SOO AND STOKE AT GOODISON PARK.

November 1, 1935. The Liverpool Echo

Everton's Revival And An Extended Test

Bee's Notes

Everton staged a revival in the last fortnight from the moment Dean made his reappearance. The side was not altogether convincing at Blackburn, but against Chelsea the margin in goals and game was very pronounced. Is this revival a flash in the pan or is it to be trusted? I can think of no better test of the reformed side than a game with Stoke tomorrow, to be followed in due courses by the visit of Arsenal. The next two home games will tell Everton whether or not they have to go out into the building societies and rebuild a side no one thought needed repointing when the season started. Stoke started the season in a very mixed manner, but as time wore on Bob McGrory got the team to his liking, and their fine away displays were produced for the home spectators. At the moment I rate Stoke very high and in the same region as Huddersfield –very clever indeed, but not exactly giants in the game through lack of physique. It is good to see Frank Soo back to the first eleven he makes his appearance tomorrow in aside showing the india rubber player, Tutin, with backs not famous for their names, but more nearly approaching Stoke's need than for some weeks. Bob himself retired from the defence and then said “Now go in and fill the breach.” For a time he felt he would need to go out and buy some new stock, but he was fussy or hasty about it, believing he had the talent at his command. So Winstanley and Scrimshaw became the defence due, and in attack, Liddle went outside right –an accomplished and versatile player, partnered these days by Steele and Sale, the former Huddersfield player Davies partnering the famous Johnson on the left. This is no walk over for Everton; it is more important than that. It is a first-class test of a side which has been lacking in shot. Cunliffe reappears to the exclusion of Stevenson, so the attack has now height, weight, some speed on the wings and the necessity of a shooting force becomes all the more urgently required. Miller and Cunliffe can provide this. Will they do so tomorrow? At least the new Everton attack should aim at being “forward,” reign to its own devices –which happen to be very strong now White is standing attention between his sturdy backs. Goodison's crowd will be large because Stoke are engaging and Everton have turned their black corner. This is the home eleven Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Cunliffe, Archer.

THE BALMER FAMILY IN FOOTBALL

November 2, 1935 The Lancashire Evening Post

There is an interesting link with the long past of Blackpool football in the discovery by Liverpool of a forward of apparently unusually high promise in the boy Balmer, who, in his second League game last Saturday, greatly impressed the cognoscenti. He is a nephew of the brothers of the same name who 30 years ago were Everton's backs, and of whom William was capped against Ireland in 1905, so that the family come back into the game after a long interval. It's first appearance was when the now defunct South Shore club for ling the keen rival of Blackpool, which later on absorbed it, signed a youth then known as Edward Balmer, from the Liverpool district, and who afterwards returned to that city to rise to fame. The brothers served Everton well, and now 30 or more years afterwards another of the face has come rapidly to the front, not in the Goodison Park club's colours, but in those f its great rival, Liverpool. Yet Everton had the first chance if using the boy, for he was on the books as an amateur last season, apparently without realizing his possibilities. He was then a centre forward but either by accident or judgment Liverpool have found his rightful place at inside right, after signing him as a professional a month ago. This is another illustration of how football acumen may go astray, of what a lottery the finding of players is. It seems hardly creditable that the astute people at Goodison Park, having the boy under observation, could fail to see the promise in him and should lose him to the last club they would want him to join. But that is how football, capricious and unstable, runs. And how often has the man with his eyes on the horizon missed the opportunities at his own feet?

STOKE CITY'S VISIT

November 2, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.

By John Peel.

Everton defeated Stoke City a Goodison Park last season, and they would be pleased to repeat the performance, but the Potteries club have other ideas and they will test Dean and his colleagues to the full. Cunliffe resumes at inside left in place of Stevenson, this being the only change in the Everton side compared with that which drew at Blackburn. Stoke City hold the sixth place in the table at the moment and then team has been playing well, but Everton, I think, will win today. They are in great head of the points. A minute's silence will be observed before the start of the game as a tribute to the late Mr. T. H. McIntosh. The Kick-off is at 2.45 and the teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Cunliffe, Archer. Stoke City- Lewis; Winstanley, Scrimshaw; Tutin, Turner, Soo; Liddle, Steele, Sale, Davies, Johnson.

 

FOUR CUNLIFFE GOALS.

NOVEMBER 2, 1935. The Liverpool Football Echo.

Everton In Rampant Mood.

Disputed Point Scene

By Stork.

Two swift goals took the spike out of Stoke, yet for a long time they fought back with a will and some good football, it was Cunliffe's day, for he scored four goals off his own bat. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Cunliffe, and Archer, forwards. Stoke City: - Lewis, goal; Winstanley, and Scrimshaw, backs; Tutin, Turner and Soo, half-backs; Liddle, Steele, Sale, Davies, and Johnson, forwards. Referee Mr. Captain G. Hamilton-Jones (London). There was an impressive two minutes before the match at Goodison Park today. The players lined up and the crowd stood bareheaded as a token of respect to the late Tom McIntosh, the secretary-manager of the Everton club. The Stoke players wore black arm bands. There would be 30,000 people present, and Everton opened in a most promising fashion. White was guilty of a miskick, which looked worse than it was, but from then on for some minute, Everton gave a dazzling exhibition of clever football. One piece of combination came to an end through what, in my opinion, was a bad offside decision against Geldard, but a more pleasing feature was the shooting of Everton, who in recent times had been faulty in this phase of the game. Today they hit the ball hard and true, and if the direction was not always correct the plan was to be commended, and it was not long before we saw the result of such shooting, for within seven minutes Everton had taken a two goals lead through Cunliffe, both goals being from terrific drives, which left Lewis standing. Dean was responsible for the work which produced the first point for his short forward pass enabled Cunliffe to stride forward and make his fiery drive at five minutes. Within two minutes Cunliffe clinched his own clever work with a second goal, so that Everton were sitting easy even at this early stage. Miller was canny with his late passes to Geldard. In fact there was cleverness right throughout the whole side. Twice Sagar had to save at the second attempt through losing his first grip of the ball. Stoke at last got a hang of things, and Davies had a shot, which was saved, while others showed the correct note, even though they were off the line with their drives.

Dean's Punch.

There was a curious incident when Archer made a long-length pass, and it looked a certainty on Dean nodding the ball into the Stoke goal, but the upright barred his way, and when the ball came back to him he showed his disappointment by thumping the ball into the net. Stoke were working hard, but found the Everton defence solid. Cook playing a brilliant game, and Stoke's fiery member, Johnson, found the Irishman a hard nut to crack. Lewis made a save from Cunliffe. For one short spell Stoke got on top of the Everton defence, and Sagar had to make two saves, one of which he could have known little about, for Steele's shot hit Sagar rather than Sagar making a save. Sagar had just previously dealt ably with a Sale shot, which seemed to strike an Everton man in its flight, and may easily have beaten a less capable goalkeeper. When Everton became ultra scientific the crowd showed their displeasure. The crowd did not like Stoke's offside tactics and were not slow to tell them so. Miller and Cunliffe worked the ball with great effect, and from a Cunliffe glance Archer put a shot just outside the upright, while Tutin crashed a shot or to the underneath edge of the Everton crossbar, the bal rebounding into play. Sale was there to pick up the rebound, but he made a hopeless hash of things when he shot wide from a perfect opening Stoke had fought well against a clever Everton. Half-time Everton 2, Stoke City nil.

Stoke showed that they were fighters and for ten minutes in the second half they played better football than Everton and if their marksmanship had been of a better quality they would have scored long before they did, for Steele and Sale were presented with good opportunities. Stoke got their deserts at 55 minutes, although Johnson, the scorer, was somewhat lucky to get a second chance after he had miskicked. Jones and Cook had some anxious moments. When the Everton right wing moved forward and offered a centre, Dean soon had the ball in the net, at 62 minutes, but in my opinion he was offside. Stoke thought so too, for they made a hearty protest and getting no response from the reference, they refused to restart the game. The goalkeeper who had the ball when ordered to kick it to the centre, drove it into the crowd. This was nonsensical, and may be costly, for Captain Jones ran back and took the goalkeeper's name. This brought an element into the game which could have well been left out. Dean, prior to his goal, made a praiseworthy effort which was only saved by Lewis at the expense of a corner. Stoke, although upset by Dean's goal tested the Everton defence on many occasions, and Jones once kicked over his own crossbar. At seventy-seven minutes Everton increased their lead, and Cunliffe his bag. It was a one man goal for Cunliffe, on the right flank, ran clear through, drew the goalkeeper and calmly placed the ball into the net. Six minutes from the end Cunliffe, who had been Stoke's bugbear with shot and headers, notched his fourth goal, and Everton's fifth. It was from Britton's lob centre. Final Everton 5, Stoke City 1.

 

EVERTON 5 STOKE CITY 1 (Game 1533 over-all)-(Div 1 1491)

November 4, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.

Happy Return Of Cunliffe

Four Goals in Everton Victory

Stoke City Well beaten

By “Stork.”

The game between Everton and Stoke City at Goodison-road was a complete triumph for Cunliffe, the Everton inside left, who scored four of the five goals against the one obtained by the Potters. He was in brilliant form, apart from his goals, for he tripped along with the ball at toe to make clever passes, so that the line moved along smoothly and well. It was, of course, as a goal scorer that he made his big hit, for each of his goals was a magnificent effort, particularly his third, for it was practically a self-made point from start to finish. He beat a number of Stoke defenders before finally coaxing Lewis out of goal and then turning the ball right away and out of reach of the Stoke custodian. I have never seen Cunliffe so sure with his shooting.

Two Goals Shock.

Cunliffe's return made all the difference to Everton, but I am not unmindful of the part Dean and Miller played in the victory, which was not so easily attained as the score would denote. Cunliffe's two goals in seven minutes had a big bearing on the result, for Stoke were pilloried from the start. The shock of two goals in so short a space of time was immense; it prevented the Potters from playing their normal game, and not until the second half did they finally throws of the effects of Everton's swift blow, and give the Goodison. Parkes something to think about. Everton's first half exhibition was magnificent, but I saw the old urge to over-elaborate once they had obtained the lead, but it was not so pronounced as usual. They were more definite forward, and the defence of Cook and Jones was much too solid for the Stoke forwards, and only on rare occasions did they break through, but when they did they had such opportunities that they should have scored goals. Sagar's handling of the ball on three occasions were not convincing, and he had an narrow escape when Tutin cracked a ball on to underside edge of the crossbar, which left Sale with an open goal, only to misfire. Then there was the case of Steele driving a tremendous shot which struck Sagar and rebounded into play.

Value of Dean.

We saw the value of Dean's presence in the attack. How he opened the game, how he slipped the ball through for Miller and Cunliffe, and the response from these two players was grand. Miller made astute passes. When Stoke got to within striking distance of Everton by Johnson's goal at 55 minutes one could visualise a terrific tussle, for Stoke had pulled themselves together and were playing more like themselves, and seriously tested the Everton defence, but a goal by Dean at 62 minutes unset their balance. They debated the validity of Dean's goal. They said he was offside and I agreed with their plaint even from my position. Stoke had grounds for protest, but when they refused to restart the game and Lewis kicked the ball out of play instead of sending it back to the centre spot it was only asking for trouble. Up to then the game had been free from unsavoury actions but things crept into the play which would have been better left out. It did not help Stoke; in fact it only tended to make them do things they otherwise would have omitted, so their game suffered. They still fought out the issue but 2 further goals by Cunliffe clinched the issue for Everton. Stoke were not 4 goals the inferior team, but they missed some golden opportunities.

Sound Everton Defence.

