over his head and into the net to the surprise of the players, himself included probably.  Having established the lead the Everton men gradually asserted their mastery, and from a corner by Woods, which he himself forced, Young secured the third goal, and "in the gloaming "Settle made up the quartette somewhat readily after good work by Sharp.   Thus end the record of goal scoring.  My opening remarks will have converted an idea of the run of the game, and it seemed rather a pity that the Rovers should have been beaten by such a margin.  Their fieldwork in the first half compared very favorably with the fine movements of the home side, but whereas McIver was being continually tested, Scott had comparatively little to do.  In the second half they were overpowered; but if a week’s training at Blackpool can make them play for 45 minutes as they did at Goodison Park on Saturday the possibility is that another week at the seaside will make them continue their good work for 90 minutes, and a still further week may instill some fire into their shooting.  Everton were good all round.  They put in a new outside left in Len Woods, who last season was with St. Helens Town, and if hardly up to the standard of his colleagues, he was not exactly a failure, and had a hand in two of the goals.  Young was in his best form, although he only scored one goal.  He lay well ahead, but possessed sufficient intelligence to keep inside and was well supported by Settle and Bolton. The latter’s mission was to feed his partner, but Settle had a roving commission, while Sharp made it his special business to make straight for goal whenever he had the opportunity, and there was well watched though.  The forward line was indeed excellent, with Young the leader in a double sense.
The Artistic Makepeace
The palm at half-back must be awarded to Makepeace, who gave a most skillful and cool exhibition of pure football, and is undoubtedly an artist.  Taylor was a worker and seems as good as ever, while Robert Balmer was the better back, his kicking being well judged, Scott kept a sound goal, and McIver could not be blamed for the defeat, as he kept out some fine shots.  One attempt by Young, however, would have bowled him over had it struck him, but fortunately for his health the ball struck the foot of the post with terrific force and rebounded; it was the best shot of the match.  Crompton and Cowell, as a pair of backs were magnificent, which is the correct word for the occasion.  I have said more than once that they had no superiors in the League, and Saturday’s display further confirmed my opinion.  Cowell has never played better, and well as Sharp played, whenever it came to a match between two, Cowell was invariably the master, even in speed.  Heywood, who was a most successful left back when I saw him last, is not so good at right half, but Walmsley again impression me favorably, while Houlker had some rare tussles with the home right wing, and he did not come out with discredit to his reputation.  There was a pleasing improvement forward with Whittaker again the shining light, as he appears to be every week.  Robertson was also more active than I have seen him, while Latheron bustled about and generally made headway.  Bracegirdle, however, did not seem to get along very well on the outside left.  The Rovers were playing against a side that would have defeated any opponents on Saturday.  Everton; Scott; Balmer (W), Balmer (R); Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and Woods.  Blackburn Rovers; McIver; Crompton, Cowell; Heywood, Walmsley, Houlker; Whittaker, Robertson, Martin, Latheron, and Bracegirdle.  Referee; W. Gilgryst, Manchester.

THE WILSON CASE SETTLED
Athletic News - Monday 18 November 1907
By Junius
The announcement of the transfer of George Wilson to Newcastle has provided one of the sensations of the week. Ever since rupture between player and Everton, Goodison management have been besieged by applications for permission to approach Wilson. Naturally a big transfer fee was paid, and Everton received 1,000, while another 600 was handed over to the Distillery club. This is a tremendous price pay for a footballer, and to me the sum appears altogether out of all manner of reason Everton have been very fortunate in receiving big fees for their migrating players, for they obtained a cool thousand for Rouse. I had hoped that Wilson would have been prevailed upon to come back to Goodison, but despite all attempts at conciliation none were successful. Wilson can look forward to a tremendous reception if he comes with the Tynesiders to Anfield on 14th of December.

WHAT CHELSEA OWE TO THE PENALTY KICK
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 November 1908
Olympian’s Corner.
If any league club has reason to be thankful for the penalty kick surely it is the Chelsea F.C.  It pulled them through on the occasion of the recent visit to the home of the champions, and it served them in their engagement with Everton on Saturday afternoon.  Hilsdon, who is said to be anything but enraptured with this drastic rule, was the scoring artist in each case.  The feeling in the great city on the Mersey is well reflected in the following short outburst, which reached me early in the week;-
Liverpool, 16/11/08.- Dear Sir, -Talking about “Penalties,” what do think of the one awarded to Chelsea against Everton last Saturday?  Hard lines, is it not (on Everton) to have their record spoiled by such a decision?  Still, it is all over now.  Wishing every success to your popular paper, which will always be read by yours respectively, LIVERPOOL, FIELDITE.
This penalty given against Everton by Mr. Barker fairly roused the ire of the visitors, and it will go down amongst the many that have been sharply criticized in the matter of justice.  The great crowd were kept in a high state of excitement right through an interesting contest, and well they might be seeing that as many as half a dozen goals were netted, three being crowded into the short space of eight or nine minutes at one stage.  How the goals were registered will be gathered from the following;-
First Goal for Chelsea by Hilsdon
Second Goal for Everton by Coleman
Third Goal for Everton by Freeman
Fourth Goal for Chelsea by Hilsdon
Fifth Goal for Everton by Freeman
Sixth Goal for Chelsea by Hilsdon.
It was when defeat threatened to befall the pensioners, time rapidly slipping away, that the penalty incident occurred, and a rare lively time it was.  It was variously described by the southern critics, several of whom admitted that there was a strong element of doubt about the affair.  My Everton readers will be interested in appended selections;-
There was an extraordinary scene when the ball was knocked down one of the Everton defenders. Both teams rushed after the referee. And that official was actually chased all over the ground by 22 players, who looked, as if they wanted to tear him to pieces. It reminded me of nothing so much as a "weisher" being chased on Epson Downs on Derby Day. The Everton players led by Sharp, indignantly protested against the granting of a penalty kick by the referee.  Mr. Barker was surrounded with an unseemly demonstration by the visiting players, the majority of whom no doubt were sincere in their belief that only Scott had handled the ball from Fairgray’s centre, but the referee was quite right in his decision, even though a big proportion of the huge crowd did not see what happened I distinctly saw Harris strike the ball with his arm before Scott got possession of it.  Possibly the Irishman had no winful intent, but his action was so apparently deliberate that the referee was fully justified in his decision.  I believe it is Everton's intention to report Mr. Barker upon the penalty decision, but there were F.A. Councillors present who agree with me that his ruling was perfectly sound.  In a sustained attack by the Chelsea forwards right in front of their opponents' goal, someone deliberately handled the ball as it was apparently going into the net.  The referee whistled, and pointed to the penalty kick mark.  He was immediately surrounded by the Everton players, who emphasized their protests by shaking and pulling at the official's coat as he dodged here and there to escape their attentions. The crowd watched these maneuvers with breathless interest and only when the referee erect and resolute, stood apart from the mass of players with his right foot meaningly placed on the penalty kick mark, did the cheering ring out again.  Then Hilsdon, stepped out to take the kick, and a silence that could be felt came over all as he stopped and placed the ball to his liking, the while Scott, the Everton goalkeeper, faced him watchfully.  The next second saw him drive it into the right-hand corner of the goal, at an irresistible velocity which left Scott blinking and which sent the crowd into a delirium of delight. 
It will be noticed that all the three writers of the quotations I have given agree that the ball was knocked down, but only one says it was an act of deliberation.  If Mr. Barker held the same view he had no option but to put the penalty law into force.  Here is his explanation after all was over;-
The ball came across from the left.  Harris was well in the penalty area, not far from the goal, and he deliberately handled the ball, Scott rushed out to clear the centre, and actually did so, but not until after Harris had handled.  That is what took place under my very nose, and I was bound to give a penalty.  Scott was evidently under the impression that I had mistaken him for another player, but I had not, because he was not in any way concerned in the penalty.
Had Hilsdon failed with his shot it is not easy to imagine what would have happened.  It is only fair to say that Chelsea had two goals disallowed for technical offences.  Whilst dealing with penalty kicks it is worthwhile to note that one saved Newcastle United from defeat at Bramell-lane-and against Ernest Needham, of all men in the world!- and that another gave the Rovers their only goal against Manchester United, Glossop having a like experience at Blackpool. 

