Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON RESERVES 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 1
November 2, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 13)
Everton just about deserved to win at Goodison Park. At the 30th minute Rutherford scored a well deserved goal for Blackburn. Immediately after the resumption Geldard went through to equalise. Midway through the second half Jones (T.G.), decided the issue when he ran in to score with a strong drive. Geldard was the best of the Everton forwards while Arthur made several good runs. King made many good saves and Jones was a stout defender. Everton: - King, goal; Lambert and Morris, backs; Thomson, Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Arthur, Bentham, Bell, White, and Geldard, forwards.
Northern Nomads 3 Everton “A” 3
County Combination.
Northern Nomads deserved to draw, at Burscough. The Nomads scored first through Dodd, Cunliffe equalised from a penalty, and before the interval added a second goal. Trentham increased the lead in the second half, but Nomads drew level through Dodd and Hullingres. Blackledge played well in the Nomads goal, and Robertson and Dodd also prominent. Cunliffe was prominent in the Everton attack, and Tunney, Walkden, and Allen were outstanding.
COOK AND COULTER CAPS AT IRELAND.
November 2, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Scotland gained a victory over Ireland by 3-1 at Windsor Park, Belfast on Saturday. 45,000 spectators. Cook and Coulter playing for Ireland.
EVERTON’S CAPTAIN REPORTED
November 2, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton’s almost-customary visiting card left one with little fresh to say about their chances for future good results. I had believed there was a ripe chance of Middlesbrough having seen the Borough defence collapse after one goal had been scored against them. Everton did not look like getting one goal, how then could they hope to bear out the possibilities I had made for them in the week-end review? You don’t get goals without shots or headers. Everton had the headers and a Mercerised shot of string, but the team there to be beaten of Everton were good enough, registered a second goal after Middlesbrough had been penned down to one goal. Summarised Middlesbrough were all bet-up in the second half and lack of shot cost Everton the chance of fighting back with any result. Middlesbrough undoubtedly sacrificed goals through missing sitters and through strangely inefficient finishing by Birkett, who had been all day the most resolute and artistic raider. The Everton side started with a flourish of passing triumpets. They passed all right; they passed into oblivion. Stevenson could not hope to continually bring the line into fire. Baxter guarded Dean, and Stevenson’s good work led him in outer rings, the result being Leyfield had not many chances in the second half. On the other flank, Hurel was struggling against the quicker-paced men and making passes that went astray. The boy is jeopardising his senior service through early inclusion and boyish endeavour to do half back work. He needs to let the ball back toll be for those duly appointed, and save his strength and pace for forward raids. Gillick had some flickers and some neatness, had some flickers and some neatness, but he because wildly enthusiastic about the best chance, and the end was a wasted over-the-bar shot. It was a mixture off very good and very bad play on Everton’s part. The half-backs, for instance were the good’; the forward line –as a fine –was the other part of the phrase, and out of it all comes the notification that Dean has to have a word with the authorities about the occurrence at three-quarter time.
Dean’s Explanation.
It appears the referee judged Dean saving a false “Right.” Dean say; “I did not about “Right” it was a Borough half-back, and I asked the referee to tackle him with the evidence I had given. One word led to another, as he would not do the sensible and easy thing, and finally he took my name.” Probably the term ungentlemanly conduct will arise. Meantime, perhaps a Middlesbrough player will lend vital evidence to this rather important case. It was quite a friendly and free game, with four Everton accidents through collisions. Jones had his teeth knocked, Gillick his jaw, and Jackson his jaw. Sagar was excellent and brave to book, the local backs did their part, manfully and well, and the half-back strength of Gee (steady and keeping Camsell unusually quiet) Britton (a grand second half), and Mercer (saved three goals) was a pleasant note of the visit north.
Charging The Foe.
It appears as if Everton are not in the mood for delivering charges. Middlesbrough went to the ball; Everton appeared to wait and not force the issue. This was most notable in the second half, when Middlesbrough could have been caught and tanned. Everton just could not take the chance when it was offered; hence the winning goal between Birkett (scorers and Cochrane). The Borough deserved their win, and no one will deny them the full measure of victors. It becomes all the more galling, therefore when those from this city could see the home team quaking for most of the second half and the booted shot was not delivered.
PUT MORE PUNCH IN IT EVERTON!
November 2, 1936. Evening Express.
Supreme skill without Virility.
By The Pilot.
Forcefulliness in attack is the quality Everton need at they are to keep on the heels of the First Division leaders. There is not a clever forward line playing today than that of Everton, but unless there is more punch and virility when it comes to the eliminating effort, the points will elude them. This was patent at Aryesome Park on Saturday when Middlesbrough beat the Blues 2-0 and recorded their first win in six weeks. Everton were dainting themself in their exploitation of the shot in the game as a team. The final passes go astray or did the Everton forwards fall prey to the stern tenacious Borough tacklers. Dean had to provide too much of the “weight” and it was not until late in the game that the Blues took hold of the game. Then Mercer, Dean and Leyfield each struck the framework, and erstwhile idle Cumming was given plenty of hard work to do. There were many bright periods in this game which again emphasised the possibilities of Hurel, as a purveyor of the ball. Britton had a good final hour, and Gee was the pick of the intermediary trio. Jones played excellently at left back, and Jackson was again the sturdy, intrepid intervener, giving ample covering to a Sagar who made not the slightest vestige of a mistake. Both the extreme wingers, Gillick and Leyfield have played with greater effect. Yes, Everton have the skill and artistry, but greater virility is an essential to success.
CUNLIFFE’S RETURN
November 4, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton and West Bromwich Albion had two lively meetings last season when fifteen goals were scored, Albion winning 6-1 at the Hawthorns and Everton proving successful at Goodison Park 5-3. The pair meet at Everton on Saturday. The promise of another quick-fire display will attract a large attendance. On the present season’s record to date Everton have an advantage of one point, 13 for 12 matches, compared with the Albion’s 12 for the same number of games. Cunliffe has recovered and after his trial with the “A” team on Saturday he resumes on the right wing as Gillick’s partner in place of Hurel. Cook, of course returns, and the team will be: - Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. The reserve team to meet Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park is: King; Lambert, Morris, Thomson, Jones (TG), Watson; Arthur, Hurel, Bell, Joyce, Coulter.
LETTER TO ECHO
November 4, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
H. Hamilton of Goodacre-road Fazackerley, sends a letter with this heading. This is my first attempt at mailing you during all the years I have enjoyed your Notes. My reason is to say that I cannot see the Blues doing any good while they have youngsters in the team not ripe for the top service. I am not being disrespectful to the boys. As an old player –having played centre forward (for Southampton many years ago, and alongside Arthur Dominy and Frank Jefferis) –I think you will agree I ought to know what I am writing about. To wear an Everton jersey, to me, in my opinion is the V.C. of the football world, and some of the lads are mighty lucky having gained that honour so young. Football is so different from a spectator’s point of view to actually playing –it’s all so easy until you try –that is the reason I cannot condemn the player, but Everton cannot win. I saw the Central league match, and again I was disappointed. Not enough first-time method about the Blues –too much dallying and dallying with the ball, and not enough banging it down the middle. Plenty of that and you’ll seen get opposing backs dizzy. Anyway, here’s hoping Cunliffe will soon be O.K. I can take a beating with the best, and admit you must give credit to the others –as there is always eleven out to stop you. However, good you may be, it it’s theirs today it may be ours tomorrow. So we must not grumble. Please give me Everton v. Southport result in an English Cup tie (three or four years ago); half-time and full time score, please. All the best and again thanking you for your great column –it’s my Evening Tonic.” Here’s to you-there none like you.
CUNLIFFE IS BACK AFTER LIGHTING CURE.
November 24, 1936. The Evening Express.
Everton Star Raider To Play Against West Brom.
Record Recovery From Cartilage Trouble.
By The Pilot.
Jimmy Cunliffe will play inside-right for Everton against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday –five weeks after having undergone an operation for cartilage trouble! This is one of the most rapid recoveries from a cartilage operation that I can recall. Cunliffe was injured in the match against Liverpool in mid-September, and yet he will be back to duty the first Saturday in November. The only parallel is the instance of another Everton player some seasons ago –Tom Griffiths, now with Aston Villa. Grifiths recovered in seven weeks. Cunliffe had a try-out with the “A” team last Saturday and played brilliantly. He now returns to the exclusion of Hurel. His inclusion will bring added power to the attack, for Cunliffe is a sound raider possessing a fine shot in either foot. In addition, he brings back needed weight to the line. The only other change is the return of international Cook, to left back in place of Jones. Last Saturday Cook played for Ireland. The match will be noteworthy because it celebrates Billy Dean’s 400th appearance in a Football League game. During that period –with Tranmere Rovers and Everton –Dean has scored 359 goals. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Hurel and Coulter will figure in Everton’s reserve team to visit Blackburn Rovers in a Central League match. Everton Reserves: - King; Lambert, Morris; Thomson, Jones (TG), Watson; Arthur, Hurel, Bell, Joyce, Coulter.
ANDY GIBSON PASSES AWAY
November 6, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Evertonians will regret to hear of the death on Monday (2nd), at the age of 73, of Andy Gibson, who came from Kilmarnock to play for Bootle F.C., and later joined Everton. The team in his days was Joliffe; Dick, Dobson; Higgins, Andy Gibson, Weir; Farmer, Costley, Briscoe, Richards, Fleming. Andy who lived at 74 Melbourne-street, Everton is survived by his widow.
CUNLIFFE’S WELCOME RETURN TO EVERTON
November 6, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton’s forward strength has been absent for quite a time, except in the fight back against Birmingham in a grand finals. The appearance of Cunliffe, therefore, lends height, speed, and weight to the attack just where it has been most wanted. There will be a new vain in the Everton camp tomorrow, and I have no fears about the home record this week, such as I expressed so boldly when Birmingham were visitors a fortnight ago. West Bromwich Albion will always be honoured “guests in this city. They have a history similar to Everton’s and League and Cup victories have been sandwiched in the Honours List. The Albion have had a rocky passage in the last four months of football –yes, I know the season is young, but I am counting in successive moths of football service, and I do not forget Mr. Billy Bassett’s tragic tone when he said; “We are going down” long before the season ended. They escaped and since then have been trying to fathom a reason why their older members have not struck their best form and why younger ones cannot be brought up to take the first team place. The truth is the same with West Bromwich as with Sheffield United. Albion are of small, stocky build and the lightness of the ball on the abnormally dry grounds of this season led to them being unable to catch and control the ball. Goodison Park, I am told, has been so light and airy, but most grounds have been blest with sunshine they could never have expected. Certainly West Bromwich have had to come back to their old faithful, Pearson in goal, after a longish spell with their Southampton purchase. Light, and the rest of the team is just running into the best display, says Mr. Everies. So Everton need a Cunliffe tomorrow, at inside-right, and will also need sharpness of attack and shooting power if they are to redeem themselves for their display a week ago. Why should Everton be so poor away from home, yet meeting the same side say a week or two later at Goodison Park, go into the game with a confidence not born of the facts of the last meeting? It must be atmosphere and the additional strength of the spectators help, plus of course, local knowledge they know where to go without looking hard! Well, I hope the team looks hard before it makes its pass tomorrow, because these testy little die hards from West Bromwich are now at their best and there had some historic games with Everton home and away. Cunliffe’s appearance should mean a renewed and awakened attacking line. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield.
• Everton F.C. Official Programme. Thirty-two pages for two peace. Ask your supplier to deliver the Programme with the Saturday morning paper.
• League match at Goodison Park Tomorrow, Sat Everton v. West Bromwich Albion. Kick-off 2.45. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, stands extra (incl Tax). Book seats sharp’s Whitechapel.
CUNLIFFE’S RETURN SHOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE
November 6, 1936. The Evening Express.
Everton Bid For Victory Route
By The Pilot.
Everton, unbeaten at home; West Bromwich Albion, without a victory “away” –these are the rivals in tomorrow’s big match at Goodison Park. The match is notable for two reasons. First, Billy Dean, the Everton captain, figures in his 400th Football League match. Second, Jimmy Cunliffe returns to inside-right, after an astonishing recovery from a cartilage operation. The 400th game of Dean is just another milestone in a wondering career –a career unparalled in modern football. Dean is sure of a warm rally when he leads the Blues out. Cunliffe’s reappearance comes at a crucial time. Since he was injured –in the match against Liverpool –the Everton attack has lacked weight and punch. Can he restore those qualities? Cunliffe is a wire-wire attacker ever ready to “have a go” and he can keep a defence on tenterhooks. His return will take a lot of attention from Dean, and also enable Stevenson to concentrate more on his individual task instead of having to shoulder the entire burden of creator. My opinion is that Cunliffe’s return will enable Everton to record their first victory for four weeks. The Blues have not won since they beat the Wolves by the only goal and during their decline the Albion have been coming long by leaps and bounds. Although the Albion were in the bottom position’s a few weeks ago, they are now only one point behind Everton. Their away record, is poor. They have picked up only one point out of ten in away games. The Albion side will contain several players, who in 1930-31, helped the club to promotion when they finished runners-up in the Second Division to Everton. That same season Albion beat Everton in the F.A. cup semi-final, and went on to triumphant at Wembley. Pearson, Trentham, the Richardsons, Sandford, and Wood were in that side, but of the Everton players who were regulars in those days, only Dean remains. Matches between these sides always produce rousing football of a high standard, and this should be no exception. For the first time the Everton programme produced by Mr. Theo Kelly, will be 32 pages. This is a remarkable production for a football club and will certain many new features, including the life story of the great Everton centre forward, Fred Geary. Everton; - Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson; Finch, Trentham; Sankey, Richardson (W), Boyes; Prew, Jones, Richardson (WG), Sandford, Wood.
