Everton Independent Research Data
GREENHALGH CHANGE
November 2, 1938 Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Greenhalgh, the Everton full back who has been called on to take Hapgood place, he has had quite a rise to the top. Against the Scottish backs, Boyes, Lawton also play for the English league
CALL ON EVERTON PLAYERS
November 2, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
There is a great call on Everton players in addition to three in reserves league side to-day Jackson, Jones (je), Britton, have been chosen to play for central league side against the London combination at Highbury on November 14,
EVERTON MAKE ON CHANGE
November 2, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Thomson, the Everton captain and left half back, is reported fit again and he will return to his place in the side for the match against Middleborough at Goodison Park on Saturday, Watson dropping out. This is Thomson ninth league game of the season; bring his total to 255 matches for Everton. Thomson joined the Goodison side from Dundee in March 1930, making his debut three days later against West Ham United. From 193-31 he was regular member of the League side, until, 1936-37, in which season he made only two appearances.
EVERTON CAPTAIN FIT AGAIN
November 2, 1938. Evening Express
Thomson Resumes Against Middlesbrough
One Team Change
By Pilot.
Jock Thomson, Everton’s captain, returns to the team for the match with Middleborough at Goodison Park on Saturday. Thomson has been out of the team for three matches. He was taken ill with a catarrhal cold just before the Bolton match. He travelled with the club to Leicester last Saturday to act in n advisory capacity. Thomson comes in for Watson, and that is the only change in his style. Middlesbrough will also have a player back on duty who has been out for three matches. This is Fenton, who lead the England forwards against Scotland last season. Fenton has had an ankle injury. He comes back in place of Mannion, at inside-right. Mannion will travel down as twelfth man. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (TG), Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Middlesbrough: - Cumming; Brown, Scrimshaw; McKenzie, Baxter, Forrest; Milne, Fenton, Camsell, Yorston, Cochrane. Everton Reserves visit Burnley in a Central League on Saturday, and the former Liverpool School, Norman Sharp, plays inside-left. Everton Reserves; Cumming; Brown, Scrimshaw; McKenzie, Baxter, Forrest; Milne, Fenton, Camsell, Yorston, Cochrane. Honours
Honours are falling fast on Everton players these days. With Greenhalgh called up for the Football league side, it leaves only Stan Bentham of the entire eleven who has been chosen for an international, inter-league, or as a reserve. Now three more players have been honoured! George Jackson, Jackie Jones and Cliff Britton have been selected to play for the Central League against the London Combination at Highbury on Nov 14. The team is selected entirely from Lancashire and Yorkshire clubs, Britton has played for England several times, but it will be a case of fist honours so far as Jackson and Jones are concerned.
EVERTON BACK TO EARLY SEASON FORMATION
November 2, 1938. The Liverpool echo
Rangers Notes
Providing their three representatives in today’s inter-league game came through all right, Everton will be at full strength for their match with Middleborough at Goodison Park on Saturday. Thomson is now fit again, so that the team returns to the formation which played unchanged to the first eight games of the season:- Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Middleborough team will be Cumming; Brown, Scrimshaw; McKenzie, Baxter, Forrest; Milne, Fenton, Camsell, Yorston, Cochrane. Everton Reserves v. Burnley will be: - Cumming; Brown, Scrimshaw; McKenzie, Baxter, Forrest; Milne, Fenton, Camsell, Yorston, Cochrane. Three Evertonians in Jackson, Jones (JE), and Britton have been chosen to play for the Central League representative side in the annual match against the London Combination at Highbury on November 14.
EVERTONIAN PLAYED FOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE
November 3, 1938 Liverpool Daily Post.
Notes of Match
Greenhalgh, Boyes and Lawton played for the football league at Wolverhampton winning 3-1, Boyes scored one goal in front of 38,000 spectators. Greenhalgh conceding a penalty when foolish tripping Dabby and Walker scored from this spot kick.
ANOTHER EVERTON HOME WIN
November 4, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton are at full strength for their important game with Middlesbrough at Goodison Park tomorrow, for it is an important game, as the Boro’ have a habit of saving, their best for Merseysiders. We have seen some thrilling tussles between the pair in years gone by, and there is no reason why tomorrow’s game should not fall into line with its predecessors, for the north-easterners have a smart side which has shown that it can win away from home. They have something on hand to beat Everton, at home, for as yet Everton have not struck their flag before their own supporters and let us not forget that they haven’t been at full strength for some time.
Surfeit Of Games.
Several of the Everton players have had a surfeit of games in recent times, what with international and inter-league calls, but this should not make such a great difference. I am glad Jock Thomson is back with us, for he seems to have an inspiring influence. Now don’t get me wrong. His deputies have done good-work while he has been away, but they are not Jock Thomson. With a full team, I look to an Everton victory. Middlesbrough gave a smart exhibition against Liverpool, and I am fully aware that they are capable of extending any side once they get into their swinging way, and with such as Fenton, Milne, Cochrane, Yorston and Camsell in the front line, the Everton defence can look forward to a busy time. When such a good player as Mannion can be left out of the attack, the Borough must be sure of themselves. He will travel as reserve. Fenton, who has been out of the game for three matches, is one of the snappiest forwards in football. Tommy Jones has completely recovered from his injury sustained at Leicester and will go on to prove that it was only force of circumstance that allowed Dewis, the Leicester leader, to score his goal, the first Jones has conceded to a centre forward in any class of football this season. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Middleborough team will be Cumming; Brown, Scrimshaw; McKenzie, Baxter, Forrest; Milne, Fenton, Camsell, Yorston, Cochrane.
CAN EVERTON MAKE IT SEVEN IN A ROW
November 4, 1938. Evening Express.
Middlesbrough Will Give Them Big Test
By Stork.
Everton have played six home games and have now them all. Can they maintain the record tomorrow? Their visitors to Goodison Park will be Middlesbrough, who, in the past four seasons, have taken away four points. If Everton introduce their usual snap –a virtue missing at Leicester –I think they will maintain their record. Middlesbrough are a fine all-round side with great power in their intermediary section. The Teesiders have had a fine season, securing 14 points from a dozen games, and they will be strengthened tomorrow by the return of international Fenton to inside right. A feature of the match is that the respective centre-half backs, Tom Jones and Baxter, will be in opposition two games in succession. They played in the Scotland v. Wales international on Wednesday. The Blues will have their captain, Jock Thomson, back after three weeks illness. Thomson, following influenza, has been enjoying a rest at his native Dundee this week. There is no doubt that his leadership is inspiring to Everton, who return to their strongest combination. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Middleborough team will be Cumming; Brown, Scrimshaw; McKenzie, Baxter, Forrest; Milne, Fenton, Camsell, Yorston, Cochrane.