EVERTON AT STAMFORD BRIDGE
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 November 1908
By Richard Samuel
Everton’s opportunity to build up an absolute best on record set triumphs of triumphs on foreign soil was destroyed on Saturday at Chelsea in a manner not thoroughly satisfactory to the friends of the Blues.  But, amid the general disappointment, there was at least one consoling feature, aye, two: Everton succeeded in retaining their unbeaten visiting ticket, whilst they surely demonstrated their greatness by the way in which they fought a tremendous uphill battle: They had to begin climbing after less than 30 seconds’ play.  Then, when the crest of the hill had been reached and the Goodison Pedipulators had even begun to free wheel— having taken the lead-came that debatable penalty infliction, which by the way, seems to have been in everybody s mouth locally this week. Was it, or was it not, a penalty?  The Everton players to an man emphatic that it wasn’t; likewise some of those who, holding impartial views, critically watched the match.  The referee, however, said it was a Penalty —and, as you know a referee against a side is more than all who can be for a side.
A Double Injustice to "Ireland".
It was in the second stage, when Everton were leading 3-2, that Chelsea put in a big effort to equalize, and it was during this period of pressure  upon the visiting goal that Scott rushed out into a crowd of struggling players to hand the ball clear. Instanter the referee (and referees are but human after all, despite what some of them imagine!) signalled a penalty with the result that the whole Everton team-even the imperturbable MacConnaehie joining in-formed themselves into a sort of readymade court appeal. No “All Black", ever tackled his men more strenuously than those eleven "All Blues” tackled Mr. Barker.  "It was I alone’ declared Scott, "who did the job," whereas Mr. Referee was inexorable and voted for Harris, with the result that Hilsdon equalised the scores. This was nothing less than double injustice to young Ireland, if Everton's emphatic and unanimous declaration re their non - breaking of the penalty rule is true—and their sincerity I, of course, have no reason to doubt.  Here was Harris, one of Everton’s two Irishmen, wrongfully saddled—so he and so all Everton assert-with illegally understudying Scott, whilst his fellow countryman was subsequently saddled with a goal, when the ball should have been lengths away in some other part of the field –a double injustice to “Young” Ireland, I repeat.
Penalty Prominence.
By the way, is not Stamford Bridge becoming somewhat notorious in connection with penalty kicks?  You will all recall (Boltonians doubly so!) how in April last Notts County were saved from drowning at Chelsea when about to sink for the third and last time, through the aid of a penalty kick, which will ever remain warmly talked about, and I suppose debated upon by those whom it most concerned –Bolton Wanderers, to wit.  In this case Whitley, the Chelsea custodian, was mulcted in a penalty that took the shape of a lifebuoy, which Dodds, the Notts left winger (all credit to his presence of mind), managed to clutch.  This I do know –as knowing the man – that Mr. McQueen, the referee that day ruled according as his eyes, judgment, and conscience dictated, and doubtless as Referee Barker is now just as emphatic that it was a penalty and nothing but a penalty on Saturday.  But it would have been a gracious act on his part of this Hanley official, and an act in no wise undignified had he, in deference to the unanimous appeals and the protracted appeals of the whole Everton team, consulted his linesmen –which he didn’t.  Apart from the foregoing considerations I hold the view (I may be wrong, however) that to consult one’s linesmen in circumstances of this kind strengthens rather than weakens a referee’s ruling (when confirmed, of course), just as on the Bench when the assisting Judges concur; whereas, if the linesmen disagree, does not this go to show the referee (backed up as said disagreement is with the players’ protests) that a mistake has been made?
How Should a Goalkeeper Be Clothed?
This case of Barker v. Scott or Harris, I think, calls for some further legislation on the subject of a goalkeeper’s outfit.  Scott, as we all know, is garded a wee bit differently from his fellows in that his sleeves have a dark ring around them.  But I would like to see goalkeepers still more distinctly attired than is at present sometimes the case.  It would help referees and prove a capital cure for heartburn.  Of the match itself at Chelsea it was worthy the occasion, being simply “great” throughout.  As the scoring indicates, the forwards (given rare half-back assistance) were a trifle more than the defenders could manage.  On all counts perhaps a draw was an equitable finding, yet I cannot be charged with partiality when I say that the side which scores within half a minute of the start and gets another goal from a tremendously disputed penalty is a trifle lucky.  Everton are to be complimented for bringing back a point from such a hotbed of roses (to Chelsea!) They strove valiantly and cleverly to veer the wind-round, and it was surely galling that just when they had succeeded, a momentary untoward gust should have gone to assist Chelsea’s craft to cross the line level and claim a dead-heat.
In Brief, &c.
Where all did so well, and with my Everton space already exhausted, I can only indulge the lads in an all-round compliment.  Scott effected many champion saves, particularly in the closing stages; he made one save too many, however, Everton assert –this in the case of the penalty infringement, Balmer was the best back on the field, and that was because Rouse and Brawn denied Macconnachie such a distinguishing mark.  At half-back Val Harris gave another sterling display.  Taylor was Makepeace was always up to concert pitch.  It goes without saying that Freeman scored; twice he did the trick-in the one other shining individually.  Coleman’s goal was a beauty, and he showed that Freeman was not the only Everton artist capable of drawing goalkeepers.  Young and Barlow put in a capital afternoon’s work; but the most solidly dangerous Everton forward was Jack Sharp, who worked with power and telling effect.  Sharp is having a great season.

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 November 1908

• Everton Present team should go well for the Cup once more.
• Everton’s immunity from injury has been commented on.  Yet they felt very much hurt on Saturday at Chelsea.
• Rather a starter for Everton to have a goal scored against them without one of the “Toffee” men touching the ball! Eh?
• By drawing at Chelsea, Everton leave Sunderland and Burnley as the only teams in either division who have not shared points this season.
• Manchester United are five points below last season’s figures to date.  Everton, on the other hand, have already jumped a matter of 10 points.
• Everton nearly came a cropper at Chelsea, but then they must expect to be taken down sooner or later.
• The Everton players went for Referee Barker to such a fierce tune that the Hanley gent must have wished those hungry Toffeeman had been muzzled.
• The referee did not even consult any of his linesmen at Chelsea despite Everton’s emphatic, aye, frantically unanimous appeals.  Surely this was the least he might have done.
• Barlow, of Everton, may not be a brilliant player, but he is quick in his movements, and generally bustles about in the direction of goal to some tune –usually a merry one.
• Freeman, this year’s champion goal-scorer, again was in evidence in that essential department of the game – that of placing the ball past the opposing goalkeeper into the net.  The versatile forward of the all-conquering Toffees has now got to 18 goals and is nearing his majority. 
• Young has appeared at inside left in ten successive games for Everton –a record for this position within recent years.
• Freeman is still scoring, but with such artists as Coleman and Young on each side he gets more scoring chances than most centres.
• When at Everton Donnachie was voted a weak spot at outside left, whereas with Oldham he is being rightly voted a powerful spot and the finest outside left the club has possessed.  He is very popular, his clever, sinuous and tricky runs fairly arousing the enthusiasm of the crowd.
• A close scrutiny of Freeman’s methods is worth the trouble.  See him standing listlessly on the half way line, when suddenly he receives the ball and is off like lightning.  The opposing half back is passed; the backs converge –but all to no purpose; they are slipped, the goalkeeper is drawn –and then, bang! –Ringing cheers –and hands shakes.
• Coleman was in grand trim at Stamford Bridge, being ever thick in the fray.
• The third penalty granted against Everton this season was turned into goal No. 1.
• Their Everton neighbours are Liverpool’s only home conquerors.  Will the Reds avenge this defeat on Monday, we wonder?
• Everton failed to record their seventh away victory, but still it was a fine performance to take a point away from Stamford Bridge.
• Will the following players be capped this season;- Scott and Harris (Ireland), Macconnachie and Young (Scotland), and Sharp, Makepeace, and Freeman (England)? They deserve it.
• It is hoped that the champions, having shown a glimpse of their real form, will find themselves at full strength when facing Everton –which may mean a shock for the latter!