The Everton defence was a difficult obstacle to overcome. Cook was his old self, and Jones supplied the polish. White had a curbing influence on the Stoke inside forwards, but the secret of Everton's success was their forward speed, allied to accurate shootings by Cunliffe and clever combination by the rest of the line. It was a nice gesture on the part of the Stoke players to wear black armbands in token of respect for the late Everton secretary manager, Mt. Theo McIntosh. The two minutes silence, during which the players stood in line and the crowd bareheaded, was an impressive scene. Result Everton 5, Stoke City 1 Teams: - Everton:-Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Archer, forwards. Stoke City: - Lewis, goal; Winstanley and Scrimshaw, backs; Tutin, Turner, and Soo, half-backs; Liddle, Steele, Sale, Davies and Johnson, forwards. Referee Mr. Capt G. Hamilton-Jones, (London).

 

WEST BROMWICH ALBION RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1

November 4, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post

Central League (Game 13)

Everton gained a well-earned point at West Bromwich as the result of a goal scored by Hartill near the end. It had been a hard first-half in which the respective defences kept out some strong attacks. Resuming Everton pressed strongly, but could not get through, and Robbins scored from Glidden's pass as the Albion forwards broke away. Hughes and Sandham were prominent in Everton attacks. Gale collided with the Everton goalkeeper and was carried off with an injured leg. Everton: - King, goal; Jackson and Cresswell, backs; Kavangh, Gee, and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Hughes, Bentham, Hartill, Hannon and Sandham, forwards.

Earlestown White Stars 2 Everton “A” 4

Liverpool County Combination

Everton again got the better of their old rivals at Earlestown in the subsidiary competition. McDermott gave them the lead when play had been in progress only five minutes, and not till a further 20 minutes had elapsed did Dale, the White Star centre forward equalise. Three minutes later Webster put Everton ahead again, but Star drew level when Sixsmith scored. Webster scored again just before half-time. In the second half Webster got his third goal.

 

EVERTON'S SWEEPING VICTYORY

November 4, 1935. The Liverpool Echo.

Cunliffe's Day

Bee's Notes.

Everton's stock is rising. They have collected five out of six possible points in three games, and it is all because Dean is back in the side. An Everton without Dean is like ship without a rudder; it may be able to get into port, but the process is ever so much slower without its guiding hand. Dean is undoubtedly Everton's inspiration, even though he may not score so many goals as was once his wont. He is the spindle on which the team revolves, for he keeps it oiled, and consequently up to concert pitch. All this may appear strange talk in view of the fact that it was Cunliffe who did the damage against Stoke, but Stoke, but Dean's part in the 5-2 victory was one of vast proportion. He made the first goal, had a hand in the framing of the second, and scored the third himself, but it was his very presence which was his greatest value to Everton (writes “Stork”). No, I do not suffer from “Deanities,” but one has not to dig deep to see how Dean plays up to his colleagues, so that they can shine, sometimes to his own detriment. He was most unselfish, and I think Cunliffe, who had a day of days, would pay great tribute to his captain if he were but asked to what extent he was indebted to Dean on Saturday, Cunliffe was in grand form. He brought pace and more directness into the attack, and his shooting was a revelation of accuracy and hard hitting. Cunliffe has had some bad “crits” in his time, mostly because of his shooting. I myself have had to call him to order for his bad habit of lifting the ball over the crossbar, but now that I have an opportunity to extol his praises I do so with glee. Everton's fault since the season opened has been their failure to finish off their attacks with shots. They so often tumbled down at the final fence, as it were, when the winning post was sighted, but on Saturday there was no stumbling. There were any number of shooters, but Cunliffe led the way, and smashed home three perfect shots, and made one goal with an accurate header. Could one blame him if at times he attempted to shoot from too far out? He had scored two goals in seven minutes and naturally though he could get many more with his first-timers. I would prefer him like this than to have him dribbling all over the place, which eventually got him nowhere. There were moments when Everton fell into their old fault of over-elaboration, but the spectators soon let them know their feelings about the matter. Everton's first half display was classical, but to what extent Cunliffe's two goals affected Stoke City could be seen in their play. They worked hard, but realised the handicap under which they started, so could not more off with the smoothness usually associated with them. They had received a body blow in the first round and it took them some time to regain a settled standard, and having done so before the interval they made the fight a bonny one by cutting down Everton's lead to a solitary goal.

Was Dean Offside?

I recalled their tussle with Liverpool I visualised another stern “45” but they suffered another sting when Dean scored from an offside position. I avoid as much as possible being dogmatic over offside decisions when sitting in the Goodison stand, but in this case I am certain Dean was offside when Britton passed the ball to him. Stoke protested frantically, and when the referee waved them aside they still persisted, and even overstepped the bounds of sensibility, refusing to restart the game, and Lewis , the Stoke goalkeeper, when called upon to kick the ball into the centre swept it into touch. That cost him his visiting card. Stoke had just come into the game with a chance when this happened, but that verdict so upset them that distasteful methods were introduced, which was a pity, for the game had been spotlessly clean prior to the incident. It must be said to Stoke's credit that they went on fighting to the finish, but Everton had consolidated their position by two further goals. Stoke had their chances. Sagar his anxious moments, but force of circumstances prevented the Potters from severely testing Everton, whose defenders. Cook and Jones were magnificent. For one thing their offside tactics cost them at least one goal, and perhaps two.

 

Everton's Great Revival

November 4, 1935. Evening Express.

The Men Who Came Back To Help In It.

Five Points And Eleven Goals In Three Games.

By the Watcher.

This is the story of the men who came back – the men who came back to assist Everton in the staging of a revival that has brought five points and eleven goals in the last three games. The story opens with the return of Dean and Miller for the match with Chelsea, which resulted in the Blues obtaining their first victory for nearly six weeks. They obtained five goals in that game. The match at Blackburn a week later when Cook made a welcome reappearance, saw Everton share two goals. Last Saturday's match with Stoke City, when Cunliffe was reinstated, ended in a personal triumph for Cunliffe, the England reserve forward, who notched four of the five goals by which the City were beaten 5-1. It was not an easy victory the Blues gained over Stoke, despite the score but the Blues were full value for both points. After he first six minutes, at which time Cunliffe had scored two goals, the odds were always weighted in the Blues' favour, although at one time –the period when Stoke, after having made the score 2-1, were fighting back with purpose – there was a little uneasiness in the supporters' minds.

City A Good Side.

The City were a good side, but they met Everton on a day when the Blues had found form that would have beaten almost any side in the League. Dean has made a great difference to the attack, and indeed his return has coincided with Blues finding their old form. Miller is now coming into his own, and with Cunliffe revealing such marksmanship as was the case on Saturday worries concerning the inside men have definitely ended. Geldard and Archer centred well. With a strong, hard-working intermediate line behind them, the inside men were always finding the ball pushed up the field for them. Britton had a great deal to do with Miller's effectiveness. His passes rarely went astray and the understanding existing between them was excellent. In the centre there was a grant pivot in White, and if Mercer was the least showery of the trio, he certainly did good work. Cook stood out in a rock-like defence, and Jones once again emphasised the grand style he is developing. Sagar, the England international, was excellent in goal.

 

MARINE V. EVERTON

November 5, 1935, The Liverpool Echo

Bee's Notes

Marine and Everton meet at College-road, Great Crosby, tomorrow at 2.45 pm. in the first round of the Liverpool Senior Cup. This should prove a great attraction for local football enthusiasts, as Everton will be sending a strong team. In previous seasons this competition has been confined to the first teams of Everton, Liverpool New Brighton, Tranmere Rovers, and Southport, but this season, on the invitation of the club mentioned and the local football Association, Marine, South Liverpool, and Prescot Cables will complete, and this should add interest to the competition.

 

CROSBY' FIRST L'POOL SENIOR CUP-TIE

November 5, 1935. Evening Express.

Everton's Match With Marine.

By Peter Pan.

Marine and Everton will tomorrow meet for the first time in the first Liverpool senior Cup tie ever played at Crosby. Two years ago Marine met Everton Reserves in the R.E. Lythgoe Memorial Cup Final at Anfield, and a fine game ended 3-1 in Everton's favour. Marine once defeated an Everton Reserve team. That was in 1921, when a Senior Medals Competition and Precot Cables were invited to complete in the Senior Cup, and it is a tribute to Marine's fine record that they are the only amateur club taking part. Everton are record holders of this trophy, having won it 24 times and been joint holders twice. Everton will field a full Central League eleven. Marine (Probable); G. Frostick (or W.G. Hollins); D. D. Farmer, G. Sephton; A.N.Other, D.H. Williams, H. Snelgrove; S.R.A. White, J.K. Morgan, F, Thomas, J. Garvey, and J.G.Webb.

 

EVERTON SIDE AT CROSBY

November 7, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post

Marine Beaten In Liverpool Cup-Tie.

Liverpool Senior Cup

Marine's first experience of Liverpool Senior Cup football was not a particularly happy one, for they were opposed to a strong Everton side, which included four internationals, and Marine were beaten 5-1. If Marine had played their ordinary game, they would probably have done better, but instead, they tried to match the skill of their opponents, with the result that they accomplished little. Had they swung the ball about from wing to wing instead of trying to beat a couple of men before passing, the amateurs might have unsettled the Everton defence, whereas on the contrary, Cresswell enjoyed himself at the expense of the right wing, S. White, and J. Morgan. Stevenson was the pick of the Everton forwards and scored three goals, while Hughes proved himself a speedy winger, though he was frequently a victim of offside decisions.

Farmer's Plays Strongly

Sandham on the left wing, did not have too good a match, finding D. Farmer, Marine's right back a tough obstactle to surmount, and indeed, Farmer on most occasions got away with the honours in their encounters. The young amateur was the star performer on Marine's side, though D.H. Williams kept a tight hold on Dickinson, the Everton centre forward. Bentham headed in a Hughes's centre after five minutes. F. Thomas missed a great chance a moment later when he lofted the ball over the bar, and then the Irish international, Stevenson, beat three men to score a second goal. He added a third before the interval, and immediately after resuming Morgan put a Webb centre into the net to score Marine's only goal. Hughes and Stevenson completed the scoring. Teams- G. Frostick, goal; D. Farmer and G.H. Sephton, backs; J. Birch, D. Williams, and H. Snelgrove, half-backs; S. White, J. Morgan, F. Thomas, W. Jones, J. Webb, forwards. Everton: - King, goal; Jackson and Cresswell, backs; Kavanagh, Gee, and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Hughes, Bentham, Dickinson, Stevenson and Sandham, forwards.

 

EVERTON'S REVIVAL

November 8, 1935. The Liverpool Echo

Bee's Notes.

Everton-Manchester City – it reminds us at once of the final tie day at Wembley. Since then City have earned a lot of high praise for their artistry and their combination, in which half backs have “made the running.” But in recent times while City have once more faded from their glorious work of the opening mouth, Everton have got very perceptibly better and better. A fortnight ago things looked black. Dean came back and with him came Miller, Cunliffe and Cook, to name but three. And the result was a steady rise. The pace of Manchester City will always be a danger our efforts, but Everton's confident tone has been recaptured and once more we, on the day before an away match, hope for a surprise-pleasure away from home. City will field such stars as Tilson, McCullough (once wanted by Liverpool) Donnelly, the pivot who put Cowan out of the First Division rank –and the game promises to be a fast and never furious affair. City's pace may do the trick if they take the ball with them in their excursions. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Cunliffe, Archer.

 

LONE GOAL BEATS EVERTON

November 9, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.

White Shines At Maine Road.

Brilliant Goal-Keeping

By the Pilot.

A goal by herd at the 68 th minute decided Everton's game against Manchester City at Maine-road. The match was characterised by brilliant goal-keeping by Sagar and Swift, but no man on the field did better than White, the Everton centre half. Everton Directors have applied to the authorities for permission to pay a benefit to Williams, the Welsh international full back. Teams: - Manchester City: - Swift, goal; Dale and Barkas, backs; Busby, Donnelly, and Bray, half-backs; Toseland, McCullough, Tilson, Herd, and Brook, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Dean (captain), Cunliffe, and Archer, forwards. Referee Mr. W.P. Harper (Sturbridge). The City opened on a strong note, Herd bringing Sagar to his knees. Then brook drove wide with a penalty line free kick. Brooks was the danger man to Everton. He launched many menacing raids, but Sagar was in brilliant form, pulling down three centres in magnificent style, and twice fisting away over the head of Tilson. Everton were slow in starting their movements, and twice dalliance on the part of Miller led to lighting City raids through Brooks. Dean contributing a clever dribble, a strong tackle by Barkas preventing him from bringing Swift into action. The City were the stronger team, and Tilson headed over the bar, from Brook's corner.