LAWTON THE SHOOTING STAR
November 5, 1938. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Treble In a Firework Display
Seventh Home Win
Pyrotechnics at Goodison with Lawton the shooting star. Even his misfires were thrillers. The home record was never in any danger, and Cummings saved a bagful. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Middlesbrough:- Cummings, goal; Brown and Scrimshaw, backs; McKenzie, Baxter and Forrest, half-backs; Milne, Fenton, Camsell, Yorston and Cochrane, forwards., Referee Mr. H. Reyner (Huddersfield). In the early stages Milne, Middlesbrough right winger appeared to be the danger man when it came to shooting, twice he forced Sagar to his knees, and is combination with Fenton produce a dangerous-looking situation until Jones solely put the ball out for a corner. From the Thomson almost scored against his own side with a very strong pass back to Sagar, the ball swerving dangerously. Lawton must have been reading about no “Gunpowder, Treason and Plot.” Because when right through from a misleader by Brown he sent in a rocket shot which swerved outside. A damp squib would have been better. Five minutes later he did exactly the same thing. Bentham put his through and with only Cummings to beat, Lawton again crashed the ball wide. No wonder he tossed his head in disgust.
Lawton’s “Head” Trick.
Retribution was not long coming, but this time he did not use his feet. Mercer lobbed a ball into the goalmouth, and Lawton caught it with his head, sending it in the air, and then catching the rebound again with his head, which gave Cummings no chance at all. Time 15 minutes. This juggling act by Lawton was almost repeated as the other end when Fenton and Milne changed placed for the inside man to centre. Milne caught the ball with his head, but could not direct it as accurately as the Everton leader did. Just to show that sometimes his rockets can go straight, Lawton produced a real firework at the twenty-first minute. From a campy pass by Thomson, he de-stepped Scrimshaw and them hit the ball for all he was worth. Cummings never saw it.
Goal Disallowed.
Lawton netted again at the 31st minute, but was adjudged offside following a linesman’s appeal. Most of the crowd disagreed with his verdict, and it certainly looked from the Pressbox that though Baxter had put him on-side when the ball grazed his head from Bentham’s centre. Middlesbrough were playing the ball in the air far too much, and as a result Jones, Cook, and Greenhalgh were allowed to make hefty clearances with easy. Lawton came near his “hat-trick” when Stevenson slipped the ball through and from a shocking angle the Everton leader screwed the ball inches outside. The miss of the match from a MIddlesbrough point of view came when Yorston hit the ball on to the crossbar when he was four yards out. This chance came following two more which Greenhalgh gave away in challenges with Milne. In a desperate effort to save a third corner Greenhalgh allowed Fenton to advance on the goalmouth. His centre caused a flurry which then ended when Yorston scooped the ball up. We were seeing a great deal more of the visitors attack now, and two of Camsell’s crossed to Cochrane proved difficult to deal with. One was missed as Sagar had advanced and a superlative effort by Jones saved the day.
Half-Time Everton 2, Middlesbrough 0.
With a comfortable lead in their nets so to speak, Everton gave a delightful display of the finer arts of the game in the early stages of the second half. For instance we had a perfect spells of the switch when Lawton, on the right wing centred to Gillick in the middle, and he in turn sent Boyes away. Gillick got the centre but was badly positioned, and Cumming had no difficulty of clearing. Boyes then showed us how an international left winger can dribble by swing his way across the ground, combining man after man until Scrimshaw the Middlesbrough left back, made a good recovery. A little feeling crept in the game following a foul by Cochrane on Mercer.
Referee Makes Firm Stand.
There were several attempts are retaliation, which the referee death with in fine fashion. After this was forgotten, the players settled down to produce some entrancing football. Camsell was always a trier for Middlesbrough and in one desperate tussle with Jones, he almost forged his way through, while on two later occasions shot by him passed across the goalmouth with nobody’s present to convert what were usual gifts. In a goalmouth melee Gillick was attended in the side of the filed for attention. When Gillick came back the visitors goal escaped in extraordinary fashion. Cummings dropping a centre that was like a shot from Boyes and Stevenson tried to push the ball through a crush of players. He failed, then Lawton had a go. Lawton’s shot was trickling in when Scrimshaw stuck his leg out and back the ball went into the crush, and eventually a foul against Lawton cleared the danger. At 80 minutes Lawton received a Jones clearance and cleverly lofted the ball over the heads of the defence to allow Stevenson to run in and put the ball into the roof of the net. Three minutes from the end Gillick was going through when Forrest tripped him well within the area and the referee unhesitatingly pointed to the spot. Lawton hit one of those real rocket shots he enjoys and so ended his individual Guy Fawkes celebration. Final Everton 4, Middlesbrough 0.
MOVE THAT MIGHT HAVE SAVED EVERTON A POINT
November 5, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
A Point Of Captaincy;
Norman Greenhalgh Rises To The Heights
By Stork.