• Everton F.C. Official Programme. Thirty-two pages for two peace. Ask your supplier to deliver the Programme with the Saturday morning paper.
• League match at Goodison Park Tomorrow, Sat Everton v. West Bromwich Albion. Kick-off 2.45. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, stands extra (incl Tax). Book seats sharp’s Whitechapel.
DEAN’S 400TH LEAGUE GAME.
November 7, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Another niche in the remarkably successful career of probably the finest centre forward in the history of the game will be carved today, when Dean, the Everton captain, plays in his 400th game under the auspices of the Football League. This fact will add interest to the meeting of Everton and West Bromwich Albion, at Goodison Park, where these rivals invariably provide a high class display. Everton have a fine home record to maintain. Cunliffe, who has made a remarkable recovery from an operation, resumes on the right wing and if in anything like his old form he will improve the forward line. Cook also resumes after international duty. The Albion are a sprightly side led by a dashing leader in Richardson. The kick off is at 2.45 and the teams are: - Everton; - Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson; Finch, Trentham; Sankey, Richardson (W), Boyes; Prew, Jones, Richardson (WG), Sandford, Wood.
DEAN SCORES THREE
November 7, 1936. The Liverpool football Echo
400th League Game Celebration.
Albion Fight Hard.
Everton won well, Yet the Albion a better side than their position suggests, caused them great concern in the second half, Dean who got a great reception, celebrated his 400th game by scoring three goals.
By Stork.
Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson, goal; Finch and Trentham, backs; Sankey, Richardson (W), and Boyes, half-backs; Prew, Jones, Richardson (WG), Sandford, and Wood, forwards. Referee Mr. R.A. Mortimer, Huddersfield. It was a pity the weather should turn out to wretched for the match which enabled Dean to make his 400th appearance for the Everton club, and for whom prior to today had scored 332 goals. The weather was such, however, that the crowd was very thin when the game opened. There was a gusty wind, which would have an effect upon the play, yet both Everton and their opponents, West Bromwich Albion, served up some pretty football in the first ten minutes. The Albion were particularly smart in their combination in that it was all done along the turf. Yet there might easily have been an Everton goal in the first minute, for a Britton lob, which for once in a way Dean could not get up to, went on to Leyfield, and having beaten Pearson in a race for the ball it looked all over as though the Albion goal would fall, but Leyfield was wild and failed to connect, his foot swinging right round the ball. Cunliffe, who returned following his cartilage operation a matter of six weeks ago (quite the quickest recovery to my knowledge), played confidently and well. His tackling was keen-edged; in fact, he did everything with great confidence. It was Cunliffe who, made play for Leyfield that should have produced a better result and would have done if the winger had not been too hasty in centring. The Albion, mainly through their left flank, were a danger to Everton when Wood darted off. Sagar stepped out to narrow the angle, but as he did so Richardson stepped in and intercepted the ball, but he could only hit the side netting.
Dean Gets There First
All things considered the game had its points of interest, and when Cunliffe with a long kick following an Albion attack, sent the ball hurtling over W.G. Richardson’s head, Dean dashed forward and, although Everton in sheer desperation rushed out to make a tackle, Dean was just too quick for him, and the ball was in the net at the eleventh minute. Boyes, who had spent much of the time in the forward line, played magnificent football at left half. It was so good that the home spectators gave him an ovation for one particularly fine piece of jugglery on the touchline. Pearson twice secured from Dean. A breakaway by the Albion produced an equaliser at twenty-six minutes. When Jones carried the ball he looked like losing it every minute and actually did so, but Richardson (W.G), who had early sent in two fine shots, was on the spot, and without hesitation, he slammed the ball into the net.
A Penalty “Header.”
Two minutes later Everton went ahead through a goal by Dean. Dixie had been pushed in the back more than once, but on this occasion he got his reward of a penalty kick, and taking it himself he found Pearson tapping the ball out of goal, but it only came back straight to Dean’s head and the ball was in the net, before Pearson could recover his balance. The Albion were smart in their field work, which was very often unproductive because of Everton’s offside trap.
Half-Time Everton 2, West Bromwich Albion 1.
The second half was only two minutes old when Everton increased their lead through Cunliffe, who ran close in to turn the Albion goal from a bad angle. The Midlanders , however, made a fight of it. Wood put across sufficient centres to have produced goals had his colleagues been up to clinch his good work. Sagar was none too secure in his dealings of Wood’s crosses, and the Everton goal was somewhat fortunate to escape. For 10 minutes Everton were pretty well kept pegged down in their quarters during which time Mercer was doing excellent work just when needed.
Dean’s Third.
Everton however, went further ahead when Dean closed in to a Leyfield corner kick, and with that wonderful head of his, scored his third goal of the day, and his side’s fourth. Hereabouts the Albion made a change Jones went centre forward and Richardson inside right. There was a curious incident when Prew, although whistled offside, went on and like Sagar, had failed to hear the warning note, Prew got round Sagar and actually netted the ball despite a desperate effort by the goalkeeper. The West Bromwich man lost his shin guard during the action. Sagar picked it up and threw it at Prew and the referee thereupon walked to the goal and had a few words with the goalkeeper. Immediately after this Wood got reward for his consistently fine display by scoring the best goal of the day’s, a smashing drive which left Sagar cold. Time 72 minutes, Jones almost grassed the top edge of the crossbar. Final Result Everton 4, West Bromwich Albion 2.
EVERTON 4 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 (Game 1575 over-all)-(Div 1 1533)
November 9, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Sound Win At Goodison
Dean Still A Great Centre
Albion Faults.
By “Stork”
A win of four goals to two looks a fairly convincing victory, yet it was not so easily obtained as the score would denote. Everton had to put up a stern front even when they held a lead of 3-1, for West Bromwich played good class football, not commensurate with their position in the League table. To Dean, who was making his 400th appearance in a football League game, must go most of the praise. He scored three goals. Not long ago it was said that Dean was finished; he had his day. But has he? He is still playing very well and so deadly when close to goal that it is not beyond his ability to head the winning marksmanship list at the close of the season. The Albion defence found him just as elusive as ever. Take his third goal-players were clustered round the Albion goal, but Dean’s head lobbed up above all others and the ball was in the net. It was a wonderful sample of his great positional play. Only a calm, thinking man could have taken that second point the way Dean took it. It originated from a penalty kick, Pearson had fingered out Dean’s spot kick, but the ball came back straight to Dean’s forehead. Any undue excitement on his part and a goal would have been lost, but Dean coolly nodded the ball back before Pearson could recovery his balance. West Bromwich Albion were capable of extending the Everton defence by their intriguing forward play, which had but one fault –lack of shooting. Keeping the ball to turf, they mde around at a rapid pace, but having got to the penalty area they delayed too long and let in an Everton man to cut short their visit to Sagar’s neighbourhood. They had the opportunities, but did not accept them. Even their equalising goal came after Jones had promised to “lose” himself. In fact, had not W. Richardson been on hand that attack would have ended like many others –in thin air. Everton were still prone to over-elaborate, yet there was more “devil” about them when they got to within reasonable distance of Pearson, who had occasion to make saves from Dean’s head and a one-handled deflection from the same player’s boot; but I have not forgotten how close Jones went to scoring, not the time when Richardson tested Sagar, and Jones just missed carrying the ball through as sagar turned the ball aside.
Best of The Day.
With the high wind blowing and a steady drizzle for portions of the time, I thought the game of excellent quality, and if the Albion will take their chances they will not remain much longer near the foot of the table. The best goal of the day was undoubtedly that of Woods, the visitors outside left, who had a great day. Had his colleagues been near at had to accept his offering a different tale might have had to be told. He made many perfect crossings, but all being thrown to the winds, he took upon himself to onus of a marksman. A ball came across the path, and without stopping in his stride he drove it full tilt into the Everton goal. Sagar being unable to do anything to stop the ball hitting the back of the net. It was a fitting reward to a grand display, yet it did not lift his side put of the depths, for while they had battled bravely against Everton’s lead the were unable to show anything for it. They had kept the game warm, whereas many others might have been nettled and given up the ghost, not so the Albion who helped to make the game one of interest. Cunliffe, who has made a record recovery from his operation, played with a confidence rarely seen in a cartilage patent. There was no show of tenderness on his part. He never shirked a tackle, made grand passes, and scored a goal from an awkward angle. Great work on this his first outing. He it was who lobbed the ball forward when beat W. Richardson and allowed Dean to go round him and beat Pearson. W.G. Richardson was too well watched to be really dangerous, but Jones often found his way through the Everton defence, particularly so when the Albion were making their big bid, but having fallen so far behind the Midlanders could not make up the leeway.
Mercer’s Strong Play.
Gillick and Leyfield –he should have had a goal –and Stevenson were clever without being outstanding, but Mercer stood out in a strong half-back line, while the defence of Sagar, Cook and Jackson was fairly secure, if one forgets the times Sagar completely missed three centres from Wood, which would have been costly had any of the inside forwards been in position of apply the finishing stroke. Sagar was spoken to by the referee after he had thrown back one of Prew’s shingurds which had been lost in a scramble near the goal. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson, goal; Finch and Trentham, backs; Sankey, Richardson (W), and Boyes, half-backs; Prew, Jones, Richardson (WG), Sandford, and Wood, forwards. Referee Mr. R.A. Mortimer, Huddersfield.
BLACKPOOL RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
November 9, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 14)
It was chiefly became Everton, at Blackpool did not drive home their advantage that they lost the points. In the early stages they were the most enterprising side, and raids were ably led by coulter on the left wing, and Bell’s persistent centre forward, but only one goal scored by Bell resulted. The team as a whole fell away considerably after the interval and the defence, which had been very effective in the first half was often caught out of position with the result that Middleston was able to scrap up three chances and achieve the hattrick. Everton Reserves:-King, goal; Lambert and Morris, backs; Thomson, Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Arthur, Hurel, Bell, Joyce, and Coulter, forwards.
Skelmersdale United 1 Everton 1
County Combination.
It was largely through the brilliance of White in the Everton goal that Skelmersdale had to be content with a draw. Everton showed the better combination, but Skelmersdale played enthusiastic football, and forced Everton to defend during the greater portion of the second half. Cuff scored after 10 minutes and midway in the second half Constantine equalised. Bentham and Cuff were the strong points of an Everton attack, in spite of really good work by Stephenson, the Skelmersdale left half.
CLOSE THOSE GAPS, EVERTON!
November 9, 1936. The Evening Express.
Forwards Are Fine, But Defence Is Open
By The Watcher.
The defence now must be Everton’s chief concern. There was great merit in the Blue’s 4-2 win over West Bromwich –a win that was made possible by a forward line revitalised by the return of Cunliffe –but there were gaps in the defence that often gave the crowd heart-throbs of the wrong kind. Definetly the defence must be stiffened. Dean with one eye on his “cap” chances for the forthcoming international with Ireland, was in great fettle. His three goals were splendid examples, in their different ways, of opportunism, ball control, and headwork. It is a long time since Dean has revealed such whole-hearted confidence. Cunliffe, who notched the fourth point, quickly re-established himself as Gillick’s ideal partner, and, with “Tiny” Stevenson also in his happiest mood, we had the joy of watching a lively and capable front line. Britton, in the first half, and Mercer, after the resumption, took honours in the middle line, which did well against the fast-moving Albion wings. Albion’s fault was that none of their forwards seemed to pack a ready shot.
DEAN’S HARVEST FESTIVAL
November 9, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Dean Celebrates.
Not for the first time did Everton and West Bromwich Albion offer a game full of interest and that on a day when the wind was blustering round the ground, and a nasty drizzle swirling into the stands. It thus needed entertaining fare to keep up one’s spirit. Let me any right away that the Albion are a better side than their League position tells and although Everton won well, they had to put in some staunch work to curb which had one outstanding fault –no marksmanship, yet the best goal of the day goes to the credit of Woods, their outside left (writes “stork”). Dean, however, was in one of those moods, when he would not be denied, and it was a fitting climax that on this his 400th League appearance, he should score three goals and at the same time be the inspiration in the Albion’s defeat. Dean has been a wonderful servant to Everton for every since 1925 –with a few breaks –he has occupied the centre forward position one of the most trying positions in football today. During his stay he has scored 335 goals and his form is such that many more are likely to come from his head and foot. Two of his goals on Saturday were the work of the true. Master –two heady goals, but the one which pleased me most was the one he scored with his boot. We expect him to nod goals, but we would much rather see him drive one in his old-style manner. Dean has undoubtedly found a new lease of life. There were some who maintained his star had set a few seasons ago, yet here he is again at the top of his club’s score card. But it is not so much his goals but the inspiration which helps Everton along the victory road. He has the pulse of his comrades, who became imbued with his enthusiasm. Take Dean out of the line, and it becomes a thing of shreds and patches –do you not agree, reader?
Albion Fighters.
But enough of the Everton captain and to the game. The Albion kept the game warm until the end. If they had eased off when three goals in arrears, who could have blamed them, for their case looked helpless, but the Throstles are fighters, so that Everton had to keep at it until the final whistled to hold their lead. Some of the Albion moves were choice their passing was done on the turf –the correct place –they were quick in their raiding, but Sagar’s calls were few because of had finishing. Wood himself, put across enough centres to have produced a string of goals, and I do not forget the times Jones, Richardson, and Sandford went close. The Albion on this form will soon leave the bottom of the table. Everton opened in their customary fashion; clever combination and solid attacking plans, and in eleven minutes a three-piece suite between Sagar, Cunliffe and Dean produced a goal, which somewhat curbed the Albion’s enthusiasm, for Everton from then until a period in the second half dictated the game., Cunliffe made a whole lot of difference to Everton’s forward line, for he was always heading goalwards, but the surprising thing about him was that he showed not the slightest trace of “fear” which so often baulks a player who has just returned after a cartilage operation. He wheeled about, tackled firmly, aye did, everything which a cartilage patent is usually timed about doing Cunliffe had great confidence in himself.