Cunliffe's Great Shot.

Cunliife went through with an electric run and mightily right-foot shot, to which Swift leapt and turned over the bar with one hand. Miller next gave the “dummy” and slipped by two opponents to an open position, but fired outside. The Everton forwards were gradually getting to their game. After 25 minutes Cunliffe had to go off with a thigh injury, but returned after five minutes. Tilson was going through when White was adjudged to have fouled him on the edge of the penalty area. Brook took the free kick, and although his first shot was charged down, he received the return and placed low along the floor, Sagar diving to make a fine save. Dean headed over the bar from Geldard's centre and when Archer crossed Swift had to fling himself out to save a winning header from Cunliffe. This was a day of brilliant goalkeeping. Swift twice fisted the ball off Dean's head, once being injured in the process.

Great Run By Barkas.

Then followed a tremendous thrill when Barkas ran clean through the Everton defence, but aimed his shot straight at Sagar. Everton had improved after a shaky opening. White was playing a sterling game. Half-Time Manchester City 0, Everton 0.

Everton were the more dangerous side on resuming, Mercer going through and delivering a short pas sback for Cunliffe. The shot was charged down, but Everton were certainly striking dangerous notes. Tilson tried to go through but was pulled up with a great tackle by White. Then Everton forced two corners in succession. Swift fisted the first away, and from the second Miller placed over.

Cunliffe on the Wing.

Cunliffe, who was limping badly, had a spell at outside left, and in 68 minutes Toseland, who had been comparatively idle, paved the way for the opening goal. Toseland, put in a delightful touch-line run, but was forced over the line by Jones. Toseland's corner kick was cleared, but Brook by an adroit header pushed the ball back into the goal-mouth, and Herd, shooting around a crowd of players, placed low into the net. Cunliffe then resumed his former position, and Everton made great attempts to get on terms. Following good work by Geldard and Miller, Dean let go at point-blank range, but unfortunately for the City the ball struck Swift in the face and rebounded to safely. Everton had two close-up free kicks, but neither was improved on. Toseland put in another fine run and centre, Brook shooting first time and Sagar making a super save. Everton twice nearly equalised, Miller tried a clever hook shot but Swift punched the ball as it was passing into the corner. Then after Dean had sent Geldard away, Dixie was there for the return but headed inches over the bar. Sagar them saved at point-blank range from Tilson. Final Manchester City 1, Everton 0.

 

EVERTON RES V OLDHAM RES

November 9, 1935. Evening Express, Football Edition.

A strong Everton side caused the Oldham defence considerable trouble during the early stages, and the Blues were soon a goal ahead, Thomson scoring from a free kick which skidded off the Oldham keeper's hands into the net. Oldham missed a chance of equalising when Robbins centred, the ball passing across the goal without one of the visiting forwards being able to apply the finishing touch. Dickinson scored a second for Everton, following which Hughes from a difficult angle, netted a third. Despite the big deficit Oldham played steadily and Redding after hitting the bar caused King to save smartly. Eventually the Athletic reduced Everton's lead, Gray scoring a well deserved goal. Half-time Everton Res 3, Oldham Res 1. Oldham were outplayed after the interval, and Dickinson (2), Bentham (2), Stevenson, Hughes scored further goals for Everton, Jones and Butler scored a second and third for Oldham. Leyfield scored a 10 th for Everton, Everton Res 10, Oldham A. Res 4.

 

BONNY FIGHT BY EVERTON.

November 9, 1935. The Liverpool Football Echo

Manchester City Win By A Herd Goal.

By Bee.

No disgrace in the defeat. Everton made a fine plucky fight with Cunliffe a passenger through injury, and White and Sagar outstanding members in a fine struggle. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Archer, forwards. Manchester City: - Swift, goal; Dale and Barkas, backs; Busby, Donnelly, and Bray, half-backs; Toseland, McCullough, Tilson, Herd and Brook, forwards. Referee Mr. Harper, Stouridge.

In the first three minutes at Maine-road the recent Cup winners, Manchester City and Everton, worked in a blaze of sunshine, and the Everton defence found the glare trying. After that the sun went down, but Manchester City continued to be attackers in chief and their failure to score early on could be traced to a portion of indefiniteness on their own part, and through the excellent play of Sagar, White, cook, and Britton. Brook was the mainspring and the curled his centres in most inviting manner in order to find Sagar off his toes, (leaping in the air) and on his mark. Sagar made a catch of a corner kick by Toseland or else, for the second away match in succession. Everton would have suffered a goal direct from a corner kick. Dean surprised everyone with a dribble and Cunliffe pushed the ball far up, a mere trifle too far for Dean to gather. Brook spooned yet another sweet centre with sufficient drag upon the ball to make it curl to the extreme left-hand corner, but once again Sagar gripped the crowd by his method of gripping the ball. When Busby lobbed the ball from the touchline Sagar was pitched into the air by Tilson, and Cook headed away behind the goal for safely. From the corner Tilson headed in gliding fashion inches over the bar. The football was first-class, and so far Everton were on the defence 90 per cent of the time.

Benefit For Williams.

I hear that Ben Williams, the Welsh international, has been granted a £650 benefit. Williams is on offer at something under £3,000. Everton, by granted process, went on the attack and surprised Manchester by the force of their foraging and finesse followed by decisive shot. Cunliffe, for instance fied through and finished with a magnificent shot that Swift tipped over the bar with his fingers. Miller, through a defensive lapse, had a great chance, and moving forward he shot too early, and certainly a shade wide. After Cook had been cheeky in taking the ball from Tilson's toe, play went to the other end of the field where Dean edged the ball forward for Cunliffe to take, but a pitch and toss affair failed to produce a penalty kick. White was outstanding and Everton suffered a rebuff when after Sagar had been damaged in saving, Cunliffe left the field with a damaged leg, but soon returned. Everton had gilt-edged chances to score in their superior play in the last portion of the first half. Miller was artistic if a shade slow, and should have taken a pass back by Geldard with alacrity. There were some good saves, Sagar from a free kick by Brook, and Cunliffe made Swift pitch his whole height and weight across the goalmouth to edge Cunliffe header round the post.

Barkas Was Willing –But!

Dean was slightly too high with a Geldard lob after Miller had served out the dummy, and then Barkas, the back, took the liberty of going through the whole Everton defence, and when in front of the goalkeeper merely drove straight at Sagar. White, Cook, Sagar and Jones stood firm against a rather finicky forward line. Half-Time Manchester City 0, Everton 0.

The second half was not nearly so good as the first, but in the Everton eyes it was definite relief that Everton had now got City on the run. Donnelly had to kick away from Archer's lob towards Cunliffe. Miller put through for Dean an old-fashion pass which the centre just failed to take. Swift was not too clever with Everton's corner kicks, and became uncertain when mercer joined the forwards.

Cunliffe's Handicap.

Geldard made the best individual run of the match and McCullough, who had not been seen till now, headed over the bar. Cunliffe went outside left through his damaged leg and bothered Dale by his persistency, despite his handicap. Tilson would not get out of the throes of White. Play became scrappy and scraggy. The game took an electric turn at the 68 th minute. Toseland beat Jones and made a corner kick, from which Brook went on the edge of the penalty line, and leaping like a salmon, the winger was able to back head the ball with the defence unsettled, Herd shot through from fairly close range.

Toseland's Run.

Then followed a astonishing run by Toseland, who beat five men by his speed and swerve and when he supplied a fine centre, Brook shot with all his force and Sagar made the master piece save of the season, otherwise it would have been 2-0. Everton fought back with rare hast, and Dean let out a strong shot with struck Swift in the face, and that's how the equaliser was missed. Cook and Britton was doing famously against City's dangerous wing pair. Geldard offered Miller half a chance, and the Scot's direct shot was passing into the goal when Swift leaped across and got it away. Geldard, now playing his best, centred for Dean with what is known as an open goal, although Sagar was they. Final Manchester City 1, Everton 0.

 

MANCHESTER CITY 1 EVERTON 0 (Game 1534 over-all)-(Div 1 1492)

November 11, 1935. The Liverpool Daily Post

Weak Play on the wing.

Everton's Narrow Defeat.

Cunliffe Pulls A Muscle

By “Bee”

Everton are improving. They have filled out in defence and with White playing abnormally well as the third back goals are not likely to come in profusion against the Everton side. The rest lies in the hands of the Everton forwards; and without a recognised outside left and with Geldard not displaying his best till late on in the game versus Manchester City, the result of 1-0 was one about which there could be no cavil, yet Everton could by a little more steadiness and practicability on the wing, have taken a draw or a much-wanted away win. The truth is Everton's attack, as fashioned at Manchester, depended upon two schemers, Miller and Cunliffe were staying back, which seems a trifle over-done in the keying up of a forward line, because if the extreme wingers are not centring without delay the opposition defence can take full toll of the ever-earnest and endeavouring Dean.

Miller's Craft.

Miller once more showed fine craft, and his subtlety in serving of the dummy or in making a back heel movement cannot be denied. It is urgent need of attackers to-day to show thrust. It is a general complaint and in the game both sides were at fault. Yet the game was a delightful one to watch, the first half being excellent and talented fare, fast and thrilling, with Sagar, White and Cook doing great things. After half-time there was a lull and the re-awakening came when City took the lead through a corner forced by the speedy Toseland. Brook, staying back, headed the ball by a freak leap and eventually Herd shot in a ball that struck Mercer's legs and created a goal – not a good one, but it sufficed like the wound of immortal memory. It was a pity that such a fragile make-up of a goal should decide this game, but Everton must take the blame for allowing that solitary incident to take the points and pounds. They had penalty-area chances to take the lead and scattered them to the winds. The 40,000 spectators who made a gate of £2,100 showed appreciation of Cunliffe's great work in the early part of the game. He drove on one beauty and a header was another winner but for Swift, who was not nearly so secure as Sagar, notably when the latter made the best save of the day from a direct shot by Brook, following the outstanding run of the match by Toseland, in which he beat five men.

Sagar's Saves.

Sagar's save was supreme, and showing the bad luck of the game for Everton it need only be added they did not get a penalty kick and Cunliffe was a passenger at outside left for half the game, and Swift saved his goal by taking one of Dean's drives in the eye! Yet I would not make Manchester City lucky to win; rather would I Blame the patchy Everton forward display for the failing. They cannot hope to win without goals, and here Sagar, Cook, Jones, White, and in ater play. Britton, held up the City only to find their own forwards unable to take simple chances close in. White was the man who completely blotted out Tilson, but Brook, Busby and Toseland were very clever and in a measure the great members of the winning side. Everton's first need was centring from the wing – and this was not seen. Fortunately they have in Stevenson a ready inside forward to take the place of Cunliffe if the latter's pulled muscle does not readily yield to treatment. Result Manchester City 1, Everton 0. Teams: - Manchester City: - Swift, goal; Dale and Barkas, backs; Busby, Donnelly, and Bray, half-backs; Toseland, McCullough, Tilson, Herd and Book, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goals; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Miller, Dean (captain), Cunliffe, and Archer, forwards. Referee Mr. W. P. Harper, (of Stourbridge).

 

EVERTON RESERVES 10 OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 4

November 11, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.

Central League (Game 14)

Everton Reserves reached one of the highest scores of their career in the Central League game against an Oldham defence that lacked the support and assistance expected from the half-backs. Everton also persistently attacked and overcame them by combined understanding, individual cleverness sharper movements, and a deadly accurate finish. The Athletic for practically all the second half – following Everton's early onslaught – were fighting a losing game. Nevertheless they proved gallant losers. King had to make two brilliant clearances. The Everton scorers were Thomson, Dickinson (3), Hughes (2), Bentham (2), Stevenson and Leyfield, while Jones (2), Gray and Butler scored for Oldham.