It would appear that Everton have got back to their old style, that of being beaten away; but let us not place too much importance on the defeat at Leicester, for the last two goals scored by the City were obtained when Jones was a lame man. I have it on the best authority that those goals would never have occurred had not the centre half back been injured. That may be, but why was Jones allowed to continue in a key position when it must have been obvious that a fit man was needed to close down the middle. Now I don’t know whether the acting captain, Cook or the non-playing captain, Thomson (oh, yes, he was sitting at the ringside) suggested a reorganization or not, but had I been in their position I should most certainly have moved Jones on to the wing immediately, not after the damage was done. I can recall many instances where an injured player has been allowed to continue in his original position when it was only too patent that he should have been moved. From all accounts Jones could hardly nobble about, a most important position these days. It cost Jones his proud boast of not having a centre forward scoring against him this season, but what was more vital it probably prevented Everton making at least a draw of it. I can only say it was not good captaincy. Everton have now lost three away matches in a row after a wonderful victories at Blackpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal. It reads more like old times, when we could never look forward to an away victory. Why are away games so different from home matches. No one seems capable of giving a satisfactory answer. Grounds are so much alike that it cannot be that. The same opponents would be easy meat at home, so it must be the crowd, the vocal support or the urge to pull out that little extra before one’s ain folk. Can you think of any other reason, readers? Most of us are said to have a double. Well, ever since I saw Greenhalgh I have seen in him a famous player of years ago. Can you name him? No prizes given. Norman Greenhalgh “Rollicker” to his club mates, a name that sits well on his shoulders, for he is a rollicking good fellow –in his play, his gait, and the hang of his pants, recalls to mind Ephraim Longsworth. A few weeks ago I watched him walk across the field, and I was struck by the likeness to Longsworth; at all events from the rear. Others have seen the similarity. Have you? When Everton enticed him to sign on the dotted line after that Cup replay with Tottenham Hotspur, they did a good stroke of business. He has come on by leaps and bounds since he left New Brighton and Bolton Wanderers must be gnashing their teeth at having allowed so good a player to slip through their hands. Yes, Rollicker was a Wanderer at one time. Eph, by the way, once sent his brother along to see Greenhalgh play with a view to getting him to come to Liverpool. He was playing for Bolton schoolboys in those days, but he was considered too young, so Liverpool did not take him. What a coincidence that he should be so like Ephraim. Greenhalgh is a regular Lancashire lad, with a broad brogue, and Lancashire lads make excellent footballers. There are plenty of them knocking about, but few better than Norman. Any full back who can keep Jack Jones out of the team must be good. Well that is what Greenhalgh is doing. He was one of England’s shadow team picked against All Europe. That will tell you to what extent he has progressed in good company. He was honored during the week when he played for the English League against the Scottish League. When Hapgood fails England, Greenhalgh should be his natural successor. Let me take you inside Greenhalgh’s young life. He is a turner by trade, but had the wisdom to finish his time being part-time pro, for Bolton while he was serving his apprenticeship? Too many youngsters come into football with nothing to go back to when their playing days are over. Wise Norman. He started his football with Bolton schoolboys, graduated through a number of junior sides before he was spotted by Bolton playing for Blackburn Road Conges, Sunday school. He become a full professional while at Burnden Park, but his far seeing eye told him that he would be some time reaching the first team because the Wanderers had a surfeit of full backs. Mr. Sawyer, the Rakers’ manager (Norman says he is a grand chap) signed Greenhalgh and he fulfilled all Mr. Sawyer said of him. Several clubs lined the ring at RakeLane watching one man, and that man’s name was Greenhalgh, but with Mr. Sawyer, the former Everton director and secretary, in charge it was odds on Noman going to Everton. He crossed to Goodison in January, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. He says Jock Thomson taught him a lot while he was playing behind the Scot in the second team. His best circles round. New Brighton, “It was funny when we went for our money to find that there was none there, the cupboard was bared. The players used to sit in an outer office waiting the verdict. When it became known that there was nothing to pay out with, they used to set fire to the programme and some even threatened to throw on the office furniture. “It may seen funny now, but could not have been so then,” he said. “I played at centre forward on six occasions for the Rakers and scored a goal each time. It was when the former Everton player, Hullett (now with Plymouth and sought after by lots of clubs), was off injured. He played with Taylor the Bolton half-back when they were in the “A” team. But for an injury Greenhalgh would have had Taylor in front of him in the inter-league game. He thinks Taylor is a tremendous worker. He also thanks that Everton in the best club in the world. “A player who is not satisfied at Everton could not be satisfied anywhere,” said Greenhalgh.
LAWTON AT HIS BEST
Everton 4 Middlesbrough 0 (Game 1659 over-all)-(Div 1 1617)
November 7, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Middlesbrough Swamped.
Everton have only to reproduce the form they displayed against Middlesbrough at Goodison Park on Saturday to keep their home record intact for many weeks to come, and to make the match with Derby County on Boxing Day the game of the season. They won as they liked and Lawton scored as he liked-with the full power of his boot behind the ball. Who can cavil if he missed as many as he scored? It is so refreshing nowadays to see a player who is not afraid to shoot who will at least attempt to send the ball into the billet specially designed to receive it. Whether he can see that net or not, that it would be churlish to curb such enthusiasm. And in any case, it is an enthusiasm that is catching, because on Saturday the whole Everton forward line played with the spirit of schoolboys. They were always hitting the ball with a will, and Cumming, the Middleborough goalkeeper, must have had sore fingers at the end of the game.
Not A Weak Link.
It was difficult to realize that Middleborough had on view just as many players as Everton who can boast of international caps-seven to be exact-and although their representatives are not so recent as those of Everton. They certainly suffered by comparison. Even the most biased visitor would agree that his team was well beaten in every phase of the game. There was not a weak link in the home side. In addition to the enthusiasm of the forwards, the return of Thomson in the middle line made for further strength in both attack and defence, with TG Jones, fully recovered from his Leicester mishaps, playing that calm, deliberate football that completely bottled up both Camsell and Yorston while Mercer did his usual foraging. Cook and Sagar did all that was asked of them without fuss or flurry, and although Greenhalgh found himself in difficulties at times, it must be remembered that he had Middleborough’s liveliest wing to contend with-Fenton and Milne. The story of the game can really finish with the first half, because it was not until the dying minutes of the second that Everton broke out afresh. In the first minutes Gillick was twice almost through from Bentham touches, then Lawton had a dribble in which five men tried to rob him, and only as he shot was he unbalanced enough to slice the drive. Two missed drives by Lawton, a Stevenson shot against the post, and then some head juggling by Lawton for the first goal. After hitting the post a few minutes later Everton centre got his second goal, and followed it up with a third which the referee negatived after a linesman flagged for offside. It was a good goal, as the ball came to him off Baxter’s head, but Lawton didn’t argue. He’s like that. Yorston’s Bad Miss. During this half Milne was the only visitor seriously to test Sagar. He and Fenton dovetailed delightfully. Both Forrest and Yorston serving them with well timed passes. Greenhalgh was usually equal to the occasion. Yorston was guilty of the miss of the match when he scooped a ball up on to the crossbar, and on another occasion T.G.Jones coolly kicked away when Sagar completely missed a Cochrane centre. The second half, on a day that was more suitable for a test match than football, was just a demonstration of pattern-weaving. Even Middleborough showed the crowd some football touches that bring applause but no goals. The visitors switched their attack in desperation, Everton because it suited them on occasion. Camsell, Milne and Yorston went near several times but were over-eager, indeed once Yorston actually dribbled the ball away from his own centre-forward. Then came the last two goals. Lawton neatly lobbed the ball over the heads of Baxter and Brown to give Stevenson a perfect opening, and a few minutes later Gillick was grassed by McKenzie inside the area, and Lawton wound up his most brilliant display at Goodison Park with one of those straight and true Penalty drives at which he is so adept.