A Headed Penalty.
He got a neat goal, too, Leyfield should have had one also very early on when he kicked round the ball from a few yards out but there was little fault to be found with Everton. Dean’s goal from the penalty spot was uncommon. Pearson patted the spot kick away, but the ball came back to Dean, who calmly headed it over the goalkeeper’s head. The slightest excitement on Dean’s part and that goal would have been lost. Stevenson worked like a Trojan, and Gillick was a trier all the time, while further behind Gee smothered out W.G. Richardson, who, however, scored the first goal after Jones –a clever player this –looked like losing the ball in his forward march. But the best goal was that of Wood. He had seen so many of his best efforts wasted that for a change he decided to strike himself, and when he saw the ball coming nicely to him he refrained from centering but hit the ball with all his might and Sagar held a watching brief. Wood had been, along with Jones, the Albion’s best forward, but I do not forget the fine work of Boyes, who reminded me of Magee. Boyes was formerly a forward, but he is going to make a great half back unless I am mistaken. W. Richardson was not so dominating as usual. He misjudged the flight of the ball when Dean got his first goal, and was labouring a great deal against forwards a shade too clever for him. Finch and Trentham kicked heartily and Pearson was not to blame for any of the goals scored. There was a curious incident late on when Prew and Sagar failed to hear the offside whistle, Prew went on, closed in, and Sagar dashed out of his goal. The winger pranced round the goalkeeper who, in desperate threw himself at Prew’s feet, but the ball finished in the net. Whether Sagar grabbled Prew’s shinguard from off his leg, or whether he picked it up. I cannot say for certain but no matter how he got hold of it he flung it viciously at Prew and brought upon himself the referee’s warning.
EVERTON UNCHANGED.
November 10, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton meet Manchester City at Maine-road, and the team which won on Saturday will again turn out; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Everton Reserves side to entertain Sheffield United Reserves at Goodison Park on Saturday, will be; King; Lambert, Jones (JE); Bentham, Thomson, Watson; Geldard, Hurel, Bell, Jones (TG), Coulter.
Cook and Stevenson In Irish Side.
Everton supply two players Cook, is, captain of the side and Stevenson earns another cap. To play England at stoke on Wednesday next.
EVERTON MAKE NO CHANGE
November 10, 1936. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Everton have decided to make no team change for their visit to Manchester City in the Lancashire “Derby” game at Maine road on Saturday. Cunliffe felt no ill effects from his first senior game since his cartilage operation and is now back “for keeps.” Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Interesting experiments are being made in the Central league side to oppose Sheffield United at Goodison Park. T.G. Jones, the young centre half secured from Wrexham, will be tried at inside left as partner to Coulter, and Thomson, the Scottish international figures at centre half. Bentham, the young inside right, who has often played with the first team is being tried at right half-back. Everton Reserves; King; Lambert, Jones (JE); Bentham, Thomson, Watson; Geldard, Hurel, Bell, Jones (TG), Coulter.
Everton Players Capped.
Billy Cook and Alex Stevenson, of Everton, have been selected to play for Ireland against England at the Stoke City ground on Wednesday, November 18. Both have been honoured seven times before. Cook plays at right back and Stevenson inside right.
EVERTON ON “OFF-SIDE” TRACK?
November 10, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
Mac, Wavertree, says: - in his description of the Everton v. Albion match “Stork” blames the weather for the crowd being “thin”. Now you know, “Bee,” football fans don’t mind the weather if there is a chance of a good game between two good teams, but to defy the weather to go and see the offside trap exploited is disheartening to say the least. Everton seem to play this game regularity, both last season and this. It is not football and savours of weakness in defence. There is nothing clever or sporty about it. I am sure if the directors heard the comments among the crowd they would advise to be cut out. I have watched football longer than I care to remember, and notice where the offside game has put a few teams. Had it not been for Tommy White last season Everton would have been long with them. I go to see both local teams and I will say this, I don’t see the offside game played deliberately by Liverpool.
“H Bee” says –My first offence –but just couldn’t resist. Who is the promising youngster Everton have at centre forward? With a little more experience he will make a darned good player! Joking aside “Bee” just wait till dear old Bill plays his 800th game –he’ll show them. A big bouquet for the referee on Saturday. A pity we had not a few more like him. Up with the play all the time, controlling all the men without being demonstrative, and his decisions practically all without dispute.
Everton Unchanged.
Everton meet Manchester City at Maine-road, and the team which won on Saturday will again turn out ; Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Everton Reserves side to entertain Sheffield United Reserves at Goodison Park on Saturday will be:- Everton Reserves; King; Lambert, Jones (JE); Bentham, Thomson, Watson; Geldard, Hurel, Bell, Jones (TG), Coulter.
EVERTON AT MAINE ROAD
October 13, 1936. The Evening Express.
City’s Centre-Forward Problem.
By the Pilot.
Manchester City seek to solve a centre-forward problem in their forward against Everton at Maine-road, tomorrow. They will play their seventh man in the position this season! Choice has fallen on Rodger, a former Ayr United outside-left, and he succeeds Tilson, Heale, Doherty, McLoed, Brook, and Clayton in the position. Rodger will be facing England’s centre-half, Gee. In my opinion Everton’s forward strength will enable the Blues to, at least, force a draw. The City have won only three of their seven home games; in fact, those three victories represent their full “bag” this season.
Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Manchester City; Swift; Dale, Barkas; Percival, Marshall, Bray; Toseland, Herd, Rodger, Doherty, Brook.
• Central League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton Res v Sheffield Utd Res Kicked 2.30 p.m. Admission 6d, Boys 2d. Stands Extra, including tax.
EVERTON’S INCREASED ATTACKING STRENGTH.
November 13, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
Everton go to Manchester City, where we remember ferocious fight’s against relegation and Tom Griffiths doing three men’s work for Everton. City have had a curiously bad season, and the loss of Husby has never been wiped from their eyes. Percival was hoisted high but the whole team has lost its way with the rarer except of some half loaves gathered in some away fixtures. Heale’s injury cost them much. Herd’s absence cost the attacking line much. Everton meanwhile have come forward with Cunliffe at inside right and goals should be the result of the return of Nat and his band. The Everton team sheet speaks for itself these days, and tomorrow it reads just as it did when West Bromwich were conquered namely –Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield.
CITY’S SPEED BEATS EVERTON.
November 14, 1936. The Evening Express
Four Goals In Blues’ Net
Manchester’s New Leader A success
By The Pilot.
Greater accuracy in passing and speed on the ball enabled Manchester City to beat Everton 4-1 at Maine road. This was regarded as Manchester’s best display of the season, but Everton may be regarded as unfortunate in that they were disallowed what I regarded as a good goal at a vital stage of the game. Cunliffe was suffering from a sprained ligament in the right knee, but was unable to turn out. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Leyfield, forwards. Manchester City: - Swift, goal; Dale and Barkas, backs; Percival, Marshall, and Bray, half-backs; Toseland, Herd, Rodgers, Doherty and Brook, forwards. Referee Mr. C.E. Argent (St. Albana).
Herd’s quick fire shot over the bar was a prelude to some interesting football in which Cunliffe headed into Swift’s hands before the offside trap, expertly exploited by Everton, held up some dangerous City raids. The use which had proved sp profitable brought about Everton’s downfall in seven minutes. Doherty and Herd combined and as Herd was about to make the final pass the Everton defenders moved up. Herd fed Toseland, and with Everton appealing for offside, the outside right, who could have been only inches “on side,” raced through on his own, drew Sagar from goal, and placed into the far corner of the net.
Stevenson’s Wonder Shot.
Stevenson let go a wonder shot from the edge of the penalty area and although the ball beat Swift” all ends up,” it rebounded from the post. Leyfield should have equalised when he jumped through to a smart forward pass, but hitting the ball first time he placed yards over the top. Swift next saved from Stevenson before Rodger just failed to convert another menacing, low Toseland centre. Both teams controlled the fast-moving ball on the wet turf’ with real skill and good feet endeavour. The City were the more menacing side and Sagar had to turn aside a fine cross by Toseland. Herd was the master mind of the City attack and he repeatedly fed Toseland, who was the greatest source of danger to Everton. Repeatedly Toseland outpaced Cook. First Mercer and then Jackson had to double back to save situations. Rodger broke through on his own, got the ball past Sagar who had advanced, but Cook was there to kick clear.
Open Tactics Pay.
The Everton attackers were holding the ball just a little too close, whereas the City, playing their best game of the season, adopted the more open tactics. Gillick was cutting inwards when he was brought down on the edge of the penalty area, and Dean’s free kick rebounded from the City barrier of players. Cook brought a cheer when he hooked the ball over Rodger’s head to make a spectacular clearance Swift prevented a certain equaliser with a grand full length save from Gillick, who bad cut in at top speed. The City increased their lead in 43 minutes through the experimental centre forward Rodger. It was Toseland who did the spade work after good foraging by Herd, and the final centre was of such strength and length that Rodger was able to knock the ball home before Sagar could intervene.
Half-Time Manchester City 2, Everton 0.
Everton had a patchy ten minutes at the start of the second half, during which they passed as often to the City players as to their colleagues. Sagar had to make a full length save from a brilliant shot from Bray, Herds, Rodgers, and Toseland placed over the top. The City were quicker on the ball and more accurate in their combination, but Sagar played well in goal, fisting away, Swift crosses from Brook.
“Goal” Sensation.
There was a sensation after the end of an hour when Dean put Stevenson through. Stevenson ran
On unattended, but shot straight at Swift, who beat the ball down. Stevenson managed to touch it back to Leyfield, who drove between two players into the net. The referee was standing right on the spot and awarded a goal. The ball had been placed ready for the restart when the City players drew the attention of the referee to a linesman, who was flagging. The referee consulted the linesman, and for some reason not apparent disallowed what I took to be a perfectly good goal. This success such as it was however, encouraged Everton, and in 63 minutes Stevenson was rewarded with a goal. Stevenson took over after Gillick’s centre had swept across goal, beat three men with a dogged dribble and ran to the goal line. He middle a low centre, and Swift, in driving to fist the ball out, pushed it against the post and it bounced into the net. Toseland had two good chances before Britton lobbed the ball to the goalmouth and Dean nodded it back for Stevenson to drive inches by the post. Everton in this half showed remarkable improvement on their early play.
Rodger Makes It Three.
In 75 minutes Rodgers increased the City’s lead. Bray started the work by diligently feeding Brook, who turned the ball back along the floor. Rodger seemed almost to have lost his chance when he stabbed the ball through with his back half-turned to the goal. Leyfield was going through when Barkas brought him down put the referee disallowed the penalty claim. The City increased their lead in 80 minutes when brook scored from a penalty awarded against Jackson for pushing Rodger, who by the way, seems to have solved the City’s centre forward problem. Just after Stevenson missed a good chance from a back-pass by Dean. Final Manchester City 4, Everton 1.
EVERTON LINKS MISSING
November 14, 1936, The Liverpool Football Echo.
Goal Refusal Upsets Visitors.
City Clinch Issue.
By Bee.
Everton disjointed and disgruntled t the refusal of a goal on the part of a linesman and no penalty award for an offence on Leyfield. City have revived and were the better side. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Leyfield, forwards. Manchester City: - Swift, goal; Dale and Barkas, backs; Percival, Marshall, and Bray, half-backs; Toseland, Herd, Rodgers, Doherty and Brook, forwards. Referee Mr. C.E. Argent (St. Albana).
A water-logged ground at Manchester was the result of a deluge that ceased when the game was started at Maine-road, and the sun shone. The top turf was very wet, and early play made the task of tinting a difficult matter, and ball being very wet. Herd made a striking shot and Cunliffe, after forcing a corner, headed into the hands of the goalkeeper, who was not too sure of his handling. City provided some rather rich rounds of passing, and Everton exploited the offside trap till it cost them a goal. It is not a trap if it is not worked with unanimity and speed, and this was proved when City attacked. The Everton backs were a shade late running forward, and the referee Mr. Argent of St. Albans said “Play on,” Toseland finding himself with a beautiful chance and only Sagar to beat. It was a punishing payment for the trappist. A second time Everton looked for an offside decision that did not come and Eric Brook seemed to have scored when Sagar made an excellent save. Doherty was revealing some of his best form and Everton’s first real attack for some time was by means a header from Dean to Alec Stevenson, whose shot left a lasting impression on the right upright but did not count a goal because of the intervention of the wood. This was bad fortune. A second time Dean nodded down to Stevenson whose pass to the left found Leyfield flashing through but unable to control the shot from his left foot. Leyfield was dogged and refused to be beaten near the corner flag, but City were the rather smarter forward line, and matters were not improved when Dean got a blow to the face and was temporarily knocked out. Toseland went clean through to a ball that had pace, and the centre he slung across was missed by Brook and Rodger when it seemed impossible to escape the effects of a goal.
Another Appeal.