Northern Nomads 0 Everton “A” 6

George Mahon Cup

At Burscough, Webster (3), Baldwin (2), and Lambert scored for Everton, who were strong in all departments. The Nomads were a disappointing side, and only Riding (goalkeeper), Brooks and Kelly revealed their true form.

 

EVERTON GET BETTER

November 11, 1935, The Liverpool Echo.

Except in Attack

White Outstanding Display

Club Sends Out Its Directors For New Players.

Bees Notes.

It seemed lopsided affair at Manchester. White was outstanding, Sagar in magnificent form; Cook steady as a rock, Jones a trifle dangerous at times, but always good, and Britton and Mercer doing big things late on, and no result came to their endeavour because the forward line was built upon the foundation of two inside forwards laying back, the wingers failing to delivered their centres till the game was won, and the centre forward working oh, so hard, but all alone. How can anyone but an optimist expect goals in these circumstances? Maybe I am getting less easily satisfied than of yore. Time was when Billy Lacey told a group of players. Here is a kind man towards players who have done badly.” To-day I see the lack of marksmanship; the seeming fear of a miss, the inability to drive in space from penalty box range. And it is no use hiding these views. Everton on Saturday had a defence second to none and White in glowing form. Swift was hit in the eye with one shot –there's luck for you, and a penalty trip on Cunliffe carried no punishment –and Sagar did his best to keep a clean record, being beaten only when Herd's shot struck a defenders legs and took the wrong turning for the goalkeeper. So much for City's side; they played well, with streakiness in front of goal that made their 40,000 spectators irritable. We are not so concerned with their troubles. Everton's troubles are our concern, and with Cunliffe pulling a muscle and being outside left, and a passenger, for the second half, the attack may have to be remodelled for the home game next Saturday against Arsenal. Fortunately Stevenson is fit for the job. Without being harsh one would urge the attacking division to get together, to keep together, and leave the defence to its own vast resources. At the moment the straggling framing of the line is not suggestive of goals and the absence of thrust will continue if changed notions do not make their appearance. It is significant that the doven director, Mr. Alfred Wade (together with Dr. Cecil Baxter), was the only directors at Manchester. All the rest were out scouting for players and I am confident extreme wingers were their main concern.

If the City's wingers had been playing for Everton, plying their centres without letting the defence get set, dean would have collected many goals. Brook is a flying winger who is helping the defence one minute and at inside right the next minute, but his best is when he “hangs” the ball in centre, a curling dragging shot of great value to the inside forwards. We have no such offering in the Everton side and with all its modern call for pace the game of football calls for the extreme winger to make ground and centres at the first available opportunity. It was a pity Cunliffe went lame, because he had the Stoke atmosphere in his mind, and two great efforts by him deserved a goal, and found Swift his day's best work. Everton are getting better –one Manchester City director went so far as to say Everton deserved to draw. I did not agree, but I do see a steady improvement in the side and a stiffening up in the three divisions, with only the forward line needing to live up to its title to make Everton a business proposition for Cup-tie purposes. Leagueally, however, one would welcome a better understanding in attack and attackers who should revel in driving home their advantage. Most of City's chances were from fair distance. Everton's were the short-range stuff – which made it the more inexplicable why Swift was not beaten. Everton F.C. say it is useless people' phoning them for tickets for the Arsenal match next Saturday. The few bookable seats have been disposed of, but there are still 12,000 seats available pay at the turnstiles.

 

MAKE A NOTE OF WHITE FOR ENGLAND TEAM.

November 11, 1935, Evening Express.

Everton's Pivot Under Review

Stars Of The Maine Road Battle.

By the Pilot.

England's next international match is against Germany at White Hart lane, Tottenham, on December 4, and the man who may play centre-half is Tommy White, the Everton pivot. No centre half in the country is playing better football than the former forward who, even allowing for the brilliance of the goalkeeping, was the outstanding personally in Everton's match with Manchester City at Maine-road won by the City by the only goal. England have always favoured a constructive pivot in the person of Barker, of Derby County, but recently the Football league set a fashion by choosing a defensive pivot in Young, of Huddersfield Town. In White there is the blend of constructive and defensive skill. His form has been noted at headquarters and White will be under review again next Saturday. Against the City, White adopted the third-back method in keeping with Everton's correct policy. but he had the ability to utilise the ball to the best advantage of his side. He adopted long sweeping passes to the forwards or else a cute slip through to a half-back colleague. For all his defence White strove repeatedly to use the ball well. The work of Sagar was another outstanding feature. Some of his saves were masterly, and he would not have been beaten by Herd's shot after 68 minutes had the ball not touched Cook and Mercer on its way to the net. Swift also performed wonders, particularly in clearing two attempts by Cunliffe. A pile driver from Dean hit him full in the face and made his nose bleed. Everton put up a gallivant fight in a match which was brilliant at times and yet often drab. They were handicapped through an injury to Cunliffe, who was limping for an hour. Geldard played well after the City had scored, but although Miller was otttimes subtle, he was slow in action, and this caused him to miss two good chances. Archer appeared out of place on the wing. Britton gave a grand display at right half, particularly when Everton were battling back in the second half; and Cook and Jones were almost faultless at back. Mercer erred by trying to accomplish too much.

 

IRELAND EVERTONIANS AT EDINBURGH

November 13, 1935, Daily Post

Cook, Stevenson played for Ireland against the Scottish in Edinburgh, the Scots winning by two goals to one

 

EVERY PLAYER A STAR

November 14, 1935. The Evening Express.

Arsenal's Visit To Goodison

Biggest Gate Of Season?

By the Pilot.

Arsenal, one of the most famous football teams in the world, known as the pride of London and “Bank of England” side, will be at Goodison Park to oppose Everton on Saturday. Whenever Arsenal go they draw record attendances, and it is safe to say that, given ordinary weather, Goodison Park will house its biggest crowd of the season. From goal to centre-forward Arsenal are a team of expert craftsmen. They are so well-equipped with reserves that even if one “star” is unavailable there is always another to step into his place.

Nine Internationals.

On Saturday we shall see at least nine internationals in the side. There is a doubt whether Alec James will be in action, and in his place may be seen Cliff Bastin, one of the greatest football discoveries of the age. Before Bastin had reached manhood he had gained every honour the game offers. Bastin is such a grand player that he can occupy any forward position successfully. Drake, the centre forward, is the man whom Everton watched so long a couple of seasons ago. He is a bustling player, exceptionally dangerous anywhere near goal. Bowden, the inside right, is the England player with the shred brain and speedy development. On the right wing is the “Arsenal flyer,” Joe Hulme, who, though approaching veteran stage, remains a match-winner, and on the left is the electric Milne, the young Scot, who was with Blackburn Rovers. Three England half-backs constitute the intermediate division –Crayson, Roberts and Copping. Roberts is one of the pioneers of the “third-back” game, which is such a vogue at the moment. Go further back and you still find internationals. The backs –Male and Hapgood –are the present England pair, and the goalkeeper, Wilson is one of the most-improved goalkeepers in the First Division. Yet a great team, and one which cost nearly £50,000 to build.

 

EVERTON CHANGES

November 15, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post

By John Peel.

Everton make two changes in the forward line for their game with Arsenal at Goodison Park tomorrow, Stevenson being chosen at inside right in place of Miller, and while Leyfield returns to outside left in place of Archer . Cunliffe, who was injured last week, has made a good recovery, and he will partner Leyfield. The team, therefore will be Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Stevenson, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. The kick-off is at 2.30. The Everton Reserves team to visit Birmingham is King; Williams, Jackson; Tunney, Gee, Thomson; Hughes, Bentham, Dickinson, H. Hampson, Baldwin.

Bastin And James On The Wing.

James and Bastin renew their association on the Arsenal left wing, while Hulme will also turn out on the right. The team chosen is: - Wilson; Male, Hapgood; Crayston, Roberts, Copping; Hulme, Bowden, Drake, Alex James, Bastin.

 

THE GREAT ARSENAL SIDE AT EVERTON.

November 15, 1935.The Liverpool Echo

Why Theit Glory Will never Fade.

Bees Notes

The most hated and best like side in the First Division makes its appearance at Everton tomorrow. The public do not hate Arsenal so much as the rival clans of directors and managers etc, I was first to christism them the most hated side in the world –Italians included, and the late Mr. Chapman said “What make syou think so, because to my face the people are awfully kind. “I Relied “You should hear the loud applause which greets any unfavourable Arsenal result in the various club rooms. Still Arsenal continue to draw the people and Villa nor any other club can produce the gates they do for their hosts. So when Arsenal appear tomorrow they will be greeted by a hugh crowd, probably a record for the season. Their glory will never fade, even if it is curbed by the outgoing in due course of time, of a great man like Alex James. Manager Allison took on a load of mischief when he followed in the steps of the late Mr. Chapman. It was asking for it.” The Highbury crowd was patient, but the rest of the world was probably saying to itself, “Now we shall see what we shall see.” Mr. Allison has so far had a good innings and kept the Arsenal fans contended. Like his processor he is not afraid to ask the Press for their verdicts and maybe he has been saved many thousands of pounds, and he has aimed at catching the popular fancy, each new member of the Arsenal force being a player of personality, and therefore gripping to their patrons, who have been fed on the best football and will not take kindly to any lower grade stuff. Arsenal's greatest task has been to find a centre forward. This has gone on for years. The list includes Lambert (wanted by Everton), Coleman, Dunne, of Sheffield United &c. The last was best. Drake, however, had hurled himself into defence, and out of luck he was never more than a grand worker and opportunist, but he knew how to finish off the polished work of his comrades. Today his stock has gone back through an operation at the back of last season, and in recent times he has been tired in the reserves side to get back his confidence. Drake will “come back” soon enough when heavy turf is the order. This is the team to make Everton stir up memories and their form. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Miller, Dean, Stevenson, Archer. Arsenal: - Wilson; Male, Hapgood; Crayston, Roberts, Copping; Hulme, Bowden, Drake, James, Bastin.

If you knock out Bastin's “I” you will find little left to crack, but Bastin for his years is still a most engaging player –and any football crowd loves a basin full of Bastin's unusual football. He has, of course, learned many of his tricks from his sponsor James, and though Bastin started at outside left he was always reckoned by the Chapman regime to be the key-man of the future. At the moment he is suffering from over-work (or hard work) and an injured muscle that keeps recurring. I think Arsenal's greatest need at the moment is at half-back. They have three of varying styles –Crayston, beau brummel and full of inches. Roberts, still the shy, quiet Oswestry man, sterling in the goal-mouth; and Copping the villain of the piece.” looking on life with a dark visage and a stout pair of legs that cast into the forward net with relentlessness. With cames such as Arsenal field their team will never lose its compelling powers to draw those who want to see the very best football.

 

ARSENAL AT GOODISON.

November 16, 1935. The Liverpool Daily Post.

By John Peel.

The great event locally in the Soccer code is the visit of Arsenal, still a very attractive side to Goodison Park. The rivalry between Everton and the League champions has been of a very keen character in recent years, and all that is best in modern football is usually brought out when they meet. Another display worthy of the occasion is promised today. Everton have been seen at their best at home and though the Arsenal have not carried everything before them they still require a tremendous lot of beating. Everton however, hope to make a bold bid for the points this time. Everton will have Stevenson in place of Miller, while Leyfield resume sat outside left, Archer standing down. Arsenal are fielding a strong side, including the star left wing James and Bastin, while the flying Hulme also resumes. The kick off is at 2-30, and the teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Stevenson, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Arsenal: - Wilson; Male, Hapgood; Crayston, Roberts, Copping; Hulme, Bowden, Drake, James, Bastin.