Everton- Sagar goal, Cook and Greenhalgh, backs, Mercer, Jones (tg), and Thomson (captain), half-backs, Gillick Bentham Lawton, Stevenson and Lawton forwards, Middleborough, Cumming, goal; Brown, and Scrimshaw, backs, McKenzie, Baxter and Forrest, half backs, Milne, Fenton, Camsell ,Yorston and Cochrane, referee H.Rayner (huddersfield) attendance 35,683
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Burnley Reserves 2 Everton reserves 1
November 7, 1938 Daily Post
Central League (Game 13)
Everton were beaten at Burnley in a game which saw the defence generally effective against attacks that finished weakly. Though there was no score at the interval. Everton ought to have been in front but too many chances were lost. The second half saw Burnley better, and Miller the ex-Evertonian scored a splendid goal. Misfielding of the ball by both goalkeepers led up to goals by Billinton, for Burnley, and Trentham for the Visitors. Burnley just about deserved their victory. Everton team, Morton, goal; Jackson, and Jones (je), backs; Britton, Gee (captain), and Milligan, half-Backs; Merritt, Cunliffe, Bell ,Sharp, and Trentham, forwards.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY LEAGUE
Everton’’A’’ 5 Haydock athletic 2
November 7, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
Mills scored first for Haydock and McMurray equalised. Keen added a further goal for Haydock, and Barber replied; Davies, Wylies, and Edwards adding goals for the winners.
LAWTON’S THE GUY!
November 7, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork
Please to remember, the fifth of November. And Lawton’s Power of Shot! This paraphrase of the old jingle should certainly be written in the autograph books of those repaid Evertonians in the boys pen at Goodison Park, and Cummings, the Middlesbrough goalkeeper, would be only too glad to sign it! He certainly fell several of them, and picked three from the back of the net that created the only cold wind that blew across the ground on Saturday. Whether it was the reunion of all Everton’s international, fit and well, the come-back of Captain Thomson the brilliantly fine day, or just that Middlesbrough were not good enough I would not like to say, but the fact remains that Everton gave a delightful display of football craft. Lawton got that “hat-trick.” It was bound to come sooner or later and it might have been six if his direction had been more accurate, and Cumming not so confident. But the youthful Everton leader, with that schoolboy enthusiasm which is so infectious, distributed the ball well presented Stevenson with one goal, and was often on the wings with Gillick and Boyes in turn taking the centre forward berth. No wonder Baxter, the visitors centre half, was bewildered at times. The Everton, “switch” is quite different from some others we have seen. It operates only momentarily, and then the line is back again in formation. Saturday’s display was of the type that will keep the home record intact for the season, barring injuries and bad luck. Even Derby County, on Boxing Day, is not a bogey, although it ought to be a game well worth seeing. Repeat performances like this on away grounds and the League is still Everton’s. there was little wrong with the Middlesbrough team in their midfield work, except that both back and halves were inclined to balloon the ball too much, and thus gave T.G. Jones a big advantage over Yorston, the brains of the visitors’ attack and Camsell was left toiling when it came to a chase Milne was their best forward, with Fenton doing quite well. Cochrane way hardly seen, and once earned a rebuke when he struck an elbow in Mercer’s face. Lawton scored at 16 and 21 minutes after missing at least two, through trying to crash the ball through the back of the net, and then got another at 31 minutes, that was disallowed on a linesman’s appeal. It looked a perfect goal, as the ball came off Baxter’s head to put Lawton onside. Apparently the official did not see that, or though the Everton man was offside before that happened. The last goals, near the end of the second half, were from Stevenson at 80 minutes, a swift presented by Lawton, and one of Lawton’s penalty special’s after Gillick had been tripped. Middlesbrough ‘s only scoring thrill was when Yorston scooped the ball up from four yards out, while Cochrane once had a good shot rather luckily blocked, and Milne hit the post.
Everton F.C. players have gone to Harrogate for their third period of “rest” Jones (Wales) and Gillick (Scotland) will travel on to Edinburgh tomorrow for the Scotland-Wales international on Wednesday, and Tom Lawton continues his journey to Newcastle tonight in order to pay for England against Norway on Wednesday.
TOTAL ECLIPSE OF ‘BORO!
November 7, 1938. The Evening Express.
Everton At Their Brilliant Best
By Watcher.
For the first time this season, Middlesbrough left the ground of opponents goalless on Saturday. Everton, with a hundred per cent, home record, gave by far their most impressive display at Goodison Park this season in trouncing the Teesiders to the tune of 4-0. Tom Lawton, the Blues’ international centre forward, gained distinction in this match, quite apart from his three goals. It was in putting team before self. He was within an ace of the first hat trick, at Goodison on Saturday, but seeing Stevenson better placed, he gave “Wee Alec,” the opportunity; Lawton later scored his third goal from a penalty kick. Lawton showed brilliant leadership, after over-eagerness had cost him three open goals. He, however, owed much to the unswerving support of his inside men. Gillick and Boyes made brilliant raids down the wings. Bentham was a quiet though efficient worker, and Stevenson was always in the picture. Everton snapped up every shooting chance and only super goalkeeping by Cumming kept the score down. T.G. Jones starred in sound defence and he gave Camsell no scope. Mercer and Jock Thomson were first time tacklers and quickly changed defence into attack. Cook and Greenhalgh were supreme at full back, and Sagar dealt with the few shots that came his way with his usual efficiency. Middlesbrough had no first-time marksman among them and although they were triers they were rarely in the picture against an Everton in their most penetrative mod.
EVERTON PLAYERS AT HARROGATE
November 8, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton players are enjoy a short holiday at Harrogate. They travelled to the Yorkshire resort yesterday. Gillick (Scotland) and Jones (Wales) travel on to Edinburgh to-day for the international match to-morrow, and Lawton went to Newcastle last night in readiness for the game against Norway to-morrow.
NEW DONCASTER WINGER
Gloucestershire Echo-Tuesday 8 November 1938
Charles Leyfield, the Sheffield United winger, was to-day transferred to Doncaster Rovers. A native of Chester, he joined Sheffield United from Everton in the summer of 1937, and last season played in 32 League games. He has made four League appearances this season
HONOURS FOR GOODISON AND ANFIELD DIRECTORS.
November 8, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Congratulations to Mr. George Evans, the Everton chairman and Mr. George Richards, the Liverpool directors, whose names appear this morning among the new Justices of the Peace for Liverpool. Both will bring to their magisterial duties the same thoroughness which characteristics their work for their respective clubs.
Everton are unchanged on Saturday, for the match at Birmingham. The reserve team is also unchanged for the Centre League match against Preston N.E. at Goodison. Team v. Birmingham; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
EVERTON SAY “NO CHANGE.”
November 8, 1938. Evening Express
By Pilot.
Everton make no team change for Saturday, when they visit Birmingham at St. Andrew’s. Gillick received a knock in Saturday’s match against Middlesbrough but it was nothing serious and he is, in fact, to play for Scotland tomorrow. The Everton players are enjoying the rest at Harrogate, where Golf is the chief item of the training itinerary. They do their training on the local town ground as usual. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Everton will be at home to Preston North End in a Central League match and field the side which lost at Burnley last Saturday. Everton Reserves; Morton; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Milligan; Merritt, Cunliffe, Bell, NW Sharp, Trentham.