BLACKBURN ROVERS RES V. EVERTON RES
(Lancashire Combination.- Division 1.)
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 November 1908
Played at Blackburn, before a good gate. The Rovers played Kirby, their latest acquisition from Atherton.  The opening was sensational, Aitkenhead scoring in the first minute.  The visitors retaliated, and when things looked dangerous the Rovers’ left full-back intervened.  After Kirby had distinguished himself, Bracegirdle put in a lovely centre, but no one was ready to meet it.  The Rovers pressed to the interval.  Half-time; Rovers 1, Everton 0.
On the resumption the visitors were the first to exert pressure, Griffiths returning.  The visitors continued to press, but Lacey shot over.  The Rovers returned, but Bracegirdle was given offside.  Still keeping up the attack, Crompton was all but through when he slipped at the critical moment.  From a capital centre by Kirby, Aitkenhead put the Rovers two ahead, and in the next minute Hindle had to run out to clear his charge.  Final; Blackburn Rovers Reserve 2, Everton Reserve 2.

EVERTON V BLACKBURN ROVERS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 November 1908
AN EIGHT GOALS DUEL AT GOODISON PARK.
To-day’s meeting between Everton and Blackburn rovers, at Goodison Park, was rendered more than usually interesting because of the position of the one club as League leaders, and of the other sharing with Everton an unbeaten “away" certificate.  Both clubs were fully represented and paraded the same teams as for three weeks past; Everton, of course, having out what may be termed their "invincible" eleven.  Much interest centred in the appearance of such stalwarts as Crompton and Ashcroft whilst Chapman—son of a former Liverpool trainer —would doubtless be a much scanned youth, who was now called upon to check if possible, Freeman’s scoring propensities The teams lined thus:—Everton; Scott, goal; Balmer (R.), Right-back and Macconnachie, Left-back; Harris, Right half-back, Taylor, Centre half-back and Makepeace, Left half-back; Sharp (Captain), Outside-right, Coleman, Inside-right, Freeman, Centre, Young, Inside-left and G.H. Barlow, Outside-left.  Blackburnburn Rovers;- Ashcroft, goal; Crompton, Right-back, and Suttle, Left-back; Houlker, Right half-back, Chapman, Centre half-back, and Bradshaw, Left half-back; Garbutt, Outside-right, Latheron, Inside-right, Davies, Centre, Kylie, Inside-left, and Anthony, Outside-left.  Referee; Mr. J. Mason, Burslem.
Home Forwards In Deadly Earnest
The weather was mild and though distinctly dull, the rain kept off, as it has done every Saturday afternoon throughout the season.  The early start is detrimental to attendances in Liverpool, but there would doubtless be close upon 20,000 present when the game opened, Freeman having set the ball rolling.  By the way, there was an eleventh hour change in the Blackburn team, the veteran Houlker making his first League team appearance of the season on a once famous hunting ground, Ferguson being an absentee.  The Rovers endeavoured to force an attack on the right wing, but Makepeace's capital tackling came in handy.  The Blues were awarded a free-kick on the half-way line, but this was cleared by Suttie with a capital overhead kick. Then a clever passing movement between Young and Barlow roused the crowd's enthusiasm, until Chapman nicked in. The ball went into touch, and from the throw in Freeman darted between the visiting backs, and with glorious cross-shot lowered the visitors' colours, the ball flying into the net at a great pace, and leaving Ashcroft helpless, game was less than "Three Minutes Old" when this goal accrued. The Rovers responded with a dash on the right, but Makepeace and Macconnachie responded tellingly. Again were Everton witnessed in dashing and clever mood, and following splendid aggressive tactics Freeman and his left wing the ball across the face of the Rovers' goal some 12 yards out. Here Sharp came on the scene to try a shot, but the ball cannoned at right angles off a visiting defender to Coleman, who happened to be splendidly placed. The ex-Gunner made no mistake and emulated his former club mate Freeman by scoring Everton's second goal with a tremendous ground shot which Ashcroft could only look at regretfully. The game was thus only seven minutes old when Everton had gained an apparently easy winning position. Everton were simply all over the East Lancastrians, and after skillful footwork Young brought Ashcroft full length in dealing with a terrific shot. At the other end Scott dealt in masterly fashion with a splendid long shot from Kyle. Balmer, Taylor and Harris all excelled in defence. But Everton as a whole were simply walking into the weak spots in the visitors armour, and here Sharp came on the scene with a couple of smart runs. From the second of these he centred the ball finely right off the goal-line, which time Suttie was hanging on to his heels. The ball went right across the face of the Rovers’ goal, where Crompton and Coleman were in close attendance; the ball travelled beyond Coleman to Crompton, who, to his intense disgust, banged the ball into his own net, Everton thereby leading by three clear goals after quarter of an hour’s play. Crompton, by the way, appears partial to scoring against his own side in this way -the result doubtless of trying “impossible" shots. Surely the sensational had been crowded in today's first 15 minutes play, and the late comers were given food for comment and reflection when they heard the news -the attendance would now number fully 22,000. There was one disquieting feature, however, from an Everton standpoint—the light was already wretchedly poor, and there was more than a suspicion of mist in evidence.  The Rovers here showed a bold front.  Scott being more than requisitioned as the result of smart forward tactics. MaConnachie once saved a scorching shot by Latheron, who a little later, banged the ball high over the Everton crossbar when favourably placed.  Coleman was at this point just about the cleverest forward on the field, his footwork being pulse-stirring, and his passes the acme of perfection.  His "getting" of the ball to Sharp from all manner of positions was really delightful. "Tim ’’ here fully deserved a goal, as he neatly tricked two opponents, and then fired in accurately, but Coleman happened to bar the way.  After a stoppage through injury to Makepeace, the Rovers nearly rushed a goal per Kyle, directly following the restart, Scott being unable to cope with the situation but fortunately his comrades—jealous of Scott s citadel —succeeded in keeping the enemy at bay, thanks to a little dash of luck thrown in. Just before the interval Young made another brilliant scoring attempt, but Ashcroft was not to be beaten. Sharp a little later just missed the ball when favorably placed, while just before the whistle went Scott executed a splendid save from Kyle, who was the Rovers' best marksman. Everton were easily the better side during the first half. Their early big lead was pleasing indeed, yet it tended to take out the match something of that excitement which is always coupled with uncertainty. Everton were much too good, but in the last twenty minutes a good deal scrambling play was witnessed. Interval; Everton 3, Rovers 0.
A Rousing Second Half.
The players were hurried out into service again after a bare five minutes' rest. The Rovers restarted with spirit, and from a centre by Anthony Davies was rather unfortunate in failing to get the ball past Scott, a hot shot being accidently deflected wide of the goal-post. Young clearing from the corner. However, with the second stage only advanced some five minutes zest was added the proceedings in the shape a well-deserved goal to the Blackburn side. Davies, who throughout the game had been a prominent forager, raced right down the centre, and then when in close proximity to Scott he banged the ball home. This stirred both Everton and their opponents. The Rovers were again distinctly dangerous, but Everton having stalled off this attack, soon regained the three goals lead. Their clever Makepeace defeated Anthony and then served to Young, who made a fine run and then passed square to Coleman. Who took up the story. Ashcroft was drawn, and Coleman drove the ball into the net, Everton thus leading by four goals to one. Everton now kept up a scorching attack, in which that wizard of the game, Sandy Young, was a tremendous force for good. Barlow, who had not been a success previously, was now doing better. Even Crompton could make little of Young. Everton were trying desperately for further goals, Sharp ending one bombardment by shooting over the bar, whilst Taylor plied Ashcroft with a rasping shot. Then a brilliant right wing and centre movement culminated in Coleman again netting, but the goal was disallowed, Tim having infringed the offside rule by a foot or so. Anthony was twice noticeable for the Rovers, but on the whole they were well kept in hand. With 25 minutes remaining for play the ball was only with difficulty followed from the Press-box. Anthony was much the most effective forward in the Rovers’ ranks hereabouts, and some of his work deserved better reward than was bestowed upon it by his inside forwards. However, with 22 minutes go, Garbutt centred from the other wing, and Davies slipped the ball into the net, Scott failing after advancing to intercept Garbutt’s centre. Then almost directly from the re-start Davies went right through, Scott rushed out some distance as a last resource. But the little Rover unerringly shot the ball into the haven, thereby bringing the score 4-3 in sensational fashion, at the time completing the hat trick. Thus the issue was made wonderfully open, and the spectators were once again pitched into the throes of excitement.  Whether the visitors would have scored as they did in a better light is neither here nor there, certain is they were fighting tooth and nail to save their away unbeaten certificate. The defenders were sorely harassed, especially Anthony, whilst Crompton was repeatedly heard shouting instructions his men. Ten minutes from the end the Rovers executed a dashing attack on the right, and the ball being centred Davies added to his laurels the scores, which was a caution. The Everton defence was undoubtedly weak this portion. Still the Rovers were worthy of every' praise for making such a valiant fight, was worthy of the club’s best cup-tie fighting traditions. The closing stages were excitedly fought out, but the Rovers held their own, to effect a sensational division of the points, and the same time retained their clean slate on foreign soil. The Everton side suffered a serious relapse in the second stage. They are evidently not twilight team. Final; Everton 4, Blackburn Rovers 4.