 

ARSENAL GET THERE

November 16, 1935. The Liverpool Football Echo

Drake And Bastin Hit The Mark.

Magnificent Game

By Bee.

A great game, Everton played magnificently and Arsenal got the goals. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Arsenal:- Wilson, goal, Male and Hapgood, backs; Crayston, Roberts and Copping, half-backs; Hulme, Bowden, Drake, Bastin, Rodgers, forwards. Referee Mr. Westwood, Walsall. Everton v. Arsenal will always be a draw. The pity was that James was not playing (we had been led to expect him to reappear), although actually he was present, but as one of the 40,000 spectators. The Arsenal played Rogers on his wrong wing. Bastin going inside, as customary. Everton brought in Leyfield and Stevenson for Archer and Miller. Everton started like world beaters, thanks to the very practical way in which Geldard got his centre across. Geldard was full of life and decision, and his first centre was caught by Wilson, his second was headed on by Dean slightly too high, which is not a general complaint against Dean. Drake, looking more than ever like James, was well covered and a first class pass by Bowden caught Hulme not quite ready for a surprise attack. Jones at full back had made an over head kick with the accuracy and ability of a veteran, and Dean, who will never forget his sixtieth goal against the Arsenal, was all busts and endeavour in the early stages. Bowden was equally dangerous chiefly as a provider, but when Hulme went forward to take the through pass now employed by Bowden and Birkett of Middlesbrough. White bumped Hulme over the line.

Britton's Dainty Whirl.

Drake's persistence forced Jones into a corner kick, and a prettier method and movement was that employed by Britton, who wheeled around the may-pole making a perfect centre and surprising the Arsenal right flank. Jones took the ball off Bowden's feet with cool effrontery, and Hulme was placed with one more forward pass by Bowden which would have brought a goal if Jones, Sagar and White had not covered the gap. Crayston's throw in astonished the defence, and the spectators, and Bastin's solo dribbles, often out of position, were an added attraction. Here is a Dean cameo. One minute he was at outside left making a pass to the outside right, another minute when Bastin was driving a free kick from long distance Dean was in the defence. Arsenal claimed that Sagar touched Bastin's drive, but the referee said “No” A Moment before this a linesman had signalled an offside decision for a minute on end. The referee did not notices the signal, and the linesman unfortunately withdrew his flag of truce. There was plenty of meat in this football pie. One of the noteworthy incidents was a free kick against Crayston, who caught Cunliffe on one leg fairly and squarely. The sequel might have been damaging because Dean headed the ball against the far upright and Geldard was crowded out with the return packet, the same fate befalling Geldard a moment later when he was trying to work a shooting angle and delayed the process a shade too long. Rogers, of Wrexham, was on his wrong wing. He is a little chap full of pluck and endeavour, but on the left wing he failed to connect with a shot from Drake that became a first-class centre. There was a lot of good passing from Copping and Crayston, the half-back, which should have been an object lesson to those of the attacking departments. Stevenson came nearest of the Everton players to the honourable good mention. The Arsenal defence was bothered by a round of passing on the part of Stevenson, Leyfield, Dean, and finally Stevenson shot, Wilson taking the ball at the foot of the post, and before he could clear he was charged down but he was able to get the ball away without further danger.

Crayston Shines.

This was one of the best games I have seen Crayston play, and it was his foraging that brought Arsenal's best chance. The ball was transferred to the middle, and Drake bothered by defenders, had to take his oft shots and turn a somersault and then inquired “Where did that one go? The answer was just over the bar. Everton suitably replied and played quite unlike a team standing third from the bottom of the table. Jones got much applause for robbing Drake as the Southampton man was passing through and Bastin produced one of his best tricks, namely the perfect use of the back-heel pass. Hulme was not having a good innings and now missed a golden chance in the penalty area. Hapgood and Male were very safe in times of distress. Bastin was wide with aball of what ne never took charge, Crayston's throw being the pervading set. Roberts stood very calm, shy, but sure, and only had one foul against him in over-half an hour. It was from this free kick that Stevenson swung the ball just over the bar and surprised all the defenders. An Arsenal round of passing was quite the most joyful thing of the match, and be it noticed the half-backs always took their part in the combined effort. White sent in a far-flung pass down the middle, and Dean's shot fied along to the right-hand side of the goal – a great save, Wilson! A back-heel pass by Stevenson brought a low shot from Cunliffe, Wilson making a nice shot. Rogers, Bastin, Hulme and Bowder, made a foursome which threatened a goal at half-time; Sagar's save put the brake on Bowden. Half-time Everton nil, Arsenal nil.

When Wilson went out to punch away, at once three Arsenal men went into the goalmouth –construction and prearrangement. A bad foul on Cunliffe by Copping passed unnoticed, but the crowd rose at young Jones when he stopped Bowden's forward run. The Everton attack had been smarter than of yore, yet was still in connected, chiefly through the left flank finding Male and Crayston too big and too good for them. Hapgood lost his bearings against Britton and Wilson, deemed it wise to punch away Geldard's good centre.

Drake Goes Through.

A goal came at 51 minutes through a priceless forward pass by Bowden, which Drake gathered when his and the full back's boots came together. The ball travelled on, and with it Drake senaing a goal. The shot was not particularly striking, and Sagar actually touched the ball but could not stop its progress over the line. Leyfield and Cunliffe now had a splendid innings. On the other hand, Arsenal's attack had always been patchy because the outside right was slow and unrettled and the outside left was truly an outside right by nature. Everton escaped when Hulme sent the ball from the touch line and the awing of the ball surprised the defence by curling inward and striking the foot of the upright after Drake had been inches off connecting with the ball a yard from goal. Dean was all out for a goal, and from a free kick against Crayston, he back headed the ball, and the Arsenal defence was glad to see the position safe. The crowd was now wild with excitement as Dean made another individual effort to barge through. The Everton backs and half-backs now advanced with great driving and determination, and Mercer started a possible goal only to find his final pass missed.

Arsenal's “Pack” Tactics.

Sagar saved one from Bowden low down on the ground, and ran out to stop a certainty from Drake by kicking square to the touch line. Geldard's best run ended with a header just as Everton were about to drew level. Dean charged the goalkeeper outside the line, the Arsenal defence, as usual becoming goalkeepers by arrangement. It was a glorious struggle. Some ideas of Everton's determined fight back can be realised when you picture Dean taking a throw-in, and Mercer travelling from left half to outside right to make a shot. Cunliffe drove in a beauty lightly wide. Britton challenged Crayston for honours in the second half, and Male kicked off the goal-line when his goalkeeper was misplaced. Leyfield's shot was stopped by Wilson with much calm. Copping put over his own bar from another Leyfield effort. Will put a Leyfield centre over the bar –the only way to escape – but Everton were not using their corners at all well. The second half had been all Everton.

Bastin scored a quarter of an hour without interception or opposition Hulme and Drake between them made this simple goal possible. It was an anti-climax to a magnificent second half struggle by Everton. Final Arsenal 2, Everton 0.

 

EVERTON 2 ARSENAL 2 (Game 1535 over-all)-(Div 1 1493)

November 18, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post

All-Defence Team.

How Arsenal Beat Everton.

A Vain Rally.

By “Bee.”

Everton fought one of their best fights and lost. Arsenal court defence was love a rally against “the team having all the attack.” It is part of their football life; they have been borne to the defensive urge and reckon on keeping the opposition from taking one goal and getting them so far advanced that even their poor forward line can take a snap shot and earn a lead. This is just what happened at Goodison Park, when 48,000 revelled in a great rousing game in which many knocks rose, but no venom was witnessed. It was memorable football and planned by Arsenal to take a definite shape the result bears out their prearrangement plan. Arsenal surprised every one by getting a goal because Hulme was lifeless and Rogers, of Wrexham, was tried at outside left instead of outside right and showed very plainly, he was not fitted for the left-footed need. Drake, ran into White in one of his now-customary defensive success, and when Bowden failed to reproduce his fine first half display, one wondered how the Arsenal defence could escape defeat and how the Everton forward line could make a goal. Yet they made one at the 51 st minute. Bowden offered the straight up the field pass, which Dean rarely, if ever enjoys, and Drake beat Sagar, who touched the ball, but could not stay its passage to the back of the net.

Everton's Best.

It was from that point, to near the finish Everton produced their very best form. They were not only arresting and arousing; they were competent to get the ball everywhere save into the goal. The goalmouth was packed with Arsenal “goalkeepers” when Wilson went out to make a one-hand punch away three others dropped back automatically and with a calm confidence in their own ability to head a way of kick away. The more Everton pressed the more certain the Arsenal defence grew. The game touched high spots in the second half, at a time when Cunliffe and Leyfield were doing their best on the left flank that had been not operating too well in the first half. Dean dashed in and around with unfailing endeavour. He was not over-powered by the staunch Roberts, but these great duels between two tall men ended with Dean on the losing side and not a goal to his credit. He had more –he had given one of his most strenuous games, fine endeavour and a leadership note to those around him. Geldard, too had his best game of the season, making fine use of the ball without undue delay when the game was in its infancy and Everton looked like taking the opening goal. Stevenson and Leyfield had been introduced to lend fire to the attack and they succeeded in the mission, Leyfield being a dangerous shooter and raider in the second half, after being outheaded by Male. Height is one of the best features of the winners' side, and Crayston was the outstanding player of the first half, being most helpful with passes to his failing wing ahead. However, both Bowden and Crayston petered out before the end, and it was then hapgood and Male with the confident Wilson how magnificently welded the Arsenal defence can be. The goal came early and late in the second half. The first was a through pass taken by Drake and the second through an unselfish square pass by Drake to Bastin, who headed in and put the game 2-0 for Arsenal at a few minutes from the close of Everton's swamping second half display. Everton played like a team near the top of the league. There was enthusiasm and fervour, there was football craft and smashing attack, but Arsenal took the game through their own appointed style of all-defence, with the breakaway utilised by an admittedly poor forward line in which Bastin was unusually quiet. James had been chosen and looked on as 12 th man. He must have done better than those included. However, the result justifies the experiment, no doubt. The goal-getters take the verdict for throwing themselves into the attacking vein for half an hour. Cook and Jones helped in this and Britton and Mercer were especially prominent by their forward notions in the second half. It was a thrill game, and on such showing Everton will soon move away from the lower rungs of the league charts. Teams:- Everton :- Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Arsenal: - Wilson, goal; Male and Hapgood, backs; Crayston, Roberts, and Copping, half-backs; Hulme, Bowden, Drake, Bastin, and Rogers, forwards. Referee Mr. Westwood (Walsall).

 

BIRMINGHAM RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1

NOVEMBER 18 1935. Liverpool Daily Post

Central League (Game 15)

Good football from Everton failed against resolute tackling. Hughes and Baldwin came near with fine efforts, well saved by Clark, Small scored after 30 minutes. Hampson missed an easy chance immediately afterwards. Small scored again after 46 minutes. Birmingham bombard the Everton goal, King making many clever saves, but was beaten after 70 minutes by Small. Everton played finely towards the end and Baldwin headed a fine goal after Dickinson and Hughes had tested Clark, Birmingham deserved their win. Everton:- King, goal; Williams and Jackson, backs; Tunney, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Hughes, Bentham, Dickinson, Hampson, and Baldwin, forwards.

Earsletown Bohemians 1 Everton “A” 3

Liverpool County Combination.

At Earlestown. The home team started with ten men, and Allan gave the Everton lead when he almost walked the ball through. J. Farrelly, the manager of the home side, turned out in place of O'Dempsey. Everton went further ahead with a goal by Webster and near half-time the centre forward scored again. A minute from the interval Webb reduced the arrears. In the second half Earlestown had four great chances but could not score. At periods in this half they were superior to Everton, except near goal. Hooligan was outstanding for Earlestown, while for Everton Webster, White, and Allan were prominent.

 

EVERTON SIGNING IN THE OFFING

November 18, 1935. Evening Express.

League Position Demands Action.