Further Honours
Further honours have been conferred on Everton players. Stevenson and Cook gain their second honour of the season by being chosen to play for Ireland against England at Old Trafford on Wednesday, November 16. Both players played for Ireland against Scotland, but against England they will be in different positions from those they occupy for Everton. Cook crosses over to left back, while Stevenson moves to inside-right to allow Peter Doherty of Manchester City, to come in at inside-left.
TEAM TO BE UNCHANGED AGAINST BIRMINGHAM
November 9, 1938, Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton visit Birmingham on Saturday, and will be presented by the eleven which defeated Middleborough. The players are enjoying their stay at Harrogate.
MERCER TO BE CAPPED
November 10, 1938, Daily Post
By John Peel
Mercer, the Everton half-back is the ninth play in his team to be awarded an international cap. Mercer has been chosen as left half-back in the England team to meet Ireland at the ground of Manchester United club Old Trafford next Wednesday. Mercer has been on the now gets his first opportunity of distinguishing himself in representative games. Mercer it will be noticed is to fill the left half-back berth, though he has been playing right half for his club. The Everton man, however, is no stranger to the left and he will do equally well there as on the other wing. It is particularly pleasing to see a local player honored in this way; he came to Everton from Ellesmere Port-where he was born. In 1932, after distinguishing himself with Shell-Mex and Ellesmere Port. He is a son of a former Nottingham Forest half-back. He played for Everton ‘’A’’ in the closing match of 1930-31, and on September 22, 1932, he signed professional forms. He made his debut in the first division on April 18, 1933 against Leeds United. He played in thirty-six league matches last season and has taken part in all matches so far this season; bring his total of League appearances to 130.
CAPS FOR EVERTONIANS
November 10, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
Notes from report
Lawton capped against Norway, and scoring after 30 minutes for England third goal, heading a Smith corner home and later hitting the crossbar at Newcastle, England winning 4-0. Gillick played against Wales and scored one goal, and TG Jones played for Wales in front of 34,800 Wales winning 3-2.
TREATHAM SEES SPECLIALIST
November 10, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
Trentham the Everton outside left, who was injured last Saturday, saw a specialist yesterday, and it was found that he had damaged the ligaments, and it will be at least a fortnight before he is fit again.
EVERTON’S NATIONAL CAPS NOW EIGHT
November 10, 1938. The Evening Express
Mercer Latest Player To Gain Honour This Season
By Pilot.
Joe Mercer, one of the players who did not cost Everton a penny piece in transfer fee, has been selected to play for England against Ireland at Old Trafford Manchester, on Wednesday next. Mercer is the eight Everton player to be capped this season. Three other players have been honoured by the Central League. The Goodison Park club has supplied players to all four national associations and the Football League. This must almost constitute a record for nay club. The only player in the Everton first team who has not been honoured is Stan Bentham, the inside-right. This however, is only Bentham’s first season as a regular first team player. Mercer, a product of Everton “A” team, hails from Ellesmere Port. In recent seasons he has been a regular member of the first team. He formerly played at half-back, but this season switched to right half-back. He plays left half for England. A feature of the England team is that two of the half-backs hail from Ellesmere Port, Cullis, the centre-half, was a junior player there with Mercer. Tommy Lawton is the other Everton “cap” for this game. He again leads the attack.
EVERTON’ INJURED PLAYER’
November 11, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
There are some doubts about the fitness of both Jones (TG), and Gillick for the Everton game with Birmingham at St Andrews to-morrow, but Mr. Theo Kelly the Everton secretary, tells me that it is possible both will play. Both players are under the care of trainer Harry Cooke at Harrogate where the team have been taking a rest cure this week. Jones, Gillick were injured in the Scotland against Wales international at Edinburg on Wednesday, the latter when he was scoring Scotland first goal in the first half, and being off the field for the remainder of the half. Jones received a serve blow on the face during the first half and continued playing for a time in a semiconscious manner. He had also reported to Mr. Kelly that he received a bad kick on the ankle and that his jaw is still very sore. The rest of the Everton players are all reported fit and well.
EVERTON’S INJURED EXPECTED FIT
November 11, 1938. The Evening express
Good News For Birmingham game
By Pilot.
Everton are hopeful that both Tommy Jones and Torry Gillick, their internationals, who were injured in Wednesday’s international match, will be fit to play against Birmingham at St. Andrew’s tomorrow. Both have been undergoing treatment at Harrogate, where the team have been having a tonic. I would say Gillick is certain to play, but If there are any remaining doubts about Jones, Gee will travel to deputise. In any event, Everton should record their second successive victory at Birmingham. Birmingham are hoping to sign an international in time for the game, but Everton are playing brilliant football at the moment and may regain leadership. This depends on how Derby County fare at Charlton, of course. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (TG), (or Gee), Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Birmingham (probable); Clack; Trigg, Hughes; Dearson, Halsall, Richards; White, Jennings, Phillips, Harris, Brown.
• Central League Match Tomorrow (Saturday) November 12th Everton v. Preston North End. Kick-off 2.45. Admission 6d, Boys 2d, Stands Extra.
ALL OUT FOR WIN
November 11, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By stork.
With Derby County going such great guns it is imperative that Everton should make a hold bid for an away victory at Birmingham tomorrow. It is a task which is not beyond them, for the ability is there to win away from home. On the other hand, Birmingham’s position seems to me to be a false one, for I rate then a better side than their placing suggests, but I would not go so far as to say that they were the equal of Everton. The relative positious of the pair tells us otherwise. St. Andrews is not a ground of happy memories for our Merseyside clubs, but Everton have won there, and can do so again. The verdict as to Tommy Jones and Gillick’s fitness will be known today. With their full team in the field they are good enough for a win, but I have my fears, for Birmingham have a habit of rising to an occasion and springing a surprise. No club can look upon an away fixture with too great a confidence, but if Everton meet the game with the same confidence as they met away opponents in the earlier pair of the season two points my be their reward.
Keeping Pace.