EVERTON 4 BLACKBURN ROVERS 4
November 23, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
REMARKABLE GAME AT EVERTON.
ROVERS' WONDERFUL RECOVERY.
FREEMAN NINETEENTH LEAGUE GOAL OF THE SEASON
We had quite a thrilling game at Goodison Park on Saturday –one to be long remembered by all who witnessed it. If only one could have foreseen what actually happened, there would of a certainly have been an even larger "gate" satisfactory though it was seeing that the attendance must have been somewhere near 25,000. Only rarely does a side pull a game out of the fire in the manner of Blackburn Rovers' performance against Everton. The game ended in a division of the honours, with four goals each. At the interval probably not one in a thousand of the spectators ever dreamt of such a result. Everton secured a three goal lead in the first quarter of an hour, and this on ordinary occasion is quite sufficient to ensure victory. Certainly on their form during the opening half the chances of Blackburn Rovers appealed gloomy indeed. But what a change came over the scene after the teams crossed over. Davies quickly scored, then Coleman added another for Everton, and all seemed over. This, however, was not the Rovers' ideas, for playing up with a dash and pluck, which were worthy of the highest praise, they bothered the home defence so greatly that Davies was responsible for three other goals. It was an eye-opener for Everton supporters, but the crowd, to their credit be it said, waxed enthusiastic over the exhibition of the Rovers, who came pretty near winning the game after twice being three goals in arrears.
RUN OF THE PLAY.
But to consider the play in rather more detail. Everton commenced in irresistible fashion. Even before the home right wing had played the ball, Freeman found Crompton hesitating, and credited himself with his nineteenth goal of the season. Young's cleverness was really responsible for the point, and a few minutes later that player enabled Sharp to put in a grand shot, which Crompton deflected to Coleman, who had no difficulty in netting. This was a great beginning and the whole side were playing so well that the Rovers looked quite outclassed. A quarter of an hour from the start, a third goal arrived, the redoubtable Crompton this time turning a centre from Sharp into the net. After this the Evertonians took matters easily, but for all that Scott was rarely troubled. With three goals against them no one imagined that the Rovers, had any prospect of preventing their undefeated away record being besmirched. However, it was soon evident that they had made up their minds to do or die. Straight away, Davies worked his way through and cleverly scored his first goal, but when Coleman, mainly through Young's brilliant work, put on a fourth, it was though that all was over for the Rovers. Then it was that the visiting side roused themselves, after the manner of football heroes. Anthony delighted with some beautiful sprints, which were too much for the Everton defenders, Davies was ever on the alert, and taking a pass from Garbutt, he scored his second goal, completing the hat-trick a few minutes later, by a fine individual effort. Even then he was not satisfied, for he claimed a fourth. Were Everton after going to lose? There were moments when this seemed not out of the question, but happily the Blues roused themselves, and Ashcroft cleared a splendidly from Sharp. The end, however, was four goals each.
THE PLAYERS.
No more brilliant forward and half-back work could be desired than that shown by Everton in the earlier stages, of the contest. Young was a artist, he was Sandy in his happiest vein, and we all know what a brainy player he is. Well, he was simply delightful. Sharp and Coleman were also rare form, and it was hard lines on "Tim" that he was deprived on the "hat-trick" for which he worked so hard. Neither Freeman nor Barlow was up to concert pitch. The Halves did not last as well as usual, but there is this to be said for them, that both Harris and Makepeace sustained injuries. When the Rovers were making those dangerous rushes, they failed to hold them at bay, and during this period Balmer and MaConnachie were at fault, the latter especially being singularly ineffective. Scott, as far as could be seem in the bad light, could not be blamed for either of the goals put up against him. The Rovers were quite a difficult lot in the second half. Earlier their forwards were inept to a degree, and the awakening later was quite a revelation. Anthony played a sparkling game at outside left, but the remarkable success was Davies, who will have pleasant memories of the fixture, seeing that he scored all the goals for his side. Crompton was by no means the Crompton, that we know, for the most part he found more than his match in Young. However, he improved as the game progressed, and his stimulating influence had doubtless something to do with the Rovers partial success. While congratulating the Rovers upon their splendid uphill fight, Everton with a four-one lead half an from the finish never to have lost their hold over the game. Teams: - Everton: - Scott, goal, R. Balmer, and McConnachie, backs, Harris, Taylor, and Makepeace, half-backs, Sharp (Captain), Coleman Freeman, Young, and Barlow, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Ashcroft, goals, Crompton, and Suttle, backs, Houlker, Chapman and Bradshaw, half-backs, Garbutt, Latheron, Davies, Kylie, and Anthony, forwards. Referee J. Mason.

BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
November 23, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 11)
Everton found Blackburn Rovers very keen opponents at Ewood-Park, but managed to share the points by reason of a draw of two goals each. The Rovers started well, Aitkenhead opening the scoring in the first minute, while soon after the change of ends the same player added a second goal. Then, however, Everton set to work, and Jones and Dawson scoring, the honours were divided. The Everton forwards took a long time to settled down, and has they started as well as they finished they might have carried off both points. Everton: - Berry, goal, Stevenson, and Strettell, backs, Rafferty, Borthwick, and Adamson, half-backs, Buck, Lacey, Jones Bolton, and Dawson, forwards.

EVERTON 0 LIVERPOOL 2
November 24, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Senior Cup Semi-Final.
Our great local clubs, Everton and Liverpool, were drawn together in the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup Competition yesterday. The officials of the two clubs tossed for choice of grounds. The Everton secretary was successful, and the game was played at Goodison-park yesterday afternoon. The result was that Liverpool qualified for the final by two goals to nil. On the run of the play there was to other ending possible than a triumph for the Anfield-road organisation. But, after all, there was nothing to boast about in a full Liverpool League team, with two exceptions, vanquishing what was really an Everton reserve eleven. No doubt Everton, in their sensational game with Blackburn Rovers, had a quite unusual number of players more or less crippled. Therese were accidents which could not be helped, and nobody could have been more disappointed than the Everton directors themselve by the fact that they were only in a position to play three members of the team which figured against the Rovers. This in itself robbed the match of whatever interest it might otherwise have presented, for at all tomes local rivalry is aroused when our two local teams are seen in opposition at full strength. Such was not the case yesterday, and therefore, as has already been indicated, the fixture did not command the attention which otherwise would have been the case. The game itself calls for little in the nature of serious comment. Liverpool made their position secure in the first half of the game. During this period they gave an exhibition of delightful football, that is when an opposition is not too tertile or re-sourceful. Goode, the reserve inside right of Liverpool scored a couple of fine goals, besides accomplishing a lot of really clever work. After the chance of ends, the Everton shaped more creditably, but there was never any real danger of the "Reds" losing their lead, which they kept to the finish without much trouble. As for the players, Goodie was one of the most conspicuous men on the field, apart from his goal scoring capabilities, while Harrop played a great game at centre half-back, Settle was over-weighted by Cox, who, however, rarely drove his advantage home, and the best man in the half-back line of the losing side was Adamson. Young and Coleman gave occasional glimpses of their real form, but taken all round the Everton attack was only occasionally deadly. Berry shaped well in goal, and could not be held responsible for either point, which counted. Teams : - Everton: - Berry goal, Strettell, and R. balmer, backs, Rafferty, Borthwick, and Adamson, half-backs, Buck, Coleman Jones Young, and Dawson, forwards. Liverpool: - Hardy, gaol Chorlton, and Dunlop, backs, Parry, Harrop, and Bradley half-backs, Goddard, Goode, Parkinson, Hewitt and Cox, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Campbell. The attendance was 8,000, and the gate receipts about £250.