Lesson Of Defeat By Arsenal.

By the Pilot.

The Everton Football Club is facing a crisis. The home defeat by Arsenal on Saturday has sent the club right back into the relegation zone and immediate action is needed. The status of Everton is in peril, and, although it is still early in the season, this is just the time when the house must be placed in order. Everton are only two points ahead of Aston Villa, and, although they have played more away games than home games, the position gives rise for concern. Judging by recent displays the Blues' weakness is in attack. The defence is as good as any in the League, but the forwards are deficient in certain qualities. Against Arsenal, there was only one forward who brought real danger to the Highbury club. That was Dean, who played one of his best games. Geldard and Leyfield on the wings, were poor. Geldard did not make sufficient use of the fact that Hapgood was uncertain, and in the first half missed two excellent opportunities of scoring. Leyfield rarely mastered the brilliant Male-Crayston combination, and Stevenson and Cunliffe were never able to shake off the grip of the Arsenal half backs. Cunliffe tried too many “pot shots” and Stevenson was slow on the ball and ultra-intricate. What the Everton attack needs is forcefulness, and the club directors are fully alive to the fact. Several players have been watched in recent matches and an important transfer deal may take place shortly. I had no fault to find with Sagar, Cook and Jones, even though Cook's hesitation had something to do with Arsenal's second goal; but the forwards should have had the game won at that point. White was a grand pivot and Britton the complete footballer. Mercer was not accurate in ball distribution, although always a keen battler. Arsenal deserved their win, for they played with a set plan of 90 per cent, defence and trusted to their keen forwards to snatch the match-winning goals which came through Drake and Bastin in the second half.

FORMER SCOTS FOOTBALL INTERNATIONALIST

Dundee Evening Telegraph -Monday 18 November 1935

Passing of James Gait

The death took place at his residence, Reedra, Burnside Road, Whitecraigs. of Mr James H. Gait, a former International footballer, and well-known member of the motor trade in Glasgow. He was a native of Ayrshire, and before the war played as half-back for Rangers and Everton. He later became manager of Third Lanark, and played for Scotland against Wales and Ireland in 1908. During the war Mr Gait, who was a trained engineer, served in motor machine-gun section, and after being demobilised founded the firm of James H. Gait (Ltd.), motor agents, 52 Woodlands Road, Glasgow. He had the oldest Alvis agency in Britain, having taken it when the car was first manufactured 1919. Mr Galt was a vice-president of the Motor Agents' Association, and had been chairman of the local division. had also been vice-chairman of the Scottish Centre of the Motor and Cycle Trades' Benevolent, Fund, and was a member of the Scottish Flying Club. In the immediate post-war years Mr Gait had associated with him in the business Mr James Gordon, the former Rangers' halfback.

ARSENAL CONFERENCE AIDS THEIR CHANCE OF POINTS.

November 18, 1935. Liverpool Echo.

Thrills At Everton.

Goodison Will Soon Move Up.

Bee's Notes.

For years Arsenal have lived by the deduction that if you stop the other fellow getting one goal you can win –if a snap breakaway chance is accepted. It may not be acceptable football doctrine, but it has paid its way and led to Arsenal's triumphant period of ten years. Their latest win was due to two reasons. Solidity in defence and the conference that took place prior to the match. Alex James, sitting at my side, had been chosen to play but late on it was decided to risk experiment –to make an outside right. Arsenal's defence did their part nobly; the snap goals arose and the victory went to the goal-getters and goal-stoppers. Perfectly simple, is it not? And a great thrill, too, because Everton played their best game of the season and earned applause if denied a goal. Mr. George Allison was marked missing from the friendly gathering at the midday most; he was “unstairs” at a conference between the players. It was a long conference and whatever occurred there it is certain the defensive members were told of their respective missions, with the specially-marked Dean with a double X. Roberts and Dean have met many times, both are endowed with strength and football brains, and the duel is one of the features of this fine game. There were no more than 40,000 spectators at the start of the game, but before the end the crowd grew to 48,000 strong, and they had sufficient thrill to last them a season. The Arsenal policy prevailed, but before it became fact we had seen a lifeless Hulme on the right; Bowden supreme in alluring “through” passes, and Bastin unusually subdued. Drake, not pretending to be a great footballer, waited for the half-chance. None came till just after half-time, and Bowden had made his X for the scorer. Then came Everton's brightest and best wholesale attack. It was launched again and again, and was not merely supreme endeavour, because by now Leyfield and Cunliffe were working in pairs and offering stout shot and sharp contention to the solid defence quartette. Geldard had started brilliantly, and all through his display marked a practical line of raiding that did him well. He had cut away from the elongated run around, and his early centres were gems of direction. Geldard has been an enigma to many people, but if he will gain ground and deliver his centres at an early and appropriate moment I have no doubt about the value of his work. Neither forward line was quite balanced, but Everton's in that grand reawakening of the second half was a thing of beauty and a joy to the eye.

Praise For The Losers.

I liked the way Cook and Jones were prepared to go forward, and also the way Britton kept flinging over the well timed lob; add the virile endeavour of Dean, and it will be seen Everton's attack was the most dangerous. That is the natural order against Arsenal's plan of campaign, but they felt the shock of attack upon attack until late on when Drake squared the all to make Bastin's simple and effective goal. I have nothing but praise for the loser –the winners do not need any –and we must not forget some of Sagar's clearances and White's steadfastness as the retiring pivot! However, one must also remember the confident and clam demeanour of Wilson, the Arsenal goalkeeper, and also the sure-footed work of Male and Hapgood. The winners believe in physical attribute in the defensive region and Crayston's height was added to by his charm of play and fine feeding powers; Copping was the usual relentless Leeds member, and Roberts was the only men who could have stayed Dean's progressive efforts. Altogether a fine game to watch, and I was glad I stayed at home because it was the first time since I had been obstructed at the Portsmouth game that I had seen Goodison park and now no word of scorn was heard. I was glad Alex James was most impressed by the grand stand view. He said; “A great ground this, Bee, and a good view: I like the way the people are covered from the rain –and I like the people that's coming to me for being a mere onlooker-on. Arsenal need wing men and know it. But they may not know James would have been added attraction and power to this struggling line in which at least two men were failures despite the earnestness of their endeavour.

 

EVERTON EXPERIMENT

November 20, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post

Bentham Chosen To Partner Geldard

By John Peel.

The blending of successful football teams has always proved a difficult task, and such famous clubs as Aston Villa and Everton, despite the fact that they have on their respective staffs some of the cleverest individual players in the country, are troubled by the problem just now. At the moment the two clubs occupy the bottom steps of the First Division ladder. Everton go to Grimsby on Saturday in search of the first away success, and an important forward change has been decided on compared with the team that lost to Arsenal. At inside right Bentham, a young player from the reserves is to be tried as partner to Geldard, in place of the Irish international, Stevenson. In February, 1934, Bentham was secured from Wigan Athletic, and he had developed into a strong forward with the Central league side. He is nineteen years of age, stands 5ft 8 ½ ins, and weights 11st 2lbs. This will be his debut in First Division Football, and in opposing Grimsby Town he will be tested to the full, but those who have watched his progress expect him to make a good show. The inclusion of Bentham is the only change in the side which will turn out as follows: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield.

Grimsby Town have one more point than Everton from 14 games, and while they have won 5 home games, compared with Everton's 4, they have gained one away victory. The Merseyside senior clubs are among the five who have yet to win on an opponent's ground.

Local Player's Advance.

The Everton reserves side to entertain Sheffield United reserves in a Central League game at Goodison Park on Saturday, Kick-off 2.30, will be King; Williams, Jackson; Tunney, Gee, Thomson; Hughes, Miller, Dickinson, Hartill, Baldwin. Baldwin is a young Maghull player who has been doing well with the “A” side, and played a rousing game against Birmingham at St. Andrews last week, when he headed a fine goal in the closing stages, and was always prominent in Everton's raids.

 

EVERTON'S MEETING WITH GRIMSBY

November 22, 1935. Liverpool Echo

Bee's Notes.

The sight of Everton and Aston Villa footing the League table is a most uncommon thing and not good for sore eyes. Fortunately, it is still “early season,” and both sides have a chance to amend their ways and, if needs be strengthen their hold by signing new players. Aston Villa have already shown a fiery determination to stiffen the defence and silence the critics; Everton are seeking wingmen, and when they go to Grimsby tomorrow, I am sure they will recall previous visits to that side and from that side. Grimsby Town went down many years ago through a faked match. Impish fate brought them safely years later through a Robson v. Coggins duel in which Robson hit four ferocious shots and started the Goodison Park players and spectators. Today Grimsby are lowly; they have lost their bite in away games and at home have beaten the very best people, but been in awkward mood against teams of much less strength. Much of their trouble has been forward; Craven has not yet produced his best. The team reads good enough, has duly stopped its motor-car rides a per official orders, and with Bestall and other stars in it Grimsby Town should be a fighting proposition. So many times Everton have promised to win something away from home that he must be a very optimistic man who would hazard a win at Grimsby tomorrow. I am emboldened to make this prophecy because Everton's form a week ago against the Arsenal showed them in a new fighting vein; the forward line alone was faulty, and even that line had a striking display from Dean. A number of people have seen fir to quarrel with my reading of Geldard'sform. In such cases I do hope the critical have a record of what happened and are trusting to their memory over a space of say, an hour and a half. You cannot hope to count all that happens in that time unless, like myself you make a record of it. And having done that i say without doubt Geldard played a vastly better game than for some time. I should hate to think of him going from Liverpool and then becoming a star for another First Division side. You see Geldard has been far from blessed with his partners, and inside forwards have not quite set the right winger going. However, no one can forget how he started against Arsenal. Forgetting all the advisers who had told him “How to play the game,” and getting his centres across. This was beginning a game when he had left off with Manchester City –and such form showed how silly it would be to discard for strength in the case of Geldard. I go to Grimsby tomorrow because Grimsby are such goodfork, and because I think Everton's Arsenal form will produce not a drawn result but a win for Everton. Everton:- Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Grimsby:- Tweedy; Vincent, Hodgson; Hall, Betmead, Buck, Dyson, Craven, Glover, Moralee, Jenning.

 

EVERTON AT GRIMSBY

November 23, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.

By John Peel.

Grimsby Town and Everton are badly placed, thus making today's game at Grimsby exceptionally keen. Both teams were beaten last week, but Everton played better than the defeat of 2-0 by the Arsenal would suggest, while Grimsby fell before the moderate Sheffield Wednesday eleven. A victory for Everton away from Goodison Park is overdue and a win today would give the side encouragement for the further struggles ahead. It remains to be seen whether the inclusion of Bentham from the reserves will add more dash to the attack, but this young player's form is such as to merit a trial. Everton:- Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Grimsby:- Tweedy; Vincent, Hodgson; Hall, Betmead, Buck, Dyson, Craven, Glover, Moralee, Jenning.

 

FIRST AWAY VICTORY

November 23, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.

Everton Doubles At Grimsby.

Leyfield and Bentham.

Be Bee.

Everton's first away win of the season. The margin does not exaggerate. Leyfield the winger , get two goals, and Bentham, the new boy, made a goal in his debut. Everton's attack was smart and purposeful; Grimsby became demoralised. Sagar's well-timed saves were a feature of the day's victory. Teams:- Everton:- Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Dean (captain), Cunliffe and Leyfield, forwards. Grimsby Town:- Tweedy, goal; Vincent and Hodgson, backs; Hall, Betmead, and Buck, half-backs; Dyson, Cravsens, Glover (captain), Moralee, and Jennings, forwards. Referee Mr. C. Lines, Birmingham.