The referee was close up and gave his decision as a corner. Cook and Dean protested that the linesman should have been consulted, as he was flagging, and the referee changed his decision. Some day, we shall have referees forced to consult a linesman who flags. Barkas was putting the hammerlock on the Everton right wing, and the old man Marshall, hero of many a battle up North and for Manchester, had been recalled to useful purpose at centre half back. Gillick made a very earnest and thorough dribble, poking the ball towards the centre, where Manchester cleared their lines after a great effort. Everton were playing much better than their customary away games, and dean’s first shot is the foot of the post was plainly brothering Swift as certainly as, Herd was bothering the defence. Doherty got too much loft on the ball of Everton’s chances would have been lessoned.
Negative Football.
Manchester City played at Everton their own game, the offside game, so that the beauty of general movement was broken at the base by the negative football. If two sides play this game the branching of forwards and half-backs round the centre ring tends to make the game farcical. Cook got the best cheer of the match apart from the goal for a daring and delightful hook up and clearance on the right wing. Gillick did much without getting support. Right on the half-time Gillick seemed to be well through when Swift got his full length and reach to the hottest shot of the match, and turned it round the corner. Gillick followed with a not-to-good shot from Stevenson’s pass than ought to have been a winner. With the last effort of the first half Rodger headed through from one more of Toseland’s centres, so that the City went off with a two goals lead.
Half-Time Manchester City 2, Everton nil.
The second half was full of football pie. Manchester City began with a period of shooting, and Sagar was in his soundest mood. In fact I would rate this his safest game this season. His saves from Bray, Herd, Rodger, and company were ready expert and without show. The game took a dramatic turn when Leyfield scored, and the referee standing in the goalmouth signalled a goal, but altered his decision when advised of a linesman flag. I certainly saw nothing wrong with the goal, but the linesman appeared emphatic that it must not be a goal, and the referee accepted his verdict, stopped the register. But duly for a moment because we then entered the goalkeepers pantomime act. Swift ran out beyond his area, and, finding he could not handle the ball, he threw himself along the ground to try and head the ball by the corner flag, which is a new experience for a goalkeeper to be heading the ball when lying on the ground. Having got over that, Swift made a save from Stevenson, who had for the moment become a centre forward, Dean lying back, apparently an arrangement come to before the match. Stevenson’s fire and enthusisuam would not be blotted out, and although he was tackled by three men the penalty area he hung on and drove the ball goalwards. Swift got both hands to the shot as he fell down, but tasted of punching the ball out he turned it more accurely to the back of the net. Everton had been severely tested in defence for so long that this well-earned goal altered their onlook on football life, although they did not help themselves by a number of handling cases. On the part of Cook and Mercer.
Another For Rodger.
Where Everton had been disjointed they now became an optimistic force. Their forward line was missing on more than one cylinder, and their best chance of making a draw was undone when Rodger scored a goal after good work by Bray and Brook. Everton however suffered a penalty kick for a charge on Rodger, Eric Brook scoring so made the score 4-1. Brook’s penalty kick clinched the game. Gillick was unemployed in the second half, which was absurd. Final Manchester City 4, Everton 1.
STUD MARKS
November 14, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Seven of Dean’s eleven goals to date have been of the headed variety.
• Mr. Andrew Coffey, Finance Committee chairman, is in his 25th year of service on the Everton board. He is a capital judge in football –and other –produce markets.
• Cunliffe’s first goal of the season proved very welcome. Last year he topped Everton’s list with 23.
• When the famous “Sick” Ross (the world’s greatest back) was prevailed upon to forsake Preston North End for Everton in 1888 his salary was fixed at £10 per month. Ross, however, was never quite happy in his new surrounding at Anfield. He soon grew “home-sick” and a year later was back again at Preston.
• Everton’s ever-present goalkeeper Sagar, is usually termed “Sag” by his team mates.
MANCHESTER CITY 4 EVERTON 1 (Game 1576 over-all)-(Div 1534)
November 16, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
City Too Good For Everton
Some Good Class Forward Work.
Margin Not Deserved.
By “Bee”
Manchester’s City are taking their revenge for the Cup Final victory obtained by Everton. Here at Maine-road they won by 4-1, which was admittedly a bigger margin than was merited, but careful survey of all the incidents leads one to the remark that the better side won and the better attackers of the winning eleven had a stronger defence all through. The margin was 2-0 for Manchester at half-time, the goal just before half-time taking much of the sting out of an Everton rarely so good as on Saturday in their away games. In visiting days Everton have been very insipid for many years. Now they appeared in the thoroughly soddened turf and seemed to have gained a touch of fire and enthusiasm for their task. Manchester City played them at their own game, and giving the best display they have shown their supporters this season, they carried the score to a convincing margin. But only those present would understand how close was the call when the game reached 2-1, after Everton had a goal annulled by the intervention of a linesman to a referee new to me, who had far too many conferences when he himself had given a decision based on what he saw close up, which must always be a better view-point than any linesman can offer from a corner flag.
Penalty Appeal Falls.
Everton disputed and were inclined to argue, but there are no ungentlemanly conduct. The referee failed to give Everton a penalty when Leyfield was tripped up, but he saw one when Manchester were attacking, and the spot kick was converted by Brook. So that it is plain that Everton did not have the ball or the official reign running in their favour; not that one wants a favour from any official. Still, Everton reaching 2-1 had a possible draw at hand, and it was then the two Manchester backs began to weaver. Perhaps Cunliffe should not have played –he was in doubt to the last second owing to ligament trouble, and his display suggested he was hardly fit. Thus once more the goals against register fell heavily upon the Everton side, and when any one is inclined to talk of the bad luck the losers had, it should be borne in mind that two other features of moment must be considered; first, the soundest display of goalkeeping Sagar has given this season –not the flashiest, but certainly the best all-round display he has given and the superiority of the Manchester forwards, who, if they had not faced a daring goalkeeper and one who advanced without fear of injury, would have gained a big crop of goals. Everton certainly hit the upright when Stevenson shot his best shot, but the whole line of attack had not the smoothness of the City side, which with Rodger, the winger, on trial as centre-forward, showed a nice sense of touch and better still a grand notion of where to stand for the forthcoming pass. The game altogether revealed many bright passages of this character but Everton’s attack was not good on the left wing, Leyfield being below form and Dean likewise.
Stevenson’s Efforts.
Stevenson was the dangerous raider, and his best chance was mulled through Irish fervour in crashing the ball in wild manner. Gillick had far too few chances, and Mercer did much good without finishing of his fine rousing runs, his handling, as also that of Cook’s being a barrier to his complete success Manchester’s revival was due in first part to Toseland’s speed and lack of attention from the opposition, and through the continued appearance of Herd. The first goal came through Everton trying to operate the offside trap. It failed, and Toseland scored. Rodger scored two more, and Eric Book took the penalty kick. Stevenson scored Everton’s goal, Swift hitting the ball up to the roof of the net. City had overwhelmed Everton soon after half-time, then came a very keen and even battle against Barkas and Dale, with Everton resuming the offensive, but once the game had gone to 3-1, City were never in doubt about losing their deserts. Doherty did much to enliven matters with skilled dribbling, yet lacked the prime finishing power. Rodger was a surprise centre with unfathomable body swerves and much enterprise. At half-back Bray and Percival touched some of their highest form and for the rest it can be said they found the muddy turf suited to their styles. Gee and Britton merit special praise, as also Jackson, in an eleven that just misses the good rank as a whole yet in periods plays with abandon and really excellent football manner. The disjointed Everton outweighs the clever portion when Everton are away from home. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Leyfield, forwards. Manchester City: - Swift, goal; Dale and Barkas, backs; Percival, Marshall, and Bray, half-backs; Toseland, Herd, Rodgers, Doherty and Brook, forwards. Referee Mr. C.E. Argent (St. Albana).
EVERTON RESERVES 2 SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 0
November 16, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 15)
Everton Reserves gave one of their brightest displays at Goodison Park. Both goals were scored by Bell; the first after ten minutes following a corner, and the second midway in the second half, when the United goalkeeper had run out to intercept a centre. T. G. Jones, included among the forwards, was the best forward on view adding force and directness to the line. Geldard was prominent early on, but later received little support. Everton: - King, goal; Lambert and Jones (JE); Bentham, Thomson, and Watson, half-backs; Geldard, Hurel, Bell, Jones (TG), and Coulter, forwards.
Everton “A” 1 Prescot Cable Reserves 3
George Mahon Cup Second Round.
At Sandifield Park.
Everton “A” the holders of the trophy, were surprisingly beaten at home by the Cables, whom they had defeated earlier in the season 13-0. The visitors with a much changed side, gave a clever display and fully deserved their success. The home side were moderate, and it must have been their poorest display of the season. Sweeney gave Prescot an interval lead. Hannon twice failed for Everton with good chances. Northey, soon after the resumption increased the visitors account and later Evans gained a third. The home side fought hard in the closing stages and Sanders, the Birkenhead lad (recommenced by Dean), headed a good goal.
BRITTON TAKES THE HONOURS
November 16, 1936. The Evening Express.
Internationals On Parade at Maine Road.
By The Pilot.
Everton’s form in the unofficial international tested game at Maine-road on Saturday, when Manchester City beat them 4-1, left much to be desired. Rarely have I seen so many passes go astray. While, I appreciate that the Blues were unfortunate in being disallowed what in my opinion, was a perfectly good goal, and having to concede a goal many through to be offside, they were well beaten by a revived City. There were five players on view who will be playing in Wednesday’s international match between England and Wales at Stoke, and another, Cunliffe, is the international reserve. Of the five I thought chief honours went to Britton, who played a highly effective game. Britton’s ball control and feeding were refreshing features on a day of many Everton errors. Stevenson and Doherty played well Stevenson was Everton marksman-in-chief and diligent schemer, while Doherty came right back to his best form. Gee has played better, but he seemed to be operating in a quieter vein than usual and one who was thankful for this was Rodger, playing his first game for the City at centre forward. Rodger had a really good day, and seems to have solved this Manchester problem for he took two good goals. Cook was worried by Mercer’s wanderings in the first half, but was cool and collected later on, and on this form should serve Ireland well. Manchester officials assured me that the City gave their best display of the season, but even then they would have had to fight harder for victory had the referee not disallowed what I thought to be a good goal by Leyfield. That would have made the score 2-1, and though the Blues reached this mark through a Stevenson goal, but City were rarely troubled in keeping their lead. Had it not been for the brilliance of Sagar more goals would have been sacrificed. He was the man of the match. Brook (penalty) and Toseland scored the City’s other goals in a fine game productive of action in plenty.
EVERTON’S EXPERIENCES AWAY FROM HOME.
November 16, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Two referee’s, goal judges, Press Atlases taking charge of all football links, conferences! So the game grows into amazement and some amusement. We had a referee at Manchester who did many things in a sensible manner his control being marked good, till one remembered to gave a good “under his nose” and then left to have a conference with a linesman who insisted on something, and the goal seen by the referee because no goal. Now if a referee is on the spot he should see all there is to see, and no linesman in the diagonal scheme can hope to be better placed than the referee. Having seen a goal the referee is to blame if he has missed something seen at the diagonal angle of a corner flag. Yet this is just what happened, and it is stated –though I never depend upon hot air statements in defeat –the referee did not know why the goal was disallowed. A pretty Gilberatian situation if someone is not telling a he! Everton were just rising to their height against Manchester City when the incident occurred, and the fury of the losers was fanned by the grant of a spot kick to City and the refusal of one to the losers when Leyfield was “grassed” before everyone’s eyes. So much for the ifs and buts of the game. Let me tell you two disconcerting views that comes upon me; I had been told of the offside trap laid by Everton. A correspondent had said; We don’t want Everton to borrow McCracken’s notions of negative football. I was not thinking of the correspondent when I saw Everton trapping offside decisions and getting caught in their own trap, Manchester finally adopted the same attitude. Perhaps Everton feel they are having too many goals scored against them. I don’t hope the club will not lose the essence of football at the cost of any offside trap. Next, let me say the better side won, and some Manchester officials were kind enough (Mr. Shaw among the number-a very staid and wise director) to say the margin was kind to Manchester. That was true, but it was a half-truth. If Sagar had not given his soundest display of the season, and if the City had not been weak sinking simple “putts,” there would have been a real margin. As it was, Everton, without being consistent, started well, struck a post, got a good goal disallowed, failed to get a penalty kick, went off with 2 down, came back with 2-1, and had a great chance. Of good enough, to take a point or more from City. Everton were just not good enough to do this, and the splutter ended because the front line was inconsistent and not inspiring.
Disjointed.
Perhaps some of the fault of attacking was due to Cunliffe, who it appears would be in doubt about playing through leg trouble, till a moment before the game started. At any rate, Gillick had few chances. Dean was not at his best, and Leyfield failed to link up with the smart Stevenson, whose work bore the brightest veins of artistry and effect, and whose shot was first unlucky and second a wildly-driven thing almost in desperation.” Gee and Britton had a good innings, with Mercer, like Willie Cook, too fond of handling out and thereby making additional defence. Everton at their nicest were as good to watch as City, without ever being so incisive and well-positioned. Everton’s finesse got them into a fix; City’s inside forwards had a splendid notion of the short well-posted pass which the receiver knew would come along the ground so long as he took up an unmarked position. City’s revival dates from the time Herd and Rodger came into the team. Rodger’s was very clever in close work, and Cook at times, as full back, was equally dainty. Toseland swung the ball over after being granted a nice place and the pace of the running ball –which meant our tactics were wrong –and Doherty’s chief confined dribbling was good to look at, although it did not reach the fulfilment stage. City apparently loves the heavy turf, and I picture them going ahead apace. Meantime, Everton must get a better-knitted attack and continuity of sensible service, instead of their inconsistent methods away from home. They gave minutes of grand football, and the lapsed till one hardly recognised them as the same eleven. Congratulations to City upon a deserved victory a requested to Everton not to get a name for “continual challenging of decisions,” and good fortune to the losers, and hopes that they will become more regular in their endeavour away from home.