A Knotty Point from Newcastle.
Athletic News - Monday 25 November 1907
For the moment that illustrious Scotsman, George Wilson, is metaphorically suspended like Mahomet’s coffin, between heaven and earth. As a football player hath not where to lay his head, but probably an abiding place will found for him. Newcastle United, Everton, and Belfast Distillery are apparently all satisfied, but the Football Association are not satisfied. In some quarters the Association are regarded as implacable, and in others the executive officers are looked upon as far from complacent. This is the penalty of seeing that the rules which the clubs have made are being enforced, not only to the letter but in spirit in which they were conceived. The Football Association have for the nonce refused to register George Wilson as Newcastle’s player. The authorities, desire to be convinced that he has any more right migrate from Everton to Newcastle via Belfast than to remove from Goodison Park to Portsmouth by a direct route. If some our ultra -amateurs were not so busily engaged manufacturing pernicious phrases to hurl at the leading members of the Council we should have heard shriek* concerning the shackles of slavery in which the poor professional lives. But these Pecksniffs of sport have not time to waste in sympathy for George Wilson, one of the Caledonian mercenaries.

GEORGE WILSON POSITION
Athletic News - Monday 25 November 1907
But is George Wilson being hardly treated?  That is the question to answer.  Last spring Everton and George Wilson each had a grievance, and they parted company.  That is the fairest and most impartial way to state the situation.  Everton did not want to lose the services of such a player, and offered him the limit salary of £4 per week. They reported to the Association that they had proposed such terms. Wilson refused them, and desired to go to Portsmouth. Now rule 30 in the Official Handbook says: "Clubs shall be entitled to retain players to whom they are prepared to pay the maxim wages, unless the players satisfy The Council that there are special grounds for allowing them to change their clubs.” The Council were not satisfied that such special grounds existed as were required, and he was not allowed to join Portsmouth. It is idle to say that this is unfair to the player, because Wilson must have known, or at least ought to have known, all the obligations he incurred when he became attached to Everton, who certainly did not pay a transfer fee which would work out at about £100 per month for his services, in addition to his salary, under the impression that he would not play for them after one season. So Wilson, who presumably did not feel that he could remain with Everton under the same conditions as all other players, went out of English football. He allied himself with the Distillery, and now seeks to return to the land of the Saxon and play for Newcastle United. The three clubs concerned are agreeable Everton because they cannot smooth over the difficulties, Distillery because they have been compensated, and Newcastle because they are willing to reimburse Everton for their loss and to conciliate the Belfast club. Of course, Newcastle United have only agreed to give Wilson the statutory salary, but the F.A. want to know why the £4 per week at Tyneside is preferable to £4 per week on Merseyside and one year passed towards which would qualify for a benefit at Goodison Park, where they admittedly server the players well.  Is Wilson to be around to evade Rule 30? 
A Matter of Equity.
That is the point at issue, as we understand it? The F.A. are perfectly justified in demanding that they shall be satisfied that special rounds exist for the registration. At the same time we must not overlook the fact that Everton have withdrawn their opposition to his removal because they find the player obdurate. Whatever Wilson s grievance was it cannot be denied that he has already suffered considerable loss and inconvenience because he would not receive any summer retainer, and he must have sacrificed salary ever since this commenced.  We should say that if a man and his master cannot settle their differences the servant ought not be deprived of the opportunity of earning a livelihood. The clubs are entitled to protection, but so are the players. The rule was drawn up to stop the migration of profession without just cause ; not to act as an  impediment to a man who conceived that he had a just complaint. If the F.A. be satisfied that Newcastle have not paid Wilson more than £10 as a consideration for his signing a form and have not in any way promised him more than £4 per week we cannot see that they can prevent the change he now contemplates in view of the altered attitude of Everton.  The F.A. have a right know that Wilson has not gone behind the rules, but once satisfied  on that matter they will surely be glad to register his name as a Newcastle player. Wilson is not an “outlaw defiant."     

A BIG BOON FOR BOLTON
Athletic News - Monday 25 November 1907
Bolton Wanderers 3, Everton 0
By Tityrus
Bolton Wanderers surprised Everton, themselves, and their best friends by the astonishing victory which they gained.  The conditions were what our friend, Mr. Mantalini, would have described as moist and unpleasant.  The light was as capricious as a lady’s temper.  The ground was difficult to turn on, and the ball must have been slippery, as Burns says and heavy.  But the Boltonians were not disturbed by any of these circumstances.  They triumphed over nature and their foes, and called on my mind the capacity of the Wanderers on the saturated surface of the clay soil at Pike Lane.  But, I wonder whether the Wanderers are guilty of the sincerest form of flattery –imitation.  Are they endeavouring to follow the example of Manchester United, and keep the ball on the grass?  That seemed to be their purpose, and they succeeded to such a degree that they not only won the match but they showed high-class football.  No doubt the conditions were unfavourable, but Bolton must persevere in well-doing.  They must strive to control a lively ball with equal facility.  If they become so skillful, then other teams beside Everton will experience the bitters of defeat. 
Three Glorious Goals
This, the most decisive victory of the Wanderers during the season, was largely due to "Our Albert" as the local people say when they are talking of Shepherd.  In the main he was responsible for all the goals.  The first of these was registered at the end of 26 minutes.  Shepherd away on the right wing made the most of a pass forward and with a supreme effort gained such a position that danger was seen ahead. At the exact moment he centred right in front of goal and White arriving simultaneously shot a pretty goal-pretty because he showed sufficient resource without finicking to deceive Scott.  Eleven minutes later, Shepherd, who had again veered to the right made a low swift, long drive into the mouth of goal.  This was a surprise shot and passed over the line, even though Scott partially stopped the ball.  This was an illustration of the contention that it is wise to tempt Fortune -especially with the ground and ball so conductive to mishaps.   Strive as Everton would they could never make any impression on the defence of Bolton, and in the second half they failed to even convert a penalty kick.  Sharp was entrusted with the place-kick and netted, but for some Evertonian over-stepping the line -at least that appeared to be the case to me - the operation had to be repeated.  Then the Lancashire raised the ball almost to the height of the bar, and Edmondson saved his charge amid a round of cheers. In the gathering gloom it was extremely difficult for spectators to follow the game with exactitude, but five minutes from the close Shepherd dribbled between the backs down the centre and appeared to draw Scott out of goal.  I thought that the Everton custodian once saved his charge before White registered the third goal.   
From this summary it must not be surmised that Everton were entirely outmaneuvered and overplayed.  Before Shepherd inaugurated his thrilling solos the visitors showed some delightfully crisp, captivating, and telling football in the course of which James Settle tested Edmondson with a cunning header, with a high drive, and with a lightning shot, but all in vain.  Indeed, they contested the game well- particularly in the first half, but quite contrary to last season’s form, and the general work of this campaign.  Everton were distinctly mastered.  Their intermediate line could not check the advances of the vanguard led by Shepherd, and their backs found that their attempts to volley and place a moving ball were far from reassuring.  Bolton were the superior combination in every department.
Shepherd the Soloist
Football is one of those things which, as Lord Dundreary would say, “No fellah can understand.”  Here are Bolton situated towards the base of the table, and I have seen them play two wonderful games against Manchester United and Everton.  On the other hand, Everton are up on the heights and on the only two occasions that I have watched them they have been thoroughly mastered.  This is a riddle.  Here’s to Bolton!  “I looks towards you and I likewise bows.”  Play in this glorious style-half-backs and forwards co-operating with real footwork –and reward will surely arrive.  The last time I saw Shepherd I said that he was more of a hindrance then a help, as teens of place-kicks were given against him for breaking the law as to on-side.  In this match he was the inspiring force and soul of the whole team.  Save once, against Aston Villa on a somewhat similar heavy ground and in the never=-to-be-forgotten Inter-League match at Chelsea, I have not seen him keep in the game to the same extent.  Nor did he require all his play and position manufacturing for him.  Well served by Clifford, he proved that he could initiate movements and he was ever on the spot at the crucial moment.  He is a powerful, trustful centre, lacking in the finer arts of the game, but a strong finisher, difficult to dislodge, and a good shot.  Besides, when he is not on the ball he is like Appleyard in that he takes the attention of his opponents.  It is always advisable to keep one eye on Albert Shepherd, if the other be ranging the shores of Newfoundland in the style of Captain Bunsby.  White was very serviceable, if rather on the slow side.  McEwan and Stokes are both strong and quaint on the wing.  But they are prone to overelaboration, and as I think an often fatal double-deck before making their centre.  Greenhalgh is a glorious worker, and Clifford a man who has improved his style.  Baverstock and Stanley were almost as safe as the bank of England.  Once Stanley entirely miskicked, and at times he was too robust in tackling Sharp.  But both backs were reliable when most pressed.  They had fine intuition in reaching the ball, and over and over again Baverstock, without apparent effort, neatly trapped the ball away from the very toes of such masters as Settle and Young.  Edmondson is absolved from all criticism.
The Everton Vanguard
Notwithstanding these events the Everton front rank constituted a force.  Greenhalgh and Baverstock never knew when they had finished with Harold Hardman.  If his power were equal to his perseverance what a splendid footballer he would be!  Settle’s skill in the circumstance of a boy’s hoop is still extraordinary.  Some of his passes and touches and shots were calculated to arouse enthusiasm.  The same words could be writ with equal truth of Young, who, as usual, is at his best in the first half of the season.  Bolton and Sharp were often to the fore, and Sharp’s square centres off the line were the most telling efforts of their kind in the match.  Makepeace had the most arduous pair to face and was the most industrious and successful man in his line –his pace saving him again and again when he was at first outwitted.  Robert Balmer was the better of the backs, for his elder brother could not control the ball as I have seen him.  For two illustrations of goalkeeping against Shepherd and White –one in each half –Scott deserves hearty commendation.  Possibly on a warmer and better day for custodians he might have prevented one of the goals, but even so I should be sorry to suggest that any blame attaches to him.  Everton did not make excuses, and their directors praised the referee.  A tribute from the losing team is a testimonial, and I endorse it.  Bolton wanderers;- Baverstock; Stanley, Greenhalgh; Clifford, Boyd; Stokes, Marsh, Shepherd, White and McEwan.  Everton; Scott; Balmer (W), Balmer (R.); Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.  Referee; Mr. H.S. Bamlett, Gateshead. 