 

 

Everton visited one of the best sporting sides in the world today. Grimsby were kindness itself, and they, like Everton were lowly, too, in the league chart, hence the need of points. Everton tried Bentham, the former Wigan Athletic player, for the first time in English League life. After a dull start a throw in, became Everton's danger. Moralee headed in and the crowd cried “goal” forgetting Sagar's safe hands. Jones had out across Dyson's pass, and Leyfield got a nasty kick to the chest when he seemed set for a goal. Sagar's next effort was a trim affair's a fine catch off a goal-making cross from the left, and a dodge of the charges levelled at him. Bentham, the new boy, had his first chance to be famous close in, but the ball was just too fast for him. Tweedy mishandled a corner kick and Everton asked for a penalty, without answer, Sagar and White between them got into an awkward plight but having recovered the ball Jennings came back at them with a fast drive just over the bar.

Leyfield's Goes Through.

Glovers, acting captain, and head and shoulders taller than Tom White, could make little impression, and Dean suffered the same fate early on when facing Betmead. However, Everton got the first goal, a muddling sort, of affair, made all right by the good steps of Bentham, Cunliffe and Mercer. The last named drew the ball towards the centre and Dean to Leyfield, who had cut in “Do On” It was a goal when Leyfield's shot struck a defenders, the ball passing through and being too sharp for a defender to run up and kick it off the line. Dean looked like a second goal-getter when the home defence faltered. Betmead blundered, and Dean blazed away at a well-beaten goalkeeper, only to find the ball striking Hodgson's leg. This was luck! Cunliffe had a low shot at Tweedy, who fell in, saving the admiration of the local people. Britton began many of the pretty moves, but nothing excelled the masterful pick-up of Sagar, whose perfection of timing and slipping out of the way of the oncoming forwards made a deep impression on the onlookers. Cook nipped in to save a scoring shot from Glover's toe. Mercer made a full use of his throws, and his centres were of fine length. Bentham had a shot at Tweedy without bothering him by his pace, and Dean's broad body gained a raid. More striking was the miss by Dean after Leyfield had cut across to the opposite part of the wing. He delayed his pass, and he seemed to have lost the chance, yet he got across a centre which Dean took so long to accept that defenders –three actually in number –dropped back into goal and kicked clear. A most unusual miss. Consolation came at the twenty-fifth minute, when Bentham scored with a rocket shot to the roof of the net. The chance to the new boy came from Geldard's well placed pass. Sagar now baulked Glover with another priceless bit of forethinking and fine picking up. Grimsby were shattered, and Bestall's absence was so much felt, as the forwards had little sparkle.

Glover A Menace.

Glover was amenace, and when he stood eight yards out he should have scored with ease. Instead, he half hit one, which Sagar took at his leisure. Jennings played well with little conclusion from his partner Moralee. Everton's forwards played much better than usual, and Leyfield's pairing off with Cunliffe, should have brought a goal if Leyfield had lifted his centre after going through the defence with the greatest of ease. Glover missed one, as Dean had done before him, and it was well, because Jones had been fouled and a linesman had no eyes for elbows sticking out like “spurn Bescon.” Half-time Grimsby 0 Everton 2.

Britton's opening bout was a run which took him beyond five men to the penalty line, and Bentham chased off with a gay heart only to make his final pass too short and a gift for the full back. Still, he showed up well with effort and sharpness. Dyson added to the big number of really gross misses in front of goal. Later he headed against the side net when Sagar had pushed himself quite securely for any emergency. Leyfield bore bandages, and now Cook was limping. Grimsby were now fighting back, and nothing short of a masterly wide side dive by Sagar stopped Glover's placed shot passing its haven. Geldard offered relief and Bentham's shot went close to an upright, the goalkeeper being helpless to save had it been inches inwards. The non-stop Bentham, who is always on the trot, put one shot out of the ground. No one minded, because he was at least providing the thrust necessary. Tweedy's best save was from a solo run and “dug-up” shot by Cunliffe. Tweedy kept the score reasonable by flying into Geldard's pass. It was a new and spirited Everton raiding line. Geldard's corner kick made the score three to nought. Dean headed the ball across the goalmouth, and Leyfield had an easy task to take his second goal and his side's third. Time 60 minutes. Bentham scored a fourth goal for Everton in the last minute. Final, Grimsby Town 0, Everton 4.

 

EVERTON RES V SHEFF.U. RES

November 23, 1935. The Evening Express.

At Goodison Park. Everton started well, but after Richardson had headed a capital goal for Sheffield, the Blues fell away badly. The forwards were hesitant near goal and passes frequently want astray. Sheffield, although not brilliant were the more dangerous and king did well to cover a shot by Richardson when the Sheffield centre was clean through the defence. At the other end Everton nearest approach to an equaliser was when John ran out to prevent Baldwin shooting. Prior to this the Sheffield goalkeeper's work had been mainly concerned in clearing lobs into the goalmouth. Half-time Everton Res 0, Sheff Utd Res 1.

 

GRIMSBY TOWN 0 EVERTON 4 (Game 1536 over-all)-(Div 1 1494)

November 25, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.

Great Everton Win.

Grimsby Town In Distress.

Goals For Bentham And Leyfield.

By “Bee.”

Everton struck a blow at Grimsby Town's relegation and thereby struck a fine note for their own cases when they won at Grimsby by four goals without reply. It was a complete and convincing victory. The only possible barrier in criticism is the question whether Grimsby, without Bestall, their chief schemer, can be likened to a good side. They started well enough in this important meeting of lowly members and it was then Sagar showed the local folk, of whom there were no more than 12,000, how to take a ball with the fine fingering of a star silly point cricketer fielding. A. O. Jones never picked the ball more definitely and delightfully than Sagar all through this game, and his success early on had the effect upon the other members of the side, who had been rather uncertain in front of goal.

Day of Mistakes.

It was a day when mistakes could be excused because, although there was little wind, and the early rainfall did not last, the ground had a lumpy appearance and the ball did not run truly. Everton and Grimsby in turn missed what is known as a sitter, and this led me to believe the turf was to blame more than the player. Once Everton had scored, through Leyfield, they never released their hold of this game, and by degrees they became a sporting and smart team, in whose ranks special mention must be made of Bentham, who not only got two goals, like Leyfield, but added a good deal of fire to the forward line. For long enough Everton had the skilled without being punishing near goal. A week earlier Dean had played like a 20 year-old, and the captain now took a subdued, but always encouraging part in this great victory –the first away win of the season for Everton.

Bentham's Enthusiasm.

Bentham is not a tall boy. He has fine thighs and legs and a football brain, and I like very particularly the way his enthusiasm carried him right into the defensive quarters when Grimsby began to apply their hardest and best –namely, just half time. This Wigan Athletic player was nippy and always keen to shoot. He did not want encouragement to shoot, and when he missed fire there were no regrets, because he had supplied the driving force, and this was the cog on which the Everton wagon wheel had been broken for a quite a long time, except in one home game. One felt the need of stirring young fellows who would take a joy in shooting, and Bentham did his part in this matter. Moreover, Geldard was “found” by Bentham, and the pair soon linked up into a working combine that had the Grimsby defence tottering. Both the home backs are big, strong fellows, but they were played out by the wiles of the enterprising Geldard and the sinuous quick-moving Bentham. On the other flank, too, there was a good deal of craft, and conviction –Cunliffe scooped up yards of ground with his great strides and Leyfield once more showed his value in goal region . His first goal was not a joyful thing, because it touched another player before entering the net as a defender ran up to kick clear. But Leyfield had gone to near centre, showing his faculty for sensing the next move of the ball.

A Rocket Shot.

Next came Bentham's rocket shot to the roof of the net –an acceptance of Geldard's square pass. In the second half both the young men scored again, the Geldard corner providing Leyfield with a goal after Dean had connected with his sound headpiece, and finally Bentham crowned his debut with a fourth goal. Let us not forget all other links in this surprising margin against a team that had beaten Arsenal and Sunderland down here and Aston Villa away from home: Britton was gracious and pugnacious, a pretty half-back who served his flank. White stood firm to attention against the acting captain, Glover, who had a habit of taking four goals in a game. Here he got none and missed two of the easiest chances of the day: and in the left half berth Mercer played his very best game, one of his best features being a direct cross pass to the right wing –a splendid method of opening play and surprising the defence. Mercer strode through the game with the virility of a Hutton and the leggyness of a Buchan. The backs were splendid and Sagar did sufficient in the first half to curb Grimsby's confidence and belief; his collection of the ball and his skip out of the way of the onrushing forwards was masterly. A good victory, almost a great victory, and one bearing a four-point relegation grip. Grimsby disappointing their best friends, Craven has gone back in unexpected manner. Jennings started well, but Glover was their only forward of note. Betmead held Dean and was best of a harassed half-back line which, like the backs could not cope with the fiery progression of the visiting attack, which has rarely been so smart in its practical measures in making ground and making shots. Result Everton 4, Grimsby Town o. Teams: - Grimsby Town: - Tweedy, goal; Vincent and Hodgson, backs; Hall, Beatmead, and Buck, half-backs; Dyson, Craven, Glover, Moralee, and Jennings, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Dean (captain), Cunliffe, and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. Charles Lines, of Birmingham.

 

EVERTON RESERVES 0 SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 2

November 25, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post

Central League (Game 16)

Although neither side was particularly brilliant in a scientific sense, at Goodison Park, there was plenty of earnest endeavour, especially on the part of the United, who deserved their win. Everton's display –if the opening and the last few minutes are excepted –was one of their poorest at home, and lacked the accurate and quick combination necessary to overcome such a resolute defence as that of the United. Fortunately for Everton their defence was sound, and although Richardson opened the Yorkshire side's score in the early minutes, it was not until near the end that Blackshaw scored the second goal to make victory secure. Meanwhile, Everton had indulged in an equal share of the attacking, but they never revealed the same danger as the United, and although the late minutes found the Goodison side striking their true form, John, in the Sheffield goal proved a difficult proposition, Hughes was Everton's outstanding shooter.

Everton “A” 2 Skelmersdale 2

Liverpool County Combination.

A draw at College-road did not flatter Everton. The home side made costly errors, and infringements of the handling code called for two penalty shots. From the first taken by Holt, White made a great save, but Stevenson made sure with the second one. Everton opened their score with Hampson, who walked the ball past Holt. In the first minute of the second half, Patterson netted Everton's scored and Constantine scored for the visitors.

 

GRIMSBY TOWN EARN OUR GRATTTITUDE

November 25, 1935. Liverpool Echo

Everton's Striking Win And The Causes Thereof.

Bee's Notes

Don't imagine the outburst comes through Everton's victory. Before the game started there had been formed one more companionship in this far-off football home where they work to a decimal point of finance owing to their record crowd being no more than 27,000. They had beaten Arsenal, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough here, and they felt if they could beat Everton the four-fold effect of the points columns would raise them out of trouble. Instead, Everton, striking their best away form for a year or two gained their first away goal victory of the season and by a four-fold margin. The goals were worth a special, if brief comment; Leyfield's first came in a clumsy fashion after really good opening work and a blot out of Cunliffe's continued dribble. Cunliffe got the ball when he hardly merited it. Mercer turned the ball inward and Leyfield copying the Coulter goal against Derby County in a cup-tie last season, stretched his swift-moving legs towards the middle of goal. Leyfield had the right idea, and his goal record last season has now been increased by two in this game. I like his individuality, his persistence, his dribbling and swerving power, and best of all his sensing of the next point at which the ball should arrive. He positions himself for this, hence his goals. His first, I say was not a joyous driving force, but it served to sap the confident tone in which Grimsby had started this game.

Happy Debut.

Bentham took No.2. With a fine cracking shot after Geldard had squared the ball to him –a happy debut for this ex-Wigan Athletic player, who has started his First Division life with a merry couple of goals, and has shown infinite variety in his method. He is a close dribbler, but he has a fine, flicking knack of urging the ball to another forward. He was a trifle short at times in this game, because Grimsby's ground is not the best of surfaces; but I noticed he went back to the defensive lines on two occasions, showing splendid enthusiasm for the task of the defenders. Quickness such as Leyfield shows without the long, forcing stride of Cunliffe. Bentham has thus early made a mark. He lacks height, has good shoulders and fleetness, allied to what Everton have been wanting for so long, a little bit of football, sense near goal –namely, the delivery of a shot and no concern for the upbraiding some people might offer if the shot went outide. Everton had become too clever without being convincing in getting goals. Bentham appears to enjoy a shot, for which we hope you will be very thankful.