COULTER RESUMES
November 17, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton must improve, however, if they are to master the Southern side, I note that two changes have been made in the home ranks, the directors having decided to bring in Jones as partner to Cook instead of Jackson, while Coulter who has been playing with the reserves, returns to outside left, Leyfield dropping out. The Everton team, therefore will be Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. With the day’s shortening rapidly the kick-off is timed for 2-30, and the Portsmouth party will be enabled to catch a convenient train for home. The Everton reserves side to visit Manchester City in the Central league will include Leyfield at outside left, and Jones (TG) again at inside right as partner to Geldard. The team is King; Lambert, Jackson; Bentham, Thomson, Lindley; Geldard, Jones (TG), Bell, Hurel, Leyfield.
EVERTON’S TEAM CHANGES
November 17, 1936. Evening Express.
One in Defence; The Other in attack.
Jones and Coulter Return To 1st X1
By The Pilot.
Everton, in an endeavour to improve not only their attack, but their defence, make two important team changes for Saturday’s big game at Goodison Park against the First Division leaders, Portsmouth. This involves the omission, for the first time this season of George Jackson, the young local-born back Jackson, one of Everton’s “ever present,” gives way at right back to Cook, the Irish captain. The moving of Cook from left back to right allows Jack Jones who graduated through the “A” and Central league teams with Jackson, to return to left back. Jones was a regular member of the first team last season, but was injured in the trial games, and the Jackson-Cook combination played so well that he could not regain his place. He did deputise for Cook in the match at Middlesbrough, that being his only first team appearance this season. The other change is made at outside left, where Leyfield loses his position to Jack Coulter, the Irish international. The remainder of the team is the same as that which lost at Maine-road last Saturday. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. In the Reserves side to oppose Manchester City at Maine-road a further experiment is being made with Jones (T.G.), the former Wrexham centre half. Jones played a sound game at inside left against Sheffield United last Saturday, but now will be tried at inside right with Hurel at inside-left as partner to Leyfield. Jackson will be at full back and Bentham is given another run at right half-back. Everton Reserves: - King; Jackson, Lambert; Bentham, Thomson, Lindley; Geldard, Jones (TG), Bell, Hurel, Leyfield.
England Team Has “Local Colours.”
For the Goodison Park game, three Everton players were chosen. For tomorrow’s match two Stoke City players are honoured. If the policy paid at Everton there is no reason why it should not succeed at stoke. Four Everton players will be on duty –two on each side. Gee and Britton will be playing for England and Stevenson and Cook for Ireland.
EVERTON’S NEW “FORWARD”
November 17, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Have Everton solved their inside forward problem without going farther afield than their own reserves? On Saturday there was an inside left playing for the reserves against Sheffield United Reserves, at Goodison Park, who was voted by everyone as “the best forward on the field,” and the name is Jones (TG). Such praise is genuine praise when it is remembered that popular players like Coulter and Geldard of Everton, and Settle and McPherson of Sheffield United –the latter an e-Liverpool player –were overshadowed by the fine display of T. G. Jones who was playing his first game as an Everton forward. He added fire and direction to the attack, encouraging the Everton forwards to give one of the most forceful displays of the season. His strong kicking and accurate passes were a feature of the game, making many openings for his colleagues, and on several occasions almost scoring himself with terrific drives from long range.
CAPS FOR EVERTONIANS.
November 19, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
England beat Ireland at Stoke yesterday by 3-1 cook and Stevenson played for Ireland and Gee and Britton for England. Alec Stevenson, who played at inside right compared with inside left, his club position. Stevenson had the English half-back line wondering; he had the daftness of touch so necessary in a line of mixed measures. The adapt and apt control of Stevenson caused the Irish line to look much better than it was. Stevenson’s first half exhibition was one of the biggest things international football has known. It was natural he should tire in the second half as did Britton, who had such a grand first half. Gee, facing Davies, had not a difficult task, but found the muddy portion of the ground holding up what pace he had. His heading was a feature. Cook captained Ireland, and with Fulton made a rousing defensive pair.
DICKINSON COME BACK TO EVERTON.
November 19, 1936. The Liverpool echo
Stevenson Inside right Revelation.
Bee’s Notes.
Dickinson, the centre forward of Everton, who had been loaned to Port Vale, comes back to Goodison Park –an unusual “return packet.”Cresswell, present sir, at the international was greeted by Buchan, Jock Thomson, and “the lads,” and many other. He is juggling with the Vale at the moment.
A Bambrick would have eaten up gobbly-fashion the fine arts of Alec Stevenson. This little man at inside right (Inside left is his club place) just took everyone by the ear and the ball by the lace; it was as if the lace had been tied to his boot. He shot without luck, striking the woodwork as on Saturday at Manchester, but he gave the other forwards bundles of chance to put England into her proper category. They just didn’t realise the effects. So Stevenson’s artistic and compelling work counted for nothing.
CAST-IRON DEFENCE TEAM AT GOODISON.
November 20, 1936. The Evening Express.
Everton’s Battle With leaders.
Salmond, Big Man Of Pompey.
Blues’ Victory Route Is wing Play.
By The Pilot.
Portsmouth, leaders of the First Division, and potential champions, will be at Goodison Park tomorrow to provide Everton with the stiffest home proposition of the season so far. Portsmouth the team with the cast iron defence and the delicate attack –a strange but effective mixture –come to challenge the unbeaten certificate of the Blues at the Walton enclosure and the match should prove one of the best of the year. The real test will be between Everton’s clever forwards and the solid Pompey defence –a defence that has conceded only 16 goals in 15 matches this term, fewer than any other club. The big man in every sense, of the Portsmouth defence is Salmond, known as “Big Bob” to all and sundry in the southern centre.
Pompey Idol.
“Big Bob” is the idol of the Portsmouth spectators –and the players –and certain it is that there is no more effective “stopper” playing today. Tall, big-boned, absolutely fearless and a source of inspiration, Salmond represents the big barrier to Everton. Backing him up will be one of the best young defenders in Rochford, whom Mr. Tinn discovered playing as a junior on his favourite hunting-ground –the north-east. Then there is W. Smith and Gilfillan to complete a defence that is a good as any in the country. Nichol and Symon are excellent wing half-backs, and in attack will be the Warrington lad, Worrall, who played for England on Wednesday, the cunning Bagley –a fine player this –Weddle, the ever-aleart centre forward. Mccarthy, a good young ‘un, and Parker. Altogether a great side. Everton have been suffering because the wingers have not been getting the ball across in an acceptable manner. That has brought about a change this week, for Coulter returns to outside left in place of Leyfield. The persistent exploitation of the extreme wingmen seems to be Everton’s victory road. Stevenson is in such wonder form at the moment that he seems the likely man to entice Salmond away on a false trail to leave the road open for Dean and Cunliffe. Everton have changed their defence for Cook moves over to the right and Jack Jones comes in at left back. Any Everton defensive fault this term has not been in tackling, intervention or kicking, but rather in positional play. This should prove a classic game, and I think Everton can secure the points. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Portsmouth; Gilfillian; Rochford, Smith (W); Nichol, Salmond, Symon; Worrall, McCarthy, Weddle, Bagley, Parker.
• League Match at Goodison Park. Tomorrow (Saturday), Everton v. Portsmouth. Kick-off 2;30 Admission 1/- Boys 4d. Stands extra (including tax). Booked Seats, Sharp’s Whitechapel.
EVERTON ENTERTAIN THE CHAMPIONS?
November 20, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Goodison’s Special Pleasure
Bee’s Notes.
Portsmouth are taken to our hearts whenever they come here. I remember but one moderately exciting affair when they came here –and that match had remarkable results, because Salmond was hooked on giving one of the greatest pivotal games we have seen, and the other feature was all for me/. The crowd gave me “the bird.” Portsmouth has many of our city lads in exile, and the club, will always find favour with us. Leading, as they have done for quite a while in the league race, the visit tomorrow becomes a very urgent and important matter. Derby have all sorts of transfer deals in the offing, so that they can get back what they have lost in the last four weeks, but Portsmouth will need a good deal of shifting from the top-holes of the chart. Everton’s form is open for everyone to see, and remember “as if by heart” It is so simple they don’t lose at home and they don’t win away. What could be more consistent or more consistently tantalising. With half their home form at their call in the away games they would have been on-top-side by now. Sufficient is it that Everton are at home tomorrow and Coulter will add spice to the left wing, where there has been a lapse while on the right Cunliffe will be working at top pressure once more. The line must make a deep impression on right and left flanks if Everton is to win. Dean will be facing the stumbling block Salmond and that in itself will be one of the nicest duels of this very attractive fixture. Portsmouth’s Worrall will be more convincing than he was in the international, and at half back Symon, taking charge with Nicol, the old-timer (who never seems to fade away) will give pleasure to the spectators. Everton’s game tomorrow indeed one of the big attractions of the season, and Everton’s changed defence, by which Jones comes back as partner for Cook will be tested to its fullest extent. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.
LEAGUE LEADERS AT GOODISON PARK
November 21, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Early starts are the orders of the day and at Goodison Park and all other First Division grounds 2-30 is the time of the kick off. Everton and Portsmouth usually provide football fare of the best quality, and the present position of the visitors enhances the drawing power of the match. Everton are aware that there is room for improvement and if they can rise to the occasion today, I am sure it would be a rare tonic for the team. Coulter resumes in place of Leyfield, at outside left, and the forward line could do with the encouragement of one of the Irishmen’s best displays. Jones takes the place of Jackson, as partner to Cook. Portsmouth will be strongly represented. A collection will be made at the match on behalf of the National Institute for the Blind. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Portsmouth; Gilfillian; Rochford, Smith (W); Nichol, Salmond, Symon; Worrall, McCarthy, Weddle, Bagley, Parker.
POMPEY LOSE LEAD T EVERTON.
November 21, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Goodison record Still Intact.
A 4-0 Triumph
One this form Portsmouth will never be champions. They were never a danger to Everton, who themselves were not world beaters, yet they scored four goals.
By Stork.
Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter, forwards. Portsmouth: - Gilfillan, goal; Rochford and Smith (W.), backs; Nicol, Salmond, and Symon, half-backs; Worrall, McCarthy, Weddle, Bagley, and Parker, forwards. Referee Mr. G.T. Gould (London).
There was an excellent crowd and an excellent day to see the League leaders. Portsmouth, pit heir strength against a side which is yet to knew a home defeat. The early play was of excellent quality, the combination of each side being made with ground passes, and Pompey were first to make headway, through their left wing, but Everton, in the first five minutes, had the better chances. Dean placed Stevenson, who, however, was just too late to take advantage, and when McCarthy beat both Mercer and Jones he offered his left wing, which was free from any interference, a fine opportunity, to draw first blood, an opportunity which was not accepted. Salmond kept a watchful eye on Dean, yet was not always the master, for the Everton captain did not stick quite so closely to the centre-forward position, but went out to the wings on occasion, and from inside-right put over a ball to Coulter which the Irishman tried to centre without deadening the ball, with the result he undercut it and it went for a goal kick. Salmond’s head was often to the fore, yet it was Dean’s head which nearly brought Everton the opening goal. Dean nodded the ball down, and without hesitation Gillick hit it hard and true and Gilfillan had to do the rest. Mercer, with his attacking ideas, made yet another opening for his forwards, but once again there was no direction in Stevenson’s shot.
Narrow Escape.
When a corner to Portsmouth was being taken Dean saw the necessity to join his colleagues in defence, but even his presence would have been of little account had not Mercer stepped on to the goallline to kick away a terrific shot by Worrall. It was a near squeak for Everton, and so keen were Pompey at this point that when Sagar was making a punch away, two Portsmouth forwards finished in a heap at the back of the net. This was the first real occasion that the Everton goal had been under fire, but I will gamble the Everton defence did not want a repeat order. Stevenson and Gillick linked up in an inter-passing movement which had the Portsmouth defence out-manoeuvred. The shot eventually came from the foot of Stevenson and Gilfiffian just got the tips of his fingers to the ball to turn it over the bar. This was one of the high lights of the game, but where were the others shooters? So, far, Stevenson had been the only man to show any ability in this direction. There was not a great deal to enthuse over; in fact, the feeling of the crowd was such that a voice could plainly be heard shouting “Send ‘em all off.” With three minutes to go Everton took the lead. Dean passed the ball up to Gillick, who took full advantage of a defensive error by shooting beyond the advancing goalkeeper and into the net. For the first time the crowd showed some enthusiasm.
Half-Time Everton 1, Portsmouth 0
Stevenson’s Best.
There was much more life in the second half, and Everton were so much on top that one began to wonder how Portsmouth were at the top of the League. Their form thus far was far from championship form, and Everton did almost as they liked with them. Early on there was a claim for a penalty by Everton which was not granted and then Stevenson, the best player on the field got his reward with a goal which left Gilfiallan stone cold. Dean provided the opportunity with his usual nod back, and Stevenson steadied himself, and the Portsmouth goal had fallen again at 51 minutes. It was a one-side affair, and the usual stolid defence of Portsmouth was not so today –Everton punching many holes in it. Three minutes after Stevenson’s goal Coulter, who had a poor match thus far, nodded a simple goal after smart work by Gillick and Cunliffe. Gillick had given up the chase of the ball when it went to Salmond, but he changed his mind and decided to challenge for possession. He won the challenge, and made an inward pass to Cunliffe, who lobbed the ball over to Coulter, who had an easy job. Sagar’s only work for a long time was through a shot by McCarty. Yet when Worrall beat Jones there was danger until the Portsmouth outside right put his shot outside. Portsmouth became rattled and when Stevenson was making a run he appeared to be tripped and was so annoyed that he adopted a belligerent attitude. Stevenson’s was spoken to by the referee, who also rewarded a free kick against him. There was much more interest now, and the southern side hit back. When Parker was put through, he looked to be offside, but was allowed to go on, and Sagar pulled Everton out of a desperate situation. It was now difficult to see everything which happened on the far side of the field, but I saw Coulter make a centre which was grazed the crossbar. As in the first half so in the second! Three minutes to time. A centre by Gillick, a header by Coulter, and the Portsmouth goal had fallen for the fourth time, and I still wondered why they were ahead of all the others. Final Everton 4, Portsmouth 0.