BRADFORD CITY 1 EVERTON 1
November 30, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
REMARKABLE AWAY RECORD.
Everton had they baptism so far as First League football in Bradford is concerned on Saturday. It was their eight away fixture of the season, and the satisfactory feature of the visit to the Yorkshire City is that Everton still possess their unbeaten record away from home. True, they did not win, but they succeeded in accomplishing the next best thing –dividing the points. On the general run of the play the leaders, it must be admitted were lucky in escaping defeat. They met a team who plays a different class of football, and who, as possessors of the wooden spoon, are becoming really desperate in their quest of points. Now men are being secured in the effort to improve the club's position and, judging by the second half of Saturday's game, the management are being loyally supported by the players. Certainly after appearing quite a beaten side in the earlier portion of the match, the Bradford boys were a vastly different lot afterwards. They entered into their work, with wholehearted enthusiasm, and no wonder the Everton defence was upset by the do or die rushes of the home attack. Scott, in goal bore himself bravely, as he has oftentimes before now, and it was in no small measure due to his thoroughness and excellent judgement that Everton can still boast of a remarkable record in away fixtures –six wins, and two draws, or 14 out of a possible 16 points.

THE GOALS.
Contrary to expectation Everton placed in the field their recognised League eleven. A week's rest had worked wonders with the injured players, at the same time it was evident as the game progressed that more than one of their number had not completely recovered. Their opponents had two recruits in their ranks. One of them was the ex-amateur Lintott of Queen's Park Rangers, and the other was a young sturdily built back, Torrance who was quite new to First League football, in which he promises to make a name for himself. The meeting of the top and bottom clubs attracted a big typical Yorkshire crowd, who were anxious to see the local record to much-desired victory, been though it meant breaking Everton's proud record. With the wind behind them, Everton were always masters of the situation. Although not approximating the form of which we know them capable, they were obviously cleverer than their opponents, who, forwards in particular, were woefully weak. Only once, however, did Everton penetrate the Bradford City defence. It was during a creditable movement on the part of the front line that the success arrived. The ball was sent well up towards goal, and Freeman was becoming so dangerous, that Torrance could not avoid kicking it against the Everton pivot, who promptly had it in the net with Spendiff hopelessly beaten. Though it appeared a lucky point, it was really well deserved, if only on account of Freeman's judicious seizure of an opportunity. Scott had practically nothing to do, and beyond one great effort by Coleman his vis-à-vis also was not tested to any extent. After the change of ends, Bradford's display was an eye-opener. Lethargy gave way to wonderful energy. There was nothing pretty about their football, but dash and grim determination compensated for want of class. Their bustling tactics quire put Everton off their game. It was a beautiful goal, too, which they scored, just such another as West obtained at meeting the ball with his head directed it into the far corner of the net. After this, except for brief intervals during which Taylor narrowly missed there was only one side in it, and that was not Everton. Scott performed prodigies of valour. More than once he seemed certain to be beaten, but somehow or other be managed to keep his charge intact. Right to the end Everton's record was in danger of being besmirched, and it was a relief to those supporters of the club who had made the journey to Bradford to hear the whistle blown for the final.

CONCERNING THE PLAYERS.
As already indicated Everton were seen by no means at their best. To some extent doubtless they were hampered by the narrow ground. The fact remains that they only occasionally gave glimpse of their real form. Even when they were quite the superior side there was a lack of that cohesion which they have been showing lately. Freeman had few chances of breaking through, and neither of the inside men was as affective as usual. Sharp was not at all happy, indeed he found a tough customer to tackle in Hanger. As for Barlow, he brought off several clever bits of work, but generally his play could not be regarded as much above a mediocre description. Of the backs, Makepeace was by far the most promising. Taylor did his best work in the first half, and Harris was evidently feeling the effects of last week's injury. Balmer and MaConnachie performed creditably considering the pressure to which they were subjected, but the outstanding man on the ties as a custodian, the Bradford spectators must have great respect. Lintott, although appearing in the centre half position played a fine game, especially in the second half. Torrance has already been mentioned. The side can exhibit the same determination as characterised their later efforts many League teams will not take even one point from Valley Parade. Teams: - Bradford City: - Spendiff goal, Torrance, and Farrer, backs, Robinson, Lintott, and Hanger, half-backs Barlett, Whittaker, O'Rourke, Logan, and West forwards. Everton: - Scott goal, R. Balmer, and McConnachie, backs, Harris, Taylor, and Makepeace, half-backs Sharp (Captain), Coleman Freeman, Young, and Barlow, forwards. Referee J.W.Bailey.