Geldard Improves.

Geldard continued to improve, and, left alone to do his work and fling the ball across –without the cruel birding or plucking of any crowd –he will soon show his paces and football skill. Every part of this combination showed up well, and I place almost first in the first-back line the criss-cross pass of Mercer to outside right; Mercer has been slightly below last season's forms, I thought and now he came out bright, refreshing, full of his natural vigour and productive of strong resolute half back work fore and aft. He was a great success. White held up the one man who might have created all the damage (Glover, who Lacked the cunning of Bestall and the slip-through pass), and Britton just went through this game with that swinging gait of his and with the pull back dribble that makes him one of the most attractive half backs in the country. The backs were splendid, and Sagar broke the losers hearts by his saves, and the cleanliness of his style made great appeal to a crowd which through its tears found time to say “Great work, Sagar.” Grimsby disappointed themselves. Bestall was badly missed; the backs were shaky, the pace and ability of the forwards shook Betmead from his pedestal, and one wondered where Craven's art had passed. Better fortune some other time, Grimsby Town; remember “Sally” for one line, if nought else. “The Silver Linning, and forgive her, as we did, her entertainment! Everton's will makes the Sunderland game next Saturday another tit-bit. Remember the 6-4 Cup-tie. Remember Sunderland are top-notchers just now, Everton will make a great contest of this game.

 

A POLICY THAT PAYS.

November 25, 1935. The Evening Express.

Success Of Everton's “Nursery” Plans

Bentham's Fine Debut.

By the Pilot.

Everton's “find them and make them” policy has succeeded again. They have found a really good forward proposition in Stanley Bentham, the 20-year-old Warrington boy, who scored two fine goals against Grimsby Town on Saturday. The Blues registered their first away victory of the season by thrashing Grimsby 4-0, and Bentham was one of five members of the team who graduated through the nursery or “A” team eleven. The other four were Sagar, Jones, Mercer and Leyfield. The match was a triumph for Everton's youngsters. The fine all-round play of the Blues-each man pulled his weight in such a manner that to individualise would be invidious –gives renewed hope. The win has taken Everton up four places, and if the Blues can repeat this form against Sunderland they are due for another rise. There were fight and delight in Everton's work. They had to contend with a brisk Grimsby in the early stages, but that only served to pull out the best in the defence with Sagar making four or five perfect interventions at the expense of Glover. When Leyfield scored for the Blues after a brilliant combined movement, there was never any doubt regarding the result. Each man and each department dovetailed perfectly, the men inert-changed positions adroitly, and there was plenty of willingness to shoot. In addition, rarely have I seen such tenacious tackling. The Blues were on the ball before the Grimsby men could make up their minds what to do. In this respect I must single out Mercer. He was magnificent. Bentham revealed alertness, speed, good ball control and fine shooting powers. His two goals were beautifully taken. He has something to learn and tired just a little, but definitely he is a “find.” Leyfield scored two goals also. It was not so much the result as the manner of the victory that pleased. Every man played grandly to bring about this first away success of the season.

 

SUNDERLAND'S VISIT.

November 27, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.

By John Peel.

The visitors of Sunderland to Goodison Park from the early days have usually been associated with thrilling tussles, and when the spectators assemble at Goodison Park on Saturday that great Cup-tie struggle of last spring, when Everton won 6-4 after extra time, will be vividly before the mind's eye. Sunderland at present leading the League table and Everton showing signs of recovery, promise to provide another great spectacle. After breaking the spell of non-success on the grounds of opponents, it is not surprising that the Everton side for this great occasion shows no alteration from the team that won at Grimsby, Bentham retains the inside right berth, the eleven being:- Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. The kick-off is at 2.15. The Central league side to visit Manchester City Reserves will be: - King; Jackson, Cresswell; E. Tunney, Gee, Archer, Hughes, Miller, Hartill, Stevenson, Baldwin.

 

SUNDERLAND'S CALL FOR REVENEGE

November 29, 1935. Liverpool Echo.

Bee's Notes

Everyone locally will want to be at Goodison Park in case there is another outburst from both sides. A year or so ago Sunderland were beaten in extra time 6-4 by an Everton side that had the game in its keeping again and again but found the sweeping waves of attack from Sunderland most disconcerting Gurney scored “on time” and there followed a breathless struggle. Since then Sunderland have become better and better till now they stand on top of the League chart. All their lives they have been an attraction, but not since the Talent days have they been convincing. Today the team is beautifully welded, and Morrison is the new-found back from Liverpool F.C.-playing at full back “with a half-back's style, as it has been put to me. Well, Sunderland are ever surprising and engaging, and tomorrow's game will be one of outstanding character I feel sure. Let Sunderland realise that while there is no Coulter to contend with there is the liveliest Everton attack Everton has fielded this season. They have not been built up on physical lines, but they have the spirit of goals, and they have pace and practicability not usual in this season's raiding rounds. Cunliffe is going ahead with great pace and skill. Bentham will be on view to show his neat way. He is a sparkler, and I do hope the spectators are not going to ask an 8 or 19 year-old to be a Buchan in five minutes. He has done well, but they must not take exception to his endeavours; rather encourage this strong and quick fellow to go on with his naturally strong and quick game, Geldard, too, merits our encouragement; he has a better understanding with his partner than for some time. On the left Leyfield and Cunliffe paired of like old stagers. Grimsby is not such, a bad side as to lose 4-0, so Everton's form should be dependable. In any case, men like Carter, Gallacher, Gurney, and company will be just the right kind to answer our question whether this new Everton team is “just the thing.” The teams read:- Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Sunderland: Thorp; Hall, Morrison; Hasting, Clarke, Thompson; Connor, Gallacher, Gurney, Carter, Dune. Everton are experimenting tomorrow with a new stile in Bullens-road for boys under 11 and half-timers to the goal double Decker stand. The price is, 1s, including tax. The boy's pen, price 5d, is as usual.

 

STARS AT GOODISON.

November 30, 1935. Liverpool Daily Post.

By John Peel.

Dealing first with the League games, we on Merseyside are fortunate in having one of the titbits of the day in the visit of the “all-star” Sunderland team, who at present are League leaders and promises to emulate the feats of those great Sunderland sides of long ago. Everton have been somewhat under a cloud, but they appear to be improving, and the success of the side at Grimsby has revived hopes of better things. The players will be all out at Goodison Park, today to check the progress of the Sunderland men, and if the game is anything like the encounters between the sides at the beginning of the year then the spectators are in for a treat this afternoon. The Sunderland players are well respected here; Gallagher, Connor and Carter being particularly well known as forwards of outstanding merit. Everton will have the same side as at Grimsby, and interest will be centred in the appearance of Bentham, who contributed to Everton's first away success of the season. The kick-off is at 2-15, and the teams are:- Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Geldard, Bentham, Dean, Cunliffe, Leyfield. Sunderland: Thorp; Hall, Morrison; Hasting, Clarke, Thompson; Connor, Gallacher, Gurney, Carter, Duns.

 

SUNDERLAND MARCH ON.

November 30, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.

Everton Marksmen Fail.

By Stork.

Sunderland's forwards won this game for the Roker side. The team was no better than Everton, only in that one respect. Everton's shooting was scarce. Teams:- Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, White and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Dean (captain), Cunliffe, and Leyfield, forwards. Sunderland:- Thorpe, goal; Morrison and Hall, backs; Thompson, Clarke and Hastings, half-backs; Duns, Carter, Gurney, Gallacher, and Connor, forwards. Referee Mr. H. Taylor, Rotherham. It was a pity the kick-off had to be so early, for this undoubtedly kept many people away, and at the start there would be no more than 25,000 people present. Everton soon ran into their game, and Geldard, with a good length centre, put the Sunderland goal in trouble, and it was only Leyfield's lack of inches which prevented his from nodding what had been a sensational opening, but Thorpe's extra reach enabled him to take a ball labelled “Leyfield.” Gurney was through; he had beaten Cook, and it looked a thousand to one on a Sunderland goal, but Mercer seemed to come up out of the ground to bar the Sunderland leader's way and take the ball from him and save the day, as it were. Cunliffe was a shade late, otherwise he must have gone through to test Thorpe, and after Dean lost the ball but regained it, the Sunderland defence once again got itself out of difficulties. Then came an action which nearly brought a Sunderland goal. Carter made a shot which did not appear to bear any great sting, yet had it not struck an Everton defender Sagar would have had to save, whereas the ball subsequently sniggled round the upright for a corner.

Carter Hits The Mark.

Sagar, however, had no chance in the next minute (the 15 th ), for Carter's shot was one of the unstoppable type, and the ball was in the net before one could say “Knife.” Carter got his chance in this manner. Duns passed inside to Gurney, who could not quite get in touch with the ball, but Carter, who was lying a little behind the line, as it were, dashed in and emote the ball with all his might, to put Everton a goal down. Young Bentham showed his power of boot when from outside the penalty area he made a very solid drive of strength and direction, but Thorpe made a catch like a mid-on fielder. While Sunderland were the more accurate combination, Everton were just as grim in their attack, and Dean suffered many hard knocks from Clarke without getting any response from the referee. I must say the ball was not running any too well for Everton, who at this point were having the better of matters, yet Thorpe was not called upon to any great extend. Jones showed lever defensive play and Britton some clever constructive. A back-pass by Geldard to Cook let in Gallacher, whose shot went just over. Sunderland took a second goal at the half hour as a result of a free kick.

Connor Makes It Two.

The ball was swept right over to Connor, who headed it down to Gallacher. The latter was a flick of the boot curledit forward, and Connor must have defined what would happen, for he ran round the back of Cook and scored with a fine drive. When Dean, charged Thorpe, in possession, and the ball spun out of his arm an went over the line, them was a loud claim for a corner, and when the referee gave a goal kick there was a uproar around –surely it must have been a corner. When Morrison brought Cunliffe down the offence seemed well inside the penalty area, but the referee gave a free kick outside, and , as a result, he became most unpopular. The Sunderland trainer ran on to the field without permission, and was promptly told about his error by the referee. From then until the end of the half Sunderland were kept on the defensive, and but for a marvellous save by Thorpe, Leyfield would have headed a goal from Britton's centre. Then followed three shots by Everton, and how any one of them did not core was amazing. It was a luckythree minutes for Sunderland.

Half-Time Everton 0, Sunderland 2.

Thope, kept Sunderland's lead intact when he made the save of alifetime from Cunliffe in the first minute of the second half. It was a great shot by the Everton man, and every Everton supporter had set himself to yell “Goal!” when Thorpe made a spring and flung up his right arm to turn the ball over his crossbar. This half was not nearly so good as the first. Everton had Sunderland penned in their own half most of the time, but they did not make many calls upon Thorpe. The Everton forwards wanted to walk the ball through. Sunderland showed the way with the long wide pass. Cunliffe made a shot, which Hall hooked away for a corner, while many seemed to think that Morrison handled the ball in his penalty area. Everton were not nearly so fast or as accurate at Sunderland. Mercer shot over the crossbar. Connor played the last half hour of the game at inside left owing to Gallacher being injured. By this time the game had petered out to nothing. Everton should have scored in the last few minutes, hesitancy preventing them. Right on time a centre from the Sunderland left wing was turned into the Everton goal by Gurney for the third goal. Everton 0, Sunderland 3.

 

MANCHESTERCITY R V EVERTON R

November 30, 1935. Liverpool Football Echo.

Everton led by 2-1 at the interval. Percival scored for City from a penalty kick. Stevenson getting both the Everton's goal. Dellow the City outside right, was hurt and retired. Stevenson was Everton's most effective forward. Final Manchester City res 1, Everton Res 2.