EVERTON 4 PORTSMOUTH 0 (Game 1577 over-all)-(Div 1 1535)
November 23 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
How Leaders Fell.
Everton’s Second-Half Revival.
Game Below Expectations.
By “Stork.”
Portsmouth have lost their position at the head of the League. How they got there was the question asked at Goodison Park, where Everton made them look a very ordinary side when defeating them 4-0, in a game which never reached any great height. The Southerners’ form must have been well below the best. To be candid, most sides in the First Division could have beaten them just as handsomely as did Everton. There was not one redeeming feature in their play, and if Everton had an accurate shooter in the front rank in the first half the final score might have been doubled. For 60 per cent of the half Everton were hovering round the Portsmouth goal, yet it was not until three minutes from the interval that they got their heads in front through a goal by Gillick.
Lack of Sting.
Up to then neither side had shown any great sting. The game lacked interest, if one leaves out the fine exhibition of Stevenson and Mercer, who did lift the game out of the doldrums by their clever dribbles and combination, but even the Irishman was guilty of some wretched shooting after the openings had been made. He did see the necessity of a shot, and the best shot of the half, apart from one which Gillick scored, was credited to him, and the Portsmouth goalkeeper did well to “finger” it over his crossbar. But where were the other forwards? The Portsmouth defence was not solid, and they were let down lightly. Two goals should have been registered ere Gillick strode forward to score from a Dean pass. –so tantalising was the desire to make “one more pass” that a voice asked that they should “all be sent off.” That indicates the feeling of the crowd, who had expected something better from the meeting of the league leaders and Everton. It was a disappointing first half, and it was well that the second half produced more spirit, otherwise it would have been a dull and feature loss affair. Only twice was the Everton goal in real danger, and that was when Worrall made a quick shot and a goal seemed a certainty until Mercer, who had dropped back into goal, put out his foot and steered the ball away.
The Desired Tonic.
The second half was worth watching, for apart from the “life” which was brought into it, there was the spectacle of two goals in three minutes, the tonic needed to infuse some enthusiasm among the 35,000 spectators. Portsmouth had not benefitted from the interval respite, for they were no better nor worse for it, whereas Everton were definitely more trustful, more dangerous near goal, and at 51 minutes Stevenson got his reward for a classical display when he coolly collected a Dean header and crashed the ball into the net, as though he had the whole day to do it. At 54 minutes Coulter headed a goal after Gillick had given up the chase, when he saw the ball travelling on to salmond. The Scot suddenly changed his mind and challenged the big Portsmouth pivot, gained possession, and side tapped the ball to Cunliffe, whose lob gave Coulter his simple goal. Portsmouth hereabout got jumpy, and a shade vigorous, so that there was some heat displayed, and an Everton player spoken to, but it did not help their cause to any great extent although they set up a raid which gave the Everton defence its first real concern. Worrall shot across the goal, and Sagar had to save from McCarthy –he’s a Welshman –but the visitors goal thrusts were few and far between for the half-backs were mostly concerned in holding up Everton advances, so that their forwards suffered from lack of support. Portsmouth were uncommonly out of joint. Their usual solid defence was none too secure under pressure and with 3 minutes remaining for play Gillick flashed across a centre which Coulter nodded beyond Gilfillan, just as he did when he scored his first goal. Two goals undoubtedly saved Coulter from having a really bad day, yet he could not help but score although admitting that he had the sense to take up the right position at the right moment. Coulter was only a shadow of the real Coulter, and Cunliffe was not at his best, so that the Everton forward line was working short staffed, as it were. It functioned at 3 points, Stevenson, Gillick, and Dean, and it was well that Mercer could come up and lend a hand in the attacking business. Mercer has never played better. His dribbles were beautifully executed and his passing sound, and Gee and Britton were more than the equal of Portsmouth’s weak attack. Worrall was the best, for Weddle was rarely seen, but McCarthy showed some neat touches, and the left wing pair, Bagley and Harker, had their moments but there was no sting about the Southern side. Salmond was not so dominating, and Rochford and W. Smith were rather easily beaten. Jones and Cook had little to do early on, but I liked the way Jones used the ball, while he recovered well, yet for all their superiority in attack Everton had to work hard for their win when it should have been accomplished with greater ease. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter, forwards. Portsmouth: - Gilfillan, goal; Rochford and Smith (W.), backs; Nicol, Salmond, and Symon, half-backs; Worrall, McCarthy, Weddle, Bagley, and Parker, forwards. Referee Mr. G.T. Gould (London).
MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 1
November 23, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 16)
Everton at Maine Road should have won by a big margin. Bell scored the only goal after 80 minutes, when Eckerley blundred. Leyfield and Hurel were prominent forwards, though the shooting was execrable. Thomson, at centre half, and Jepson, at back, defended strongly, McCullough City’s right half, was absent all the second half. Clark was Manchester’s best defender. Everton Reserves: - King, goal; Jackson, and Lambert, backs; Bentham, Thomson, and Lindley half-backs; Geldard, Jones (TG), Bell, Hurel, and Leyfield, forwards.
EASY FOR EVERTON.
November 23, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
What happened to Portsmouth on Saturday? They came to Goodison Park as leaders of the League, but looked as much like leaders as any one of the three teams selected at the foot of the table. such form as they showed against Everton could not possibly have sent them to the top of the class, so it must have been one of their bad days (writes “Stork”). And what a bad day. They were beaten by four clean goals –failed to produce anything which any ordinary team could not have provided, and lost their position as leaders, a position they will not regain unless their form was all wrong. It must have been, for Everton earned their way through their ranks at will, and it could not be said, that the Goodison-Parkers were a world-beating side. No, it must have been a lapse, but it was a mighty bad one, to say the least. Pompey usually offer a stiff resistance when they come to Merseyside, but they were non-resisters on Saturday, and had Everton been marksmen in the first half they would have had a good goal crop. But apart from Stevenson and Gilfillan had little to fear, and very little from the Irishman, for most of Stevenson’s shots were wide of the mark. He did, however, see the need for a shot if they were to beat the Portsmouth goalkeeper. His goal was the best of the quartet scored by Everton, for Gilfillan was beaten to a frazzle by its pace. Where was Portsmouth’s stone-wall defence? I saw nothing of it, for Jones and Cook were infinitely more sound than Smith and Rochford, who were uncertain when Everton were cutting through the half back line as though it was not there.
Jack Of All Trades.
It was an easy match for Everton, and by right they should have won by an even greater margin than they did. Portsmouth were rarely seen. Their attack was safely battened down by the Everton half back. True they got no help from behind, yet the Everton goal only escaped when Worrall shot through Mercer dropping back on the goalline and kicking away. Mercer was one of the best players on the field. He and Stevenson stood out in bold, relief, but the Everton attack was only a three point attack, Stevenson, Gillick and Dean. Coulter has not regained his confidence, and gave a feeble display. This may seen strange in view of his two goals, but he had little to do to take these two headers. Cunliffe was also in a quite frame of mind, so in the circumstances Everton did uncommonly well to score four goals. Mercer’s first half exhibition was perfect. He was a third forward, a third back, aye a jack of all trades, but I liked him most when he was making his dribbles batting man after man and then placing the ball accurately to a comrade to carry on the good work. Everton, however, must be more direct. They threw away innumerable chances by their persistency to make one more step, and so court the tackle of a defender, or make a pass when a shot would have been of more value. Many times the ball was swept across the face of the Portsmouth goal when it should have been hit hard and true, Stevenson showed the way even though many of his efforts did not trouble Gilfillan, but when he did his one to the mark it was a knock-out blow to “Pompey.” Stevenson was the bests forward afield. He could do anything with the ball, and the opposing half back had a sorry time against this well of the wisp.
Rock Bottom.
It will be seen by the above that Everton still has its weak points, and it was well for them that Portsmouth touched rock bottom, for had their forwards been in a more virile mood, and the defence more solid, they could have scored before Gillick opened the day’s scoring three minutes from the interval. A side that can work its way through to an opponent’s goal area and stay there for a long periods cannot be held blameless, it s goals do not go on their score card, but Everton were so indefinite in their shooting that they did not look like scoring. The crowd became restless with all the finesse which produced nothing, and one voice was heard above all others saying “send ‘em off,” that to my mind describes this match in a nut shell, and it was as well that there was an improvement in the second half, otherwise the game would have been dismissed from the wind immediately the ground was left for there was not a lot in it to make it a match to us have a little more punch in attack. You are good enough to get to grips with the opposing goalkeeper and he is there to be shot at. A goalkeeper does not mind you fitting backwards and forwards in front of his goal so long as you don’t make many calls upon him.
4-GOAL WIN DOES NOT SOLVE EVERTON PROBLEM.
November 23, 1936. The Evening Express.
A Three-Piece Attack Beats Pompey.
By The Watcher.
Everton’s defensive worries seen to be ended, but no satisfactory solution to the problem of attack has yet been found. The fact that the Blues’ attack is not yet all it should be, may seem a curious statement to make in the light of the team’s 4-0 victory over Portsmouth; but those who saw the match will readily agree with me that if there had been more punch and first time shooting the issue would have been settled in the Goodison club’s favour long before the interval. The introduction of Jones was a success. He greatly strengthened the defence. Coulter preferred to Leyfield on the left wing did not touch his best form, even though he scored two goals, Stevenson, his partner, was the best forward on the field. With Cunliffe also below form, the home attack was mainly a three-piece business. Portsmouth definitely disappointed. Only rarely did the Southerners display the form one expects from a side that had climbed to the top of the chart. Another lively forward was Gillick, who turned in the ball from every angle. Dean found it difficult to shake off Salmond, one of the successes of the visiting side. Mercer took honours at half-back, and Cook, although occasionally showing a tendency to “slice” his clearance, was sound, in fact, the Blues’ rearguard was stronger all round than I have seen it for some time. Gillick, Coulter (2), and Stevenson were the Everton scorers.
A CHECK ON DEAN
November 24, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
By preventing Dean from scoring Portsmouth checked the Everton captain and leader in the endeavour to keep up a record of finding the net in every home match. To date Dean has netted on eleven occasions, and ten of them have been seen at Goodison Park as follows:- v. Sheffield Wednesday (1), Brentford (2), Liverpool (1), Huddersfield Town (1), Wolverhampton Wanderers (1), Birmingham (1), and West Bromwich Albion (3). The other goal was obtained in the opening match of the season against Arsenal at Highbury.
GELDARD RETURNS TO EVERTON SIDE.
November 26, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Geldard returns to outside right in the Everton team for the match at Chelsea on Saturday, Gillick crossing over to the outside left berth, to the exclusion of Coulter, who is to play in the reserve side. The team is: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. The Central League team to oppose West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park (kick-off 2.15) will be; King; Lambert, Jackson; Bentham, Thomson, Lindley; Leyfield, Jones (TG), Bell, Hurel, Coulter.
EVERTON’S SOUTHERN TOUR.
November 26, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
Everton’s week-end tour is of unusually strong and engrossing character, including as it does a game against Chelsea and the Army, and a lookout view of the England v Hungary game at Highbury. So characteristerically enough, the secretary, Mr. Theo Kelly, has printed the following itinerary which will give the public some idea of the travel entailed, and also some idea of the treatment received by Everton players on extended tours.
EVERTON’S WING CHANGES.
November 26, 1936. Evening Express.
Gillick on the Left; Geldard On The Right
By The Pilot.
Everton will make yet another attempt to solve their extreme wing problems on Saturday, when they visit Chelsea. For the first time this season Gillick will figure at outside-left. He displaces Coulter, who scored two goals last week and so reverts to the position he occupied for the most part of last season. Gillick’s place at outside-right will be taken by the English international, Geldard, who will be making his third appearance of the season. Although Gillick has been playing so well at outside right –he has once again been chosen as reserve for the position by Scotland for next week’s match against Wales –the Everton directors are not satisfied with left wing play where both Coulter and Leyfield have been tried. Coulter has played in ten games and scored twice while Leyfield has had five games without scoring. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean., Stevenson, Gillick. Leyfield and Coulter will occupy the extreme wing position in the Central League side to oppose West Bromwich Albion Reserves at Goodison Park. Everton Reserves; King; Lambert, Jackson; Bentham, Thomson, Lindley; Leyfield, Jones (TG), Bell, Hurel, Coulter.
EVERTON “A” TEAM
November 27, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Everton have reduced their prices for their “A” team match against B.I. Social at Bellefield, West Derby, on Saturday, 2.30 when the following team represents them; White (F); Allen, Morris; GE Saunders, R.E. Roberts, Tunney’ White (R); E.R. Davis, Arthur, Joyce and Hannon.
EVERTON’S WING EXPERIMENTS.