If they are to keep pace with the leaders they have an away victory to annex. Maybe this will be it, but I can promise them a hard tussle for while I grant that the Brums are low down in the table they have played some good-class football on occasions. I can recall the days of Briggs, the outside right, who used to save it up for Merseysiders, but there is no Briggs to damage this time. Birmingham however, have a centre forward who can make things difficult for any defence because he is so fast of the mark. Tommy Jones will have to watch his namesake Jones, but you may depend that TG’s special mission will be the battening down of the Birmingham leader. In defence Birmingham have the veteran Harry Hibbs, who seems to have been in the game for years, yet is capable of holding up any attack on his day. His anticipation gets him out of many a difficulty. He cuts out the ball long before it becomes a menace. If he is in the Birmingham goal it will make Everton’s task all the more difficult but I am banking on the shooting ability of the Everton forwards to bring them success. I suppose a draw would be a satisfactory result; most clubs are happy to take a half on an opponent’s ground and I have seen teams playing for a draw when they are visitors, but I can promise you that Everton are out for a clear-cut victory. They have not yet had a draw on their books, and don’t want one if a win at all possible. Everton; Sagar, Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
PHILLPS GOAL BEATS EVERTON
November 12, 1938. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Clever Work By Birmingham
Blues’ Fourth Defeat Of Season.
By Pilot.
Everton lost their fourth match of the season when they were beaten 1-0 at Birmingham by Phillips goal. All four defeats have been against sides wearing Blue and White! Everton gave a grand display in the first half, yet faded out owing to holding the ball too closely against quick tacklers. Everton were without the Welsh International, Tom Jones. He damaged his knee in Wednesday’s international match, and will be examined by a Liverpool specialist on Monday. The injury is not thought to be serious. Gillick was doubtful up to the time we left Harrogate, where Everton had been having a week’s tonic, and Merrett travelled down with Gee in case. Gillick, however reported fit. Birmingham had to make two late changes. White was down with influenza, so Jennings moved to the wing, admitting Wilson-Jones, ex-Wrexham, at inside-right. A remarkable feature of the game was that there were 15 Internationals on view, representing all four countries; and one Inter-League player. There was one minute’s silence in memory of the late Mr. W. Pickford, who was President of the F.A. Teams: - Birmingham: - Clack, goal; Trigg and Hughes, backs; Dearson, Halsall, Richards, and Jennings, half-backs; Wilson, Jones, Phillips, Harris and Brown (J), forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Referee Mr. W. J. Lewington (Croydon). Birmingham attacked cleverly on the left and gained a free kick, of which Thomson took charge. Gillick bore through from Cook’s clearance, and the ball was deflected on top of the net. Stevenson came to the right to take a corner, which was played from Bentham’s head. The forward work of both sides was good, and after Sagar had saved low down from Phillips, Stevenson slipped through from a neat Lawton transfer and raced ahead to fire outside as he was tackled. Halsall, a Liverpool lad, did great work in holding up Boyes, before being outwitted by Lawton with a header which Clack saved. Next Bentham placed wide from a favourable position. Mercer drove a long pass up the middle and Lawton fastened on to it. The leader was tackled as he shot and the ball flashed right across goal. Everton were having considerably more of the play; in fact, for the last quarter of an hour Sagar had been almost a spectator. Mercer showed Birmingham why he had received an International cap with a glorious run and a neat interpass with Gillick.
Brilliant Header.
Hughes conceded a corner and from this Bentham headed in brilliantly for Clack to save high up. Boyes beat Trigg easily and placed a fast, low centre across to Gillick, who hooked it against the side netting. At last a Birmingham raid –via Phillips –and Greenhalgh headed away before Richards shot outside. In 25 minutes a yell went up as Birmingham nearly took the lead. Sagar saved the day. Trigg had pulled the ball to the goalmouth and Sagar ran out to clear. Greenhalgh mistakenly tried to head back to Sagar, and the ball beat both. It was rolling over the line when Sagar, racing back, flung himself full length and just turned it round the post. Everton’s approach was a delight to the eye. The passes were made with ease and grace, but the home defenders, were especially keen in the tackle. Halsall was grand. Then a shock for Everton –Birmingham took the lead near the interval –Phillips scoring. Jones surprised Everton with a sweeping centre as Thomson doubled back and Gee ran over to check. The centre swerved in and Sagar and Phillips went for it together. Phillips won and the ball dropped into the net. Everton did not deserve to be a goal down. Just before the interval-Richards was carried off.
Half-Time Birmingham 1, Everton 0.
Richards resumed after the interval, and in a melee Gillick fouled Hughes and was cautioned. Jones twice placed over before Gillick became centre-forward, and seemed to be held up by a blow in the face. Lawton had a shot deflected before Boyes drove a rising centre on top of the bar and over. Birmingham introduced a neat corner move, two quick back passes being made and Richards came through with a shot which Sagar turned over.
Sagar Tested
Twice in less than a minute Sagar had to fist away, and then he had to pull down a fierce shot from under the bar. Halsall was off for a few minutes, and then came a fine Birmingham centre forward move, and a low shot from Jones with Sagar saved. Everton had lost their first half verve, and Birmingham were proving much quicker on the ball. Twice the referee spoke to Everton players. Next came a lecture to Hughes. Halsall came back after another short absence, and moved to outside right, Dearson going centre half, Everton were holding the ball too close, fatal against quick-tackling defenders. Dearson headed away two corners as the Blues came through with their final bid to save a point in a game in which there were too many cautions, in my opinion. Final; Birmingham 1, Everton 0.
PILOT SPORTS LOG
November 12, 1938. The Evening Express.
• Sheffield United have allowed the former Everton winger, Charlie Leyfield, to go to Doncastle Rovers. I wish Charlie luck, for he was always a great man –and a good winger. I advise Mr. Fred Emery, the Rovers’ manager, to play Leyfield at outside-right. This is his natural position –and the one he likes best. I am certain that Charlie suffered at Bramell-Lane by being played outside left. It was done, of course because the United wanted Harold Barton, the former Liverpool player, at outside-right. Still Leyfield was always 100 per cent, more effective on the right than on the left.
• Cliff Britton, the Everton international right half-back will be re-visiting the scene of many former triumphs on Monday when he assist the Central league side against the London Combination, at Highbury. It was at Arsenal’s palatial home that Britton scored his only international goal. He was then playing for England against Hungary and scored a rather spectacular goal in England’s convincing victory. He will have two colleagues in Jackie Jones and George Jackson behind him on Monday. It is a big honour for these two players, who constitute further examples of the value of Everton’s “A” team. Both began their careers as Blues in the third team. Moreover, both boys were born in the Merseyside area –Jackson only a couple of streets away from Goodison Park.
EVERTON OFF THE MARK
November 12, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Beaten By A Goal.
Birmingham Luck.
By Ranger.