TWO QUARTET PARTIES.
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 28 November 1908
By Richard Samuel
Home patrons of the Everton-Blackbnrn Rovers’ match were delighted with what they “saw.” Later in the game, however, they were by no means pleased at what the almost vanished light permitted them to merely glimpse at. If ever a game seemed won and lost it was When Everton led 3—0 after 15 minutes play, and again led 4-1 three-quarters of an hour later.  Then it was that the Rovers were encouraged with a second goal to go on and show those wonderful fighting qualities which made the names of the blue and white quarters so famous in the eighties. I think full credit, must be given our East Lancashire friends for so gallantly pulling the match out of the fire. It is all very well to say that Everton should never have allowed them to draw or that the Rovers were lucky to divide the points.  As a matter of fact rather fancy Everton were glad when the end came as it did. Let us look at the picture this way. Had Everton been at Ewood Park and found themselves 4—l in arrears with half an hour to play, and had they then succeeded like Blackburn in pulling level 4—4, should we not all have written this down as a brilliant performance? Then, I repeat, let us give the Rovers a hearty hand clasp for pulling up so magnificently. It can be said for Saturday’s crowd that they did so in the main. The Rovers were given round after round of applause at the close. Such results as that of a week ago are the very essences of the game, its pulsating life’s blood, so to speak. Of course, it is galling to us all to think that Everton should lose such a golden opportunity to strengthen their leadership position on the very day that Newcastle United were failing at home There is also no doubt about it, too, that the Everton defenders were as a as a whole caught napping, through an inclination to take matters too easily at the time when the side appeared to have their opponents in the hollow of their hand. And there is little doubt but that the Everton middlemen paid far too much attention to attack and too little to defence when they saw. Those emboldened Rovers taking the most direct route for Scott’s dwelling, place. Further Comments.
During the first half Everton’s behavionr had been glorious, but their casing off subsequently was had policy. Of course, there was some little excuse for their later decline, as Freeman was never himself following a heavy collision with Crompton, whilst Val Harris was in the wars consequent upon receiving an accidental kick over the eye by Anthony, I think. Nothing could have excelled the brilliant forward play of Coleman and Young, however, during the time that Everton held the lead.  Coleman’s deflections to Sharp were thrillingly done and wondrously accurate, whilst Young played one of his most masterful games—at times even a little bit too much so. Freeman’s two-minutes’-goal put us on the tip-toe of expectation, but afterwards Chapman and Crompton were in the main his masters. Captain Sharp did much fine work in the opening half: afterwards his opportunities to excel were rare. The three half backs distinctly cut their work into two halves—the first excellent and the other moderate. Taylor seemed unhappy after the interval, whilst Harris was naturally scarcely himself, and even Makepeace found more than he could manage in marking Anthony. Further in the rear “Bobbie” Balmer was no more successful in taking the Rovers’ left winger into custody, whilst Macconnachie’s display reminded one of what his former day failures as a half back were, although his case one hears that the cool Scotsman had been unwell. He certainly looked ill (at ease), to say ‘the least. Scott’s position was an unenviable one. For those Rovers’ forwards —and Davies in particular—l have nothing but praise. Chapman is a centre half who would adorn any team, and I wonder how it is that this local developed player escaped Mr. Tom Watson’s spectacles. Crompton is great back still, -and one charitably disposed, witness his goal for Everton. He has a promising helpmate in the fair-headed Suttie.
LIVERPOOL IN THE FINAL.
Monday’s Lancashire Cup semi-final ’twixt Reds and Blues proved somewhat tame and disappointing affair, for the simple reason that the two sides were unequally matched. Several of the Everton leaguers were “knocked up” in consequence of the Rovers’ Saturday rushes, whilst Scott was the victim of severe cold and Balmer at business. The presence of such as Sharp and Makepeace, however, would have gone some way towards making the match more interesting, and Everton’s spectators had undoubtedly reason to grumble at the poor fare served up from home point view. As a matter of fact the Everton side only included three of Saturday’s League team, and had it not been for the passages-at-legs between Young and Parry the event would have been absolutely devoid of incident so far as Everton’s partisans were concerned. Liverpool, on the other hand, played at practically full League strength, the only changes being Goode for Robinson at inside right and Dunlop vice Saul. Liverpool won 2 —0, both goals being admirably obtained by Goode prior to the interval. Goode’s general footwork and his marksmanship in particular won the highest praise; and a repetition of such form would surely entitle him to unchallenged position in the Reds’ League team. He fully deserved to complete the hat trick, and was practically the only" first class shootist on view; I shall disappointed if he doesn’t do well in the, League team. Played well; ditto Chorlton, whilst Dunlop delighted his friends.  For Everton Strettle, Rafferty, Borthwick, Buck and Jones were each disappointing.  Liverpool have done extremely well throughout the competition, and I hope to find them eventually successful in winning the handsome vase.
Looking Ahead.
Sheffield Wednesday’s fine form is a certain "guarantee for a great match and a big crowd at Goodison Park seven days hence, for the Blades, as a downright honest team of genuine triers, rather than a mixed set of star artists and semi-dullards, are ever popular here. Besides are they not recalled as Everton’s victors at the Palace two seasons ago?  But additional interest is lent to their pending visit in that it has been set aside for the joint benefit of Messrs. Harry Makepeace and Robert Balmer, two of the most unassuming and respected members of Everton’s league team; also two of the most capable.  As Balmer is a born and bred local, and as Makepeace is one in all things save that of birth, the success of their dual benefit should appeal all the more heartily to local admirers. It is something to their “benefit” undoubtedly that Everton and Sheffield Wednesday should be located at the head of the table, and they deserve bumper, especially as neither man has cost the Everton club penny piece in the shape a transfer fee. The careers of both are too well known to require another description here. Both, however, may he said, are extremely youthful beneficiaires, so that there is not the slightest reason why with average luck they should not qualify for a second benefit. As a matter of fact neither man made his League debut for Everton until the latter half of season 1902-3 was reached. R. Balmer’s one appearance that season was, curiously enough, made against Makepeace native town’s club, Middlesbro’, January 22nd at Goodison Park, Williamson, the Tees-side goalkeeper, making his League debut the same day. Makepeace’s first season match was v. Manchester United, February 21st, 1903, at Goodison, in the second round of the English Cup competition, Harry operating at inside left in Settle s absence. His League debut followed a week later v. Bury also at inside left. He also assisted the senior team that season at centre forward and left half back. The full list of the two players’ League team appearances to date is follows : Balmer; 1902-3 1; 1903-4 3; 1904-5 10; 1905-6 20; 1906-7 25; 1907-8 26; 1908-9 (todate) 14. Total 99.  Makepeace; 1902-3 3; 1903-4 0; 1904-5 20; 1905-6 27; 1906-7 23; 1907-8 31; 1908-09 (to-date) 13, Total 117
Both men are this season absolutely right at their very best, and I join with countless others in wishing them well. 

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 28 November 1908

• Coleman reached the double-figure mark in goals on Saturday.
• Freeman (19) and Coleman (10) are responsible for 29 out of the 41 goals scored by Everton.
• Tom Booth is back in harness again at Carlisle.  He is not yet by any means a spent force.
• Is Sandy young forgetting the way to goal? Of course, Freeman’s greed for goals has prejudiced Sandy’s cause.
• It is remarkable that Everton should score seven in consecutive matches, and yet be deprived of a win in either game.
• Berry, the Everton reserve goalkeeper, behaved splendidly against Liverpool.  He was particularly smart in clearing low shots.
• Everton and Fulham have each lost two home matches, and Blackburn Rovers three, yet these three teams have not been defeated away from home.  This is certainly freak form in football.
• Bob Clifford has a grand chance of winning his way into the Everton League team if he will be careful, for Jock Taylor cannot last much longer.  He tired perceptibly against the Rovers.
• Of ex-Everton players Settle alone appears to be giving satisfaction.  Crelley has failed to keep his place at Exeter team, Abbott was dropped by Burnley last Saturday, and McDermott was not too satisfactory for his latest club Gainsborough Trinity.
• The Rovers were as enthusiastically excited after last week’s match v Everton as though they had won the F.A Cup trophy once again.  They sang themselves to a rare tune en route for the railway station.  But can you wonder? It was a fine performance to draw with the League leaders in the manner in which they did.
• Young contended himself on Monday by making rings round Parry.
• Neither Strettle, Jones nor Borthwick has developed in Everton’s service in the manner anticipated.
• Hugh Adamson is too good for second team service.  There is a great future in front of Hugh for he is only 20 years of age.
• Everton’s halves made the mistake on Saturday of paying altogether too little attention to defence when they saw Rovers making their effort.
• “When an irresistible force meets an immovable object what happens? This old saw was suggested by the meeting of Everton and the Rovers –and a draw happened.
• Anthony was given a loose leg in the second stage at Goodison, and used it to rare effort.
• Between such stylists as Freeman and Harris, Clifford ought quickly to cultivate a better style.
• Borthwick’s neat movements inspired confidence in those that think Taylor requires a rest now and again.
• Scott, the Everton goalkeeper, was very indisposed in the early part of the week –the result of a severe cold.
• Was it a sportsmanlike action on part of Everton to play a reserve team against Liverpool in the Lancashire Cup-tie? Was it fair to the crowd?
• Even after their brilliant successes, we cannot help but blame part of the Everton team for their loose play in the second half of the game.  The backs lay too far up the field.
• On successive days Davies (Blackburn) and Goode (Liverpool) have shown on Everton’s ground that want of size is no real handicap, provided a forward is clever and alert enough.
• Everton have been playing for a fall in the Lancashire Cup tourney, and got their deserts on Monday in the shape of a defeat.  It would not have hurt the Blues’ League team players to have turned out in every round.
• Chapman the ex-Liverpool schoolboy, served up a grand display at Goodison Park against Everton.  He allowed Freeman little latitude, and fed his forwards in capital style.  He has the makings of a great player.
• In many respects, Coleman’s play reminds Goodison Park visitors very forcibly of what James Settle’s was in the latter’s prime.  His timing of the ball in passing, wherein he holds it until the last fraction of time, is very fine. 
• The Blackburn fiasco at Goodison Park cannot be explained, unless it be that the Blues were too cocksure of the result.  This was their undoing, for the Rovers piled on goal after goal per Davies, until they were level.  Everton got a rare fright.
• When the Everton juniors got settled down they gave the Liverpool Seniors as much work as they could cope with.  But the mischief had all been done in the first half hour, and Sam Hardy was giving nothing away, so they had to retire defeated after giving a great display.
• Taylor’s critics are very unkind directly the veteran has an off-day.
• Everton are evidently reserving their best efforts for they away matches.
• Graham’s dismissal is not unexpected.  He was one of the gang that Everton were glad to get rid of.
• With the exception of Scott, Makepeace, Coleman, and Young, the Everton players in the Rovers’ match failed lamentably.
• Red-shirted teams have created surprises at Goodison Park this season, viz, Woolwich Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, and Liverpool.
• For the seventh match in succession, Freeman found the net on Saturday.  In those particular seven matches his goals aggregate stands at 13.
• The 25 pounds fine did not stop Everton from placing eight reserve players out for the Lancashire Cup semi-final.  Surely, if they are rich, they can afford to be sportsmen.
• Bob Balmer and Adamson were shinning lights against Liverpool.  This was especially creditable seeing that they were opposed to the Livers’ best wing in Goddard and Goode.
• Sandy Young gave Kelly Houlker a tremendous grueling on Saturday for about an hour.  After that, however, the weight of years told, and the veteran Rover had a real good time.
• Last Saturday’s match at Everton will be talked about when many of the players taking part therein are forgotten.  The Rovers fought valiantly, and fully deserved all the encomiums showered on them at the finish.