November 27, 1936. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Everton travel to London tomorrow –to oppose Chelsea at Stamford Bridge –in the home that they can break their unsuccessful run in the Metropolis. Not since 1933-34, when they won against Arsenal at Highbury, have the Blues succeeded in winning a match in London, although they have picked up an odd point here and there –at Chelsea last term, for instance. If Everton’s wing experiments prove successful the Blues may record their second away win of the season. Gillick moves back to outside-left allowing Geldard to resume at outside right. These are the only changes. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Chelsea; Woodley; O’Hare, Barber; Miller, Craig, Weaver; Spence, Argue, Mills, Burgess, Oakton.
• Central league Match at Goodison Park, Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton Res v West Bromwich Albion Res. Kick-off 2.15 p.m. Admission 6d, Boys 2d, Stands Extra, including tax.
EVERTON VISIT CHELSEA
November 28, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton are to contend with the team of a surprising mixture of good and bad form. Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. So far, Everton have but one away success to their credit and if they secure a draw it will be their first in away matches. But Everton hope to do even better and the team at its best, of course, is capable of winning. Another shuffle has been made on the wings, Geldard returning once more at outside right in an effort to recapture his known form, while the versatile Gillick crosses over to the left. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Chelsea; Woodley; O’Hare, Barber; Miller, Craig, Weaver; Spence, Argue, Mills, Burgess, Oakton.
A MILL BOMB FOR EVERTON.
November 28, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Chelsea Player’s Hat Trick.
Blues Disappoint
By Bee.
Everton’s changed forward line was out of joint, and the brightness at Mills brought Chelsea reward. The losers back division must take its share of the defeat. Why cannot Everton do away what they do at home? Where is the key to this jocked secret? Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. Chelsea: - Woodley, goal; O’Hare and Barber, backs; Miller, Craig, and Weaver, half-backs; Spence, Argue, Mills, Burgress, and Oakton, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Smith, of Birmingham. Everton’s Southern tour. Little fog day perfect for football; his crowd at Chelsea. Including many Mersey men. The London paper story about Coulter being considered for inside-right is just all wrong. His name was never considered in this cause. Everton in White jerseys. Referee T Smith, of Birmingham. Jock Thomson comes up for the Army game of Monday at Aldershot, Britton playing on Wednesday versus Hungary at the Arsenal. Everton started in merry manner. Britton getting the ball from Cook, and Cunliffe sending Geldard away, the result being a wasted centre. Geldard came a second time, and got the Chelsea defence clean out of gear. Dean half fluffed his shooting effort, and the ball came out to Stevenson, whose shot was struck by the goalkeeper, and the ball appeared to be passing over the line when Woodley used his right hand like a boxing swiper. Everton vowed this ball had already crossed the line and was a genuine goal. Spectators by me said it was over the line, but anyone who can judge a ball from this distance to a foot or two should be able to pieced fog with lights. There was some vague signalling by the referee and some faulty football, but no one could escape the work of Gee and the free kicks he earned through Mills using his elbows as windmill. Dean bestirred himself without bustle, with head and gliding pass the foot being useful till Gillick, on the left wing remember; shot wildly and wide.
Weaver’s Volley.
This was 15 minute after the start and a blow came upon Everton, a corner being volley by weaver, the former Newcastle man, to the roof of the net, the ball cannoning out but having been in without doubt. Cook feil at an inconvenient moment, and Barraclough’s centre promised a second goal. Everton had started so well one had formed high hopes of the welcome stranger named “Away Victory” being recorded, but the early goal threatened to mar our changes although Stevenson, at the little feet and big heart strude up and on with thoroughness and neatness. Jones and Barber did a lot of big kicking. Mills missed a sitter, and Britton was thankful to be able to put the ball out of range at the cost of a corner. Weaver lived up to his name in dribbles, and his throw from touch sent the ball to Sagar’s hands Mills then copied Dean’s first driving lesson. Dean had been angled and his shot will twist and swear making Woodley feel comfortable.
Mill’s Slams Ball Home.
Sagar had no sooner made a driving save from Mills than he had to confess defeat from the same centre forward, who took the ball from Argue and without argument, just slogged the ball home. Time 22 minutes and another his of network by Mills counted nought as the referee had sounded “Offside” two down. What is that old song “Tell me the old old story? Well, here’s the revivalist moment –Stevenson has but the goalkeeper he beat. He dwells upon the golden chance, and decides this shall be a placed shot. This place is not within the meaning of the act as the ball turns a yard outside the post –a miss but not a miss. Cook was now having a glorious time. All the half-back did well, but Chelsea’s task was the earlier because our wing extreme did nothing till near half-time, when Gillick came up with a well driven first time shot. Cunliffe followed up with an out-swinger after Gee and Dean had blended in a two piece suite and tactical effort. Everton lacked devil in attack and the experiment of trying Gillick on the left and Geldard on the right had no favourable result this half. It had not been an inspiring game although Everton had shown some practiness, and the fitfully off it came to pass when unnecessary display took the place of windows in knowing when to release the ball. Gillick tried of being no the wing came is and made Woodley save the best shot of the match.
Half-time Chelsea 2, Everton 0
Any thought Everton had of staging a come back got a knock but when Mills scored’s a third goal one minute after the breathing time. Full back Jones slipped and let in the centre although it was a point blank affair. Mills had not deserved a second nibble at what should have been a gift goal, but the gods were kind to this nice fellow, and with Sagar on the ground and no one to mark him or say him nay, Mills had a second pot and netted. Mills performed his hat-trick and damaged his shoulder pitching up against the post. The crowd gave him a rare reception. This goal at the 75th minute followed a very fine try by Gillick. Why pick on Everton, Mr. Mills to register the first hat-trick you have ever scored in League football. Final Chelsea 4 Everton 0.
STUD MARKS
November 28, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Two famous Everton players Jack Bell and Jack Taylor, still reside in this district –Bell at Waterloo and Taylor across on the Cheshire side.
• Everton’s last victory at Stamford Bridge dates back to 1920-21, when they won 1-0.
MR JACK ELLIOTT
December 28, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Here is a name that rings familiars to this eat, particularly to the old-time followers of Everton F.C. Jack Elliott and Everton F.C. How often coupled together in the minds of Everton’s supporters! Let Jack tell you for himself; “I have been with the Everton club for forty-seven years, I well remember my first trip to join them. I travelled to Liverpool on the old wooden seats, and in the first match against Rawtenstall scored the only goal. I occupied many positions on the field during my nine years as a player, and, on one occasion, played against Everton. Battlefield F.C., a team from Glasgow, visited Everton for a friendly match. Battlefield F.C. won 3-2, and I scored two goals for them.” Jack Elliott’s recollections are of the happiest. He has been a player, trainer, groundsman, scout, and hendyman. When pressed he gave as his opinion that the half back line of Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, was the best ever. He once received a gold watch as a memento of Everton’s success in the cup, for who can doubt that his part as trainer was equally as important as the players, Everton F.C., and Jack Elliott, the Club and the man. Here’s to them.
HAT-TRICK AGAINST EVERTON.
November 28, 1936. The Evening Express.
Mill’s Feat For Chelsea.
Poor Covering By Blues’ Defence.
By The Pilot.
Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Everton, at Stamford Bridage, was the Blues’ seventh away defeat in eight games, and was due largely to poor covering in defence. Everton faded out after they had been refused what I thought was a good goal in the opening minutes. Everton’s wing problem still requires solution. Mills scored a “hat-trick” for Chelsea. Everton had glorious weather at Brighton, where they stayed preparatory to travelling to Stamford Bridge. They were greeted at Brighton by the stage and screen stars, Miss Gracie Fields and Sydney Howard. Thomson travelled down to play for Britton in the match against the Army on Monday. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. Chelsea: - Woodley, goal; O’Hare and Barber, backs; Miller, Craig, and Weaver, half-backs; Spence, Argue, Mills, Burgress, and Oakton, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Smith, of Birmingham. Everton moved with delicacy at the outset, Geldard’s first centre going behind. Everton scored a goal, but it was disallowed. The Dean-Cunliffe combine got Geldard away in style, and the winger beat Baber and middle a low ball which swung away off Dean’s foot and ran to Stevenson. Stevenson shot on the run and Woodley beat the beat the ball up into the air. It spun back and appeared to bounce fully a foot over the line before Woodley leaped back and punched the ball out.
Goal appeal Fails.
Everton claimed for a goal, yet the referee, who was well up with the play, refused to allow it. Mercer dribbled dangerous near goal a couple of times before Argue broke through, and from his centre Sagar completely missed the ball, which ran to Barraclough. The winger tried a quick-angle shot troubled by Cook, hooked the ball over the top. The Everton forward approach was good, with Britton giving fine support, but the finishing was not of the highest order. Everton were rarely exploiting Gillick, but now he came through with a smashing shot, which was high and wide. Chelsea went away to take the lead in 15 minutes with a shock goal from Weaver the left half. Barraclough had forced a corner off Cook and placed the ball to the crowd of players. It seemed as first as if the danger had been cleared, only the ball fell out to the unmarked Weaver , who drove it into the roof of the net with a curiously-delivered hook shot.
Everton On Defence.
Everton were kept on the defensive, and Chelsea failed to profit by several corner kicks in a game which had not risen above, the ordinary. The Everton defence was sorely troubled. There was faulty tackling and clearing. It came as little surprise when Mills increased the lead in 28 minutes. Chelsea made ground quickly and the final through pass left Mills with about five yards in which to work. He raced ahead and scored with a swift shot into the far corner. Everton should have reduced the lead when Stevenson got through unattended. Yet in trying to place the ball past Woodley, he “pulled” it too much and it was scrambled away for a corner. Woodley was given ample covering and was able to nip out to pick up dangerous passes. Jones misheaded and was happy to see Spence drop the ball on the roof of the net. Britton tried to show Geldard the goal path, being forced out at the last moment. Dean, Gillick, and Stevenson created a good opening and Woodley saved magnificently at full length from the Scot’s final drive.
Half-Time Chelsea 2, Everton 0
Chelsea practically made sure of the game two minutes after the interval when Mills scored a third goal. Argue made the score possible, but Jones and Cook were slow in getting to the ball, and Mills went on to left go his fast shot at the advancing Sagar. Sagar parried the ball, which bounced for Mills to shoot into the empty net. Everton’s defence was not good, and the forwards rarely got a real chance. Chelsea were inclined to rest more on their cars, with the result that Everton came more into the picture. Woodley kicked away a “danger” ball from Cunliffe, before Cook came along with a distant shot that sailed over the top. Dean continued to try hard with little success and Chelsea could have taken a fourth when they allowed to go through from an offside position. Gillick was right out of touch on the left wing. Woodley made a great catch off Gillick’s header, then with 16 minutes to go Mills headed a brilliant fourth goal to complete his hat-trick off Barraclough’s sweeping centre with Sagar out of goal. Mill’s flung himself at the ball. He fell against the post after doing the needful, but was able to continue.
Final Chelsea 4, Everton 0
CHELSEA 4 EVERTON 0 (Game 1578-over-all)-(Div 1 1536).
November 30, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post.
Everton Crumble At Chelsea.
Mystery of Team’s Away Form.
Mills Gills A Hat-trick.
By “Bee.”
One wonders what comes over Everton in their visiting days. Year after year, those who have to chronicle their work away from Goodison Park see them against teams they eat up in the home games, yet at the return games Everton play like a different team. It is true Everton won at Bolton, but the most partisan Evertonian present at the game realised it was a travesty of justice that Everton should get one point –and they got two. Now Chelsea are not exactly the most striking team of the modern football times, and when they beat Everton 4-0 the Merseyside people will probably picture Chelsea as being above their normal form and consistent where they had been inconsistent for many years. As one who was present at the rather funeral match, let me say at once that anything I say about this display must not be held in evidence against the Chelsea side. They won with a big margin, they won as it turned out with much to spare and without special endeavour, but even on this performance I would wager Chelsea will bite the dust when they visit Everton. Then what is the measure by which Everton can transpose a 4-0 victory merely because it is played at another ground?
Spirited Of Adventure Lacking.
It is a mysterious something that comes over Everton when they are a goal down in such games not before their own spectators. They never dream of defeat at home, yet the return game become almost automatic as a defeat. I am afraid some of their members take defeat before it comes; they lack the spirit of adventure and the confident tone that comes to them when their own people are roaring at them the pleasure they find in the team’s display. This week the selectors must take their share of the defeat. They brought back Geldard as outside right and moved Gillick off to outside left. Now a full 12 months’ service as outside left proved Gillick is anything but a left flanker. Everton persisted till the beginning of this season, and they began well this season by putting him to his “right foot.” Coulter faltered if not failed, but at least he took the opportunity of scoring two goals. I was not there so am not competent to express any opinion of what Coulter did or did not, but at last I have to put on record the failure of Geldard at outside right, and the absence of the brusque and sharp display one usually associates with Gillick’s work at outside right. Gillick certainly had two strong shots at goal, and found Woodley very much at home. But the line generally speaking had few connections; it lacked sparkle once Weaver had volleyed a goal to take the lead from the half-back line.
First Hat-Trick For Mills.
Everton crumpled up. They had been in relentless form up to this early moment and claimed they had netted a good goal. The referee Mr. Smith, (Birmingham) said the ball had not crossed the line, and Everton then went to their best till late in the game when a good deal of bumping and boring crept into what had been a very sporting game and rather blurred the football atmosphere. Mills took the opportunity of getting his first hat-trick in senior football. He once got two against Liverpool, and he was very keen to get the trio-trick. His goals were the result of the dogged habit of the going through unaided if never unhampered. He has the bodily strength, the enthusiasm, the urge for goals. Bambrick is not so sharp to move off, although a stronger shot. Now Mills got his hat-trick and in making the third goal of his great day he bumped into the goalposts and was damaged, the game being held up –practically the only time there was a hold up, and the foggy conditions of the late stages of the game never threatened to stop play although they must have sent many spectators away from the game before it was over owing to the dullness of play. Barber took charge of Geldard, Craig took charge of Dean, who was neat and fleet for a short spell, and after the half backs had begun well they became a very easy passage for the Chelsea forwards. Gee had a splendid first half. Britton was inclined to over finesse –work unnecessary and without tangible result, and Mercer’s defensive quality was not associated with sensible use of the ball. The work of Sagar could not be blamed. Cook, tried as right back, was powerful and Jones and he found too much work and pace for their liking.