Everton were unlucky not to take a point. Apart from a period of 20 minutes in the second half they did the major portion of the attacking, but their shooting left much to be desired. Teams: - Birmingham: - Clack, goal; Trigg and Hughes, backs; Dearson, Halsall, Richards, and Jennings, half-backs; Wilson, Jones, Phillips, Harris and Brown (J), forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Referee Mr. W. J. Lewington (Croydon). Everton had Gee at centre half for their visit to Birmingham today as TG Jones ankle injury had not yielded to treatment since his returned from the international at Edbinburgh. Gillick, however, was able to take his place at outside right, through Merritt travelled down this morning in case a last-minute change was necessary. The Blues had a special representative at Kidderminster today, watching a forward of whom they have had good reports. Everton played in white shirts while Birmingham were black armlets as a mark of respect to the late Mr. Williams Pickford. By some oversight or other Everton were not so supplied. Birmingham, with the wind behind them, were early on the attack, but Harris shot wide from long range. Everton, with a touch of fortune, might have been one up after 10 minutes when Stevenson, gathering a stray ball, well out, held off the challenge of Halsall and Hughes during a fine dribble and put in a forceful shot which was only a yard outside. Bentham got a crack on the head in collision with a defender, and from the resulting free kick, which Cook placed straight to the head of Lawton, the Everton centre forward made an excellent attempt to turn the ball into the net. Everton so far had done the bulk of the attacking but there was not the same snap and incisiveness about the forward line that we have been used to lately, and the smart interception of the Birmingham halves several times nipped in the bud some prosing openings. Tommy Lawton was unable to get hold of an awkwardly bouncing ball when he had the best opening of the game so far. A free kick by Mercer in the Everton half saw the ball drop at Lawton’s toes in a position which seemed to me to be at least a yard offside, but the referee allowed Lawton to go on. The latter however, was hampered by Trigg and Hughes, and his shot finished near the corner flag.
Thrill Of The Match.
The next five minutes were in the nature of a shooting-in match. Bentham and Gillick twice each in quick succession came within an ace of scoring, but the Birmingham goal bore a charmed life. Gee had so far had little trouble in keeping a tight rein on Phillips, but when the latter got away and veered over to the left Sagar had to make his second save. Gee was spoken to by the referee following a very minor spot of brother. At this period came the thrill of the match. Gee slipped on the treacherous surface when Harris put a pass up the middle. The ball went on to Greenhalgh, who had his back to the goal and apparently had not seen Sagar leave his charge. Greenhalgh headed back right into the empty goalmouth and it seemed a hundred to one, on a goal but Sagar, making an almost superhuman recovery, got back in time to save it right on the line.
Birmingham Lead.
Birmingham took the lead against the run of the play two minutes before the interval. Jennings and Jones, who had been the home side’s most effective wing advanced on the right, and the former eluding a tackle, put across a beautiful hanging centre which Phillips headed in just wide of Sagar, who made a galliant but unavailing attempt to save. Some bite had entered into the game, and after Gillick had been shaken by a knock on the head, Richards had to be carried off with an injury received from a Bentham tackle.
Half-time, Birmingham 1, Everton 0.
The game was not many minutes old in the second half when the feeling against manifested itself, and after Gillick had been spoken to by the referee, Greenhalgh was, I thought, a trifle fortunate to escape a free kick for “elbows” against Jones. Birmingham were now playing with more fire and determination, and within 5 minutes Sagar had to deal with hot shots from Phillips, Jennings and Harris. Boyes put the ball on to the crossbar almost from the touchline. The Everton wing halves were not so sure in their tackling as usual, and Cook and Greenhalgh had their work cut out against a forward line that was now showing ability and pace, which belied its lowly position in the League table. Mercer was spoken to by the referee for some offender which was not apparent from the Press box. Phillips got away with an uplifted leg against Gee, and Dearson was rather severe on Stevenson. Casualties were still the order of the day and after Halsall had been injured Bentham was knocked out, but this time from an opponent’s clearance. Lawton, who had not had more than half a dozen passes worthy of the name all afternoon was ploughing a lone furrow against a defence, that did not stand on ceremony. Lawton gave Stevenson an opening with a nice flick of the ankle pass, but the inside man could not just make it. Halsall went outside right, following his injury, and Everton did a spell of attacking in which Mercer, was the shooter-in-chief. But it availed them nothing. Everton were now piling on pressure, and Boyes, following a neat four-players movement; had a chance to equalize but could not quite get in his shot. Gillick twice went near; Jock Thomson put one high over Stevenson tried. In fact, pretty well everybody tried except Sagar, who had advanced from his goal and was standing for some time well outside the penalty area. Final Birmingham 1, Everton 0.
STUB MARKS
November 12, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Frank King, Derby County, and former Everton goalkeeper, has left professional football to join the Southport Police force.
• Seven players have had just one turn a piece in the Everton League side this season.
• Two of the best centre halves in the country are two of the youngest Cullis and Tommy Jones.
• More people watched the recent Everton-Liverpool “Derby” game than attended all eleven Third Division Northern Section matches on Saturday.
• Everton’s right wing pair of last season –Geldard and Cunliffe –have both lost their senior team places this season following injuries received.
• Our old Everton favourite Jimmy Settle (Bantam” was an interested spectator at the recent Bolton-Everton match.
• The year 1891 was very important one in the history of soccer. It witnessed the introduction of goal nets, the penalty kick and finally of linesman in place of umpires. The referee was now left in sole power to decide all points; at long last he was the autocrat of the football field.
• A feature of the Bootle J.O.C. League has been the success of Everton’s newly formed fourth team. Playing under the name Everton “B” the team plays in the third division of the combination and its record is:- Play 8, Won 8, Lost 0, Draw 0, For 110, Against 7, Points 16.
LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK AND TAPPING FROM MY TYPEWRITER
November 12, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Ranger.
Everton will have four representatives on view at Manchester on Wednesday in Lawton, and Mercer for the home side and Cook and Stevenson for the “Ould Country.” It is pleasing that Joe Mercer has at last gained recognition. He has been in the international class all this season, but with so brilliant and consistent a player as Willingham to command automatic selection for every representative game it looked as though the Evertonian would be kept kicking his heels for some time as twelfth man. Off the field Mercer is quiet and unassuming and spends a lot of his time on the golf links when not training. He has recently become a member of Hooton, where I hope to join him one day to show him that where golf, is concerned there is truth in the old saying “Mugs for Luck” the mug being myself.
LAWTON, LEAGUE LEADING GOALSCORER, PICKS HIS SHOTS
November 12, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Grousers Not satisfied With Goal A Match Average Joe Mercer, Footballer
By Stork.