BRADFORD CITY V EVERTON
(League –First Division.)
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 28 November 1908
This match was played at valley parade, in the presence of 20,000 spectators.  Lintott, the International half from Queen’s Park rangers made his debut for the City.  Teams;- Bradford City;- Spendiff, goal; Torrace, Right-back and Farren, Left-half-back; Robinson, Right-half-back, Robinson, Centre half-back, and O’Rourke, Left half-back; Lintott, Outside-right, Bartlett, Inside-right, Whittaker, Outside-right, Smith, Centre, Logan, Inside-left, and Gould, Outside-left.  Everton; Scott, goal; Balmer (R.), right-back and Macconnachie, Left-back; Harris, Right half-back, Taylor, Centre half-back, and Makepeace Left half-back; Sharp (captain), Outside-right, Coleman, Inside-right, Freeman, Centre, Young, Inside-left, and G.H. Barlow, Outside-left.  Referee; Mr. J. W. Bailey, Leicester.
First Goal For The Visitors.
Everton won the toss, and O’Rourke started against the breeze, Logan and Gould going on nicely, but being held by Balmer.  Again the City attacked, and Logan gave Whittaker a pretty opening, but the inside right was not ripe for it, nor was Bartlett able to do anything with another opening.  Meanwhile a quick rally by Everton enabled Freeman to shoot, but the centre man’s aim was poor.  Again the visitors attacked, but a corner saved the situation, when Young was playing dangerously.  The champions-elect continued to have the better of the operations, but the Bradford defence sufficed, with some luck.  Young was particularly vital, and a shot by him whirled a little over the bar.  Several times the City broke away, and began to show some improvement.  Farren was injured temporarily in coping with Sharp.  The City were aggressive nevertheless, but had no definite method.  Coleman played solo effectively, and upon the vantage he gained Freeman stole through the home backs with a low swift shot.  Spendiff was not prepared for this, and the City were a goal down after 20 minutes’ play.  It was with difficulty that Freeman was frustrated a minute later, and from a centre by Barlow he had yet a third shot.  Effective service by the visitors’ halves kept the play in a menace to the City for a considerable time, but the home backs bustled among the opposing forwards in capital style, and stayed off danger, although with difficulty.  The City again showed slight improvement, and in one instance assumed a likely attitude, but they could not elaborate any really effective resistance.  The visitors played to Sharp repeatedly, but he was well watched, and a packed goal defied more varied effort.  An exciting incident was a swift run by Freeman, who got through, but Spendiff realizing that pluck was required, ran out and saved in the nick of time.  Bartlett was prominent in the City attack but as before he found more than his match in Macconnachie.  When time was nearing the interval there was to be noted the fact that not once in the game, so far, had Scott been tested.  There were one or two endeavours to score, but these were very poor.  On the other hand, Everton found tough back play opposed to their every endeavor, the home halves being driven back so often that their policy was chiefly safety-play.  Close on half-time the City were rather ominous occasionally but were well met, Scott coming out once or twice to seek work.  Interval; Everton one, Bradford City nil.
City Pull Up.
Almost with the restart the City showed sting, and after a neat centre by Bartlett there was a shot from Logan which called upon Scott to save smartly.  O’Rourke made a poor exhibition when he should have scored close up, but after four minutes there was a see-saw attack by the City which culminated in a cross-kick by Bartlett, and a magnificent header into the net despite a desperate lunge by Scott.  The equalizer roused the crowd to a madness of enthusiasm.  The City were full of fire, and Scott had to save.  At the other end Spendiff was also tested.  So imminent was danger in one case that Scott in fisting out conceded a corner, while the goal was luckily saved twice afterwards.  The excitement was intense.  Still, the City had the better of the exchanges, but were too eager, and faults arose on this account.  Everton had an exceedingly warm time, Scott being bombarded amid thunders of applause.
Final; Bradford City 1, Everton 1.

EVERTON RESERVE V. CARLISEL UNITED
(Lancashire Combination.- Division 1.)
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 28 November 1908
Carlisle won the toss, but Buck sent in a shot which cannoned outside off Mackenzie.  Everton had White and Clifford, and also McKay, a Scottish junior.  Soon after the start Strettle headed a fast shot into his own net.  The Carlisle defence was very sound.  Laburn stopped several hot shots in fine fashion.  White was injured and left the field.  Some exciting play was witnessed in the Carlisle goalmouth.  White returned, and immediately afterwards Mountford almost beat Laburn, his shot just going wide.  Everton attacked strongly, but their efforts were futile.  Clifford was playing well for the home team at centre half.  Play was in midfield chiefly at this point of the game.  On the Carlisle side the better of the two backs was Carter, whilst Foster played well at left-back.  White and Mountford on the left wing did good work for Everton.  Carlisle were generally in Everton’s half of the field.  Half-time; Carlisle United 1, Everton Reserves 0.  Resuming, White sent in a shot which MacKenzie charged down.  The Carlisle men were very tricky on the ball, but their shooting was their weak point.  Everton were awarded a penalty, from which Mountford equalized with a shot that Laburn had no chance to save.  Some good play was seen, and Kirkman was hurt by the ball hitting him in the face.  The Everton forwards could not get past the visitors’ defence.  White headed a cente from Mountford just over the bar after Laburn had fisted out.  Buck made a good attempt to score, the ball missing by inches.  Laburn saved well from White.  Just on three-quarter time Banchop gave Carlisle the lead.  Final; Everton Reserve 1, Carlisle United 2.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 CARLISLE UNITED 2
November 30, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Divison One (Game 12)
Despite the inclusion of White and Clifford, the ex-Bolton Wanderers, Everton were defeated at Goodison-Park by two goals to one. The game had hardly been in progress five minutes when Strettell had the misfortune to head the ball through his own goal. This completed the scoring in the first half. After the change of ends Everton equalised by the aid of a penalty kick, which did Mountford safely negotiate. Nearing the end the visitors secured the lead through Beauchope, who scored from a very doubtful position. Carlisle have a first-class custodian in Laburn, and he was well covered by a clever pair of backs in Mackenzie and Carter. Beauchorpe was the most conspicuous in the attack, and he was well supported by Sanderson and Spencer. On the Everton side White most filled the eye, and several times he had hard lines in not scoring. Adamson and Clifford were prominent in the defence, and Berry could not be blamed for his side defeat. Lacey gave his lamest display of the season, and McCage tish debutante was not a success. Everton: - Berry goal, Stevenson, and Strettell, backs, Rafferty, Clifford and Adamson, half-backs, Lacey, White, Jones Mountford, and McCage, forwards.