Out Of Joint.
It was the disappointing Everton we saw and on away journeys it has become all too frequently a recital of similar character. Stevenson worked hard and placed one shot wide, but neither he not Cunliffe rose to their best heights and with the extreme wing men out of position the team became out of joint. I do not blame the wingers who had been put to these tasks, believing, as I do, the cause of a rather heavy defeat was traceable to all the members of the side except Sagar. It was a general decline and doubtless Everton will be making a general right turn by next week when they appear before their own people. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. Chelsea: - Woodley, goal; O’Hare and Barber, backs; Miller, Craig, and Weaver, half-backs; Spence, Argue, Mills, Burgress, and Oakton, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Smith, of Birmingham.
EVERTON RESERVES 3 WEST BROMWICH ALBION RESERVES 3
November 30, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 17)
West Bromwich Albion were fortunate to share the points at Goodison Park where the home side were in arrears at the interval, but fought back strongly taking the lead 3-2, only to concede, an equaliser late on. The Albion scored in the first minute with a suprise goal from Richardson. Hurel equalised two minutes later, but before the interval Richardson had given the visitors the lead. On turning round Bell scored two quick goals in rapid succession and Richardson completed his “hat-trick” later, thus earning a point. Everton were superior in attack almost throughout and should have made the issue safe. Bell on one occasion hit the post with only the keeper to beat and on many other occasions the Everton forwards had good opportunities which went astray. Everton Reserves: - King, goal; Lambert and Jackson, backs; Bentham Thomson and Lindley, half-backs; Leyfield, Jones (TG), Bell, Hurel and Coulter, forwards.
Everton “A” 3, B.I. Social 1
County Combination.
At Sandforth-road. There was little between the teams during the opening half, although the home side scored in 5 minutes through White (R.), O’Brien equalised soon after the resumption. Crompton the visitors inside left, retired through injury and took no further part in the game. Davies put Everton ahead, and Hannon scored near the end. Allen, Saunders, and Tunney were outstanding for Everton. Heaps, Thomas and Burke played well for the Soical.
EVERTON NEVER FEEL AT HOME AWAY.
November 30, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton’s team sheet bored me. If they had not seen Gillick fail at outside left all last season I could have understood the test of the little shock man at outside left, but by now everyone ought to have seen Gillick’s urge to get the ball from the left to his right foot. How, then, could centres he put across without delay or the covering up of defence? Geldard was tried at outside right and failed. He just could not get paced up, and Barber had an easy time against him. Everybody will get blamed by somebody –that is one of the rules of an away defeat –but while I have-mentioned the directors’ initial error (or so it appears to me) in picking an outside right as outside left after a year of experienced endeavour showing him to be futile there, one does not acquit other members of doing the fanciful stuff at the expense of being practical and wise. All must take the blame for this 4-0 defeat from a Chelsea side not exactly worthy the remembrances of a Hilsden. Chelsea were natty and smartly off the mark they gave a heave with their shoulders and sometimes their elbows. Argue played well, Mills got the first hat-trick he has ever scored in senior football, Craig did well against Dean, Woodley saved good ones from Gillick and Cunliffe, but the home team still looked ordinary and beatable. I am hopeful someone will take up my challenge that Everton will beat Chelsea at Goodison Park by a similar (or larger) margin.
What Is Lacking?
It is curious disease Everton suffers from in 1935-6-7. They beat all comers at home and away from home are beaten with little fight by commoners. What is the mystic hoodee over their visits? Is it that they go into battle believing they cannot win? Do all pull the weight they pull at home games? Is there the heartiness the guts –you know the one-stringed fiddle’s main adjunct –the club endeavour one is entitled to expect? Fancy not. Everton keep their best for they own people, their spectators would not tolerate some of the stuff served up at Chelsea. I disagree with some who have blamed Gee. He started well enough for anything, but there is a limit to one’s endeavour if the though recurs that you are wasting your time. Everton have been too easily beaten away for along time. The selectors list forewarned us what might happen on Saturday, but when it failed I marvelled the club did not emulate other clubs who find a misfit, and rearrange their positions. Down 3-0 at 46 minutes the folly of persevering with their ill-chosen attack was too patent for words. Why preservers with it, Mercer was not at his best. Britton opened and finished on a high note, but meantime had a mixed measure when he tapped the ball too many times, and got his side-wing covered up. Britton is “burn that way.” He lovers to do the thing properly and nicely, yet there are times when he drags his mask out far beyond necessity. It is here more than one Everton man is doing himself injustices. The time to part with a pass is the first convenient time –having drawn your man and taken the load off your comrade. To drain your resources by weaving in and out without just cause for parting with the ball is to cut no ice and to cover up your chance of success. At full back, Cook was tried right defender. He was justly and strong not always successful, and not always blending with Jones, the pair of them keeping the straight line, whereas I feel the best backs are those who go up sideways –one fore, the other aft. If they keep square damage will follow. Sagar did nothing wrong after the opening moment, and he to the one man who came out of this contest clean and with credit. That rest were really too bad to be Everton. What changes would I make? Sir, I would have made no change from the previous week with a 4-0 winning side, and a winger who had got two goals. That was his state entry back to First Division life –or so I thought. Now he must pass through another period of probation. In any case, why must Gillick go from right to left. It would have been right if he had been left where he was because he had been lively there, a sharp keen, go-ahead raider, with fine positional sense, when he goes left he gets left, because he has to get the ball to the other foot. So what? Well, just leave him on the right flank, I suggest.
• There have been stories regarding Tranmere Rovers and Bentham, the Everton forward. Six months ago Tranmere had designs on the player, and as recently as last week they “asked” about him. Everton have let it be known that a move is impossible.
RIGHT WING EXPERIEMENT NOT A SUCCESS
November 30, 1930. Evening Express.
Problem Everton Must Tackle at Once.
By The Pilot.
Everton must set about solving their extreme winger problem –at once. It is essential, because the F.A. Cup-ties will soon be on them. The experiment of playing Gillick at outside-left and Geldard-left and Geldard at outside-right was a complete failure at Chelsea on Saturday, when Everton were easily beaten by 4-0, Mills doing a fine hat-trick after Weaver had opened the scoring. Gillick was like a fish out of water on the left. He could never beat his man by trickery, and was forced to double back so persistently that O’Hara knew just how and where he was going to move. Gillick rarely got a ball across to his earnest and persevering inside men, and his best effort was a cross shot and neat header. Geldard got his opportunities in the first half, but there was not the usual touch about the finishing. Everton are fully alive to their needs and it will not surprise me if a first class winger is signed on before the Christmas games. Everton were outpaced and out manoeuvred by Chelsea, who played one of their best games of the season. The Everton defence was not sound. Both Cook and Jones often mistimed tackles and were slow to cover correctly. Sagar did well enough and Britton was easily the best half-back in an attacking phase. Gee did tremendous work against an unceremonious leader in Mills and Dean and Stevenson were the best forwards.
Everton After 16-Year-Old Amateur.
Everton are negotiating for the signing of Day, a 16-year-old centre forward from a London amateur club. Day is finely-built lad about 5ft 9in, and 10st 7lb.
EVERTON PLAY THE ARMY
November 30, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Geldard at Outside Left; Gillick Outside Right.
By Bee.
Everton made changes for their game with the Army at Aldershot. They decided to try Geldard at outside left and Gillick at outside right, an intriguing situation and one which might have been tried in desperation in the late stages of the game at Chelsea. Jack Thomson came into the side through Britton being unable to play in view of his appearance for England, against Hungary at Highbury on Wednesday. Before the game the Army paraded their star gymnasts and tumblem, and a special pole exercise was put on so that Everton might copy this principle and use it to make football training more interesting. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Thomson, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Geldard, forwards. Army:- Bdr Hankey, goal; Sgt Bennet and Lance-cop Baron; backs; Cpl Eastham, Cpl Brook, and Bandsman Bonehill, half-backs; Pte Davies, Segt Brown, Lieut R Edwards, Cpl Elliott, and Pte Cross, forwards. Referee Cpl M Lucas. The Army, in red had the benefit of the wind and sun. It was a summer’s day and suitable for a game of this character. Stevenson went close when the goalkeeper was unsighted. Geldard mad many runs on the wing, and Lieut Edward’s replied with a strong solo effort which deserved a goal, and failed solely because he had placed the ball just wide of the upright. Later Sagar came out and made a daring pick-up. Stevenson made the best run of the match so far, swerving out to the right, but being blocked out when he decided to shoot. Gillick did much as he pleased, and when Davies proved awkward at outside right, Cook sent the ball into touch with one of his well-known punts. The Army followers shouted “Windy,” which sounded comic. Dean sped through with alacrity, and finished with a left foot drive just over the bar.
The Army’s Eastham.
Eastham was plainly an Army favourite, and when Everton played him offside the crowd admitted this was clever play, but they groaned at the result of negative tactics. Gillick scored in ten minutes, a neat goal which he started and completed. Cunliffe supplying the middle link. Gillick refused to be baulked and his final shot left Hankey no chance. Stevenson had one of his diddling runs and the crowd was much tickled by this display of craft and control. Jack Thomson tried to score and found the heavens, whereas Edwards was much closer for the Army, and Dean followed with one of his definitely placed headers which turned the ball no more than a foot to the right, the goalkeeper handling for a corner. There was a fine calm about this game without its league points, and players did many things they dare not try in league games. Everton went further ahead through Stevenson and Dean. The former shot and a back elected to let the ball pass on, the goalkeeper being deceived. Dean’s goal came through Gee’s forward run. On such perfect turf it was natural that the Everton players should enjoy themselves, Edwards was their greatest barrier, and one of his individual efforts deserved to end better them a ball slightly at great pace. Bonehill was quite the dominating personality of the half-back line for the Army, and Eastham, living up to the Lancashire counterpart of the same name. Gillick’s strongest drive was well handled by a competent goalkeeper. Mercer made many striking runs alone, but without tangible result.
Half-Tome Army 0, Everton 3
Geldard Ricks His Back.
After the Worcesters’ regimental band had whiled away the interval, the game proceeded on its quiet way, with the Army ever trustful, but easily held up by the Everton defence. The Army’s goalkeeper had a safe pair of hand’s whereas the Army forwards were not a well-blended attacking portions. Eastham’s work deserved better results. Geldard ricked his back trying to collect a miskick by the right back. Stevenson scored a fourth goal with the best shot of the match after Gee had gone very far forward in the hope of getting his annual goal. Cross scored the first goal ever against Everton. Jack Jones must have been rather jealous of this goal because he made a strong lobbing shot which scored. This was the first goal this back has ever scored for Everton. Cross added a further goal and Stevenson made it 6-2, dribbling beyond the goalkeeper with confidence and ease. With the last kick of the match Edwards scored a third for the Army. Final Army 3, Everton 6.
EVERTON BEAT THE ARMY.
November 30, 1936. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Everton made the experiment of playing Geldard at outside left in the match against the Army at Aldershot today. . Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Thomson, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Geldard, forwards. Army:- Bdr R.A. Hankey, goal; Sgt Bennet and Lance-cop Baron (Royal Tank Corp); backs; Cpl Eastham (K.O.R), Cpl Brook (R.T.C), and Bandsman Bonehill (K.O.R), half-backs; Pte Davies (R.A.S.C), Segt Brown (R.E), Lieut R Edwards (Army Dental Corps), Cpl Elliott (R.E), and Pte Cross (R.A.M.C), forwards. Referee Cpl M Lucas. (R.T.C). There was quite a Liverpool touch in the Army team, a number of the men being from the King’s Own Regiment. Everton, as expected, enjoyed the bulk of the pressure without pulling out anything extraordinary. Dean fired over the top and then had a header saved by Hankey. I noticed good work by Brown, a sergeant of the Royal Engineers, at inside right, who did much foraging and clever passing. Everton took the lead in 20 minutes, when Gillick scored, after fine combined work by Cunliffe, and after Edwards had crashed a terrific shot against the side of the netting. Everton piled on the pressure and took two more goals in a minute. Stevenson scored with a slow, low shot, which Brook allowed to go under his foot and so deceived Hankey. Then Dean side-footed a third goal as Hankey was going the other way. Just before this Hankey saved from Stevenson, flinging himself through the air to turn the ball aside. The Army staged a rally and Edwards swerved his way through to drive inches over the top. It inspired the soldiers to greater efforts and Sagar had to go full length to save a great shot from Eastham. Sagar only parried the shot, but dived forward again to prevent Edwards scoring. Mercer broke through beating five men in turn, before giving Stevenson the chance of a shot. For once Stevenson lacked direction.
Half-Time Everton 3, Army 0
Everton concentrated on playing purely exhibition football on resuming, and there was much delicate manoeuvring and often too close inter-passing. Gee came up in search of what he termed “his annual goal,” but found the soldiers packing well. Eastham, who plays for the Kingstonians, was a star Army performer. The Army forwards were over-eager and were often the victims of offside. Dean and Stevenson took part in some neat interpassing, and as a result Stevenson added a fourth goal in 70 minutes with a neat low right foot shot taken on the turn. Final Everton 6, Army 3.
November 1936