At one time of day, Everton forwards were severely criticized because they would not shoot. Now comes a grouse of an entirely different nature. Lawton, League’s top scorer, who scored three goals top scorer, who scored three goals (not a “hat-trick” as some will have it) against Middelesbrough, and made the other, is criticized because he missed several other goals, because of the desire to “punch” the ball to the back of the net instead of aiming for a placement. Now, Lawton has got the majority of his goals because he believes in the power of his “punch.” I have seen him hit some ferocious goals with his whiz bangs, whereas if he had tried to place them they would never have hit the rigging. There have been occasions when he could have slipped the ball away from the ‘keeper, but that is not his natural style, and why try and alter something which has proved a hugh success so far this season. It is not so easy to “walk ‘em” in as it looks, and I am all for the player who believes in the first-time drive. Ask any goalkeeper which he prefers, the surprise drive or the “Walk in.” I would consider I had a far greater chance of saving my goal if the man in possession tried to walk the ball past me, instead of crackling one in like lightning, with the possibility of it going away from me. Even the shot leveled right at him was a chance of beating the goalkeeper, providing it is endowed with sufficient power. Lawton can hit em, so hard that several goalkeepers have failed to turn them out with two hands. If a player scorers 3 goals in a game and misses 3 others, he has, in my opinion done a good day’s work; but some people are never satisfied, Lawton leads the field. Argue against that, if you can. From all accounts he missed three against the Boro. I was not there to see it –illness kept me indoors –but any player who can average a goal a match is good enough for me, and that is what Lawton has done. Following in father’s footsteps following the dear dad.” That is Joe Mercer, more popularly known among his intimates as “legs” because of his Meredithian legs. Joe’s legs are as famous as Billy’s toothpick. They may be more famous as time goes on, for Joe is now an international. Joe’s father before him was a footballer, so it was only natural that he himself should have an urge for the game. But Joe Junior has gone further than his late father, for he is almost under an international cap, the crowning ceremony taking place next Wednesday at Manchester, against Ireland. Joe senior, played for Nottingham Forest. He had played alongside Sam Chedgzoy, but whereas Sam went to Everton, Joe had to go further afield Football has always been Mercer’s business. He started playing for Everton when he was fifteen, or at least had a trial at that youthful ago. He was playing with Ellesmere Port at the time, prior to which he had forced himself into the notebooks of the scouts. A number of junior sides had his help until Shell-Mex saw his talent and took him into their forward line as an inside man. As a schoolboy, Mercer played with Stanley Cullis, the English International centre half back. He found his right niche with the Port team and has been a half back ever since. Father died when Joe was 12, which meant that he had to shoulder more than his due of the family’s responsibility, but Mercer took it willingly, and I am sure mother never had a better son. A strict teetotaler and non-smoker Mercer is always at the peak of condition, and cannot have caused the Everton club a moment’s trouble. His greatest worry was having to play left half-back, a position in which he was never happy, but to be playing for Everton anywhere was an honour. Mercer considered well worth the risk –for it is a risk to be asked to play out of position. England expects him to take that risk. The Everton club treated me exceedingly well while I was t left half” says Joe. “They have treated me well ever since I joined them. That is not unusual, for Everton treat all their players well.” Mercer’s other interest outside football are swimming and cricket, but his great love is the big ball game during the winter months. A keen student of tactics, he is ever ready to listen to anyone who can give him advice, but pleases himself whether he accepts it. He took no player’s style as his pattem, having his own ideas about things. One can readily see that he was once a forward by those long dribbles he occasionally makes during a game. Yet his greatest nightmare was when he was selected to play centre forward against the Arsenal when Ernie Roberts was at his greatest. He has tried hard to forget it as I would do. “I would like to stay in football when my playing days are over. I have always been in the game, and it it’s my life’s blood. There is no game like it. True it has its ups and downs but we know that when we go into it, but most youths only look one way, and that is “up,” said Joe as a parting shot. “In some capacity or other; anything would do,” he added congratulations on getting among the prizes Joe.
EVERTON LACK FINISH
Birmingham City 1 Everton 0 (Game 1660 over-all)-(Div 1 1618)
November 14, 1938, Daily Post
By Ranger.
While Birmingham must regard themselves as fortunate take both points from Everton. It has to be admitted that they were worthy of reward on the score of sheer doggedness and pluck in battling against odds with a weakened side in the last half-hour. One goal sufficed to give the home side victory, and it was a goal all against the run of play, scored by Phillips 2 minutes before the interval after Everton had done fully three-quarters of the attacking. Birmingham played with a desperate on born of their lowly league position, a state of mind reflected in the vigorous tackling of their halves and backs. The game was married by too many fouls, and threatened at one period just before and after the interval to get out of hand altogether. It was during this stage that Everton who, on the score of football craft and ability were well ahead of their rivals, made the error of trying to play Birmingham at their own game, and, as so often happened retaliation brought its penalty while the original offender ‘got away with it’’ Gillick had his name taken by the referee, Mercer was twice spoken to-the first time he was the innocent sufferer for somebody else’s offence-and Gee also received a word in season for a much less serious affair than some which passed unnoticed. With the exception of the first 20 minutes of the second half Everton were on top throughout and had their shooting been of the same standard as their midfield and approach work the result would have been very different. No doubt the state of the ground was mainly responsible, for the top surface was very slippery and the ball so greasy that unless it was hit dead in the middle it sliced away at all sorts of angles.
Lawton’s Fierce Drive.
In the first half Lawton put in one fierce drive that was only a yard outside and a header almost as near but all through he got very few passes of real use, and was so closely watched by the Birmingham defence that when he did receive the ball he was hemmed in immediately. While Gillick dropped one shot on the top rigging and hit the side net with another, and Bentham and Stevenson had two praise worthy attempts, generally speaking the shooting was below what we have come to expect from the forwards line. When Everton were on the mark. Which was chiefly form fairly long range; they found Clark a sound custodian. There was one sustained period in which Birmingham were so securely penned up that Cook came right through to the penalty area to set the forwards an example but his shot struck a defender. Birmingham’s attacks in this half were chiefly confined to spasmodic raids, when the visiting defence frustrated without undue trouble, but just before the interval. Jennings sand Jones took the ball up from their own half and when the latter’s long centre found the Everton defence spread-eagled. Phillips headed pass Sagar who was hampered by another forward. In this efforts to reach the ball.
Lucky Escape.
A few minutes before this Everton had a lucky escape when Greenhalgh headed back into a goal which had been vacated by Sagar, and only a amazing feat of recovery on the latters part saved the situation. At the start of the second half Birmingham took over as Everton had left off, and for a lengthy spell the visitors were kept almost entirely on the defensive, though good work by Gee and the backs aided by Birmingham’s poor marksmanship, kept the goal intact. Then once more, Everton dictated the course of play due to some extent to the fact that Halsall was injured and had to go to outside right. Where he was little more then a passage, and that Richards and Dearson had received knocks which robbed then of some of their earlier effectiveness. Birmingham, in fact were on the collar so severely that for the last 10 minutes Sagar stood well outside the penalty arc ready to return stray clearances, but do what they would Everton were unable to break down the home side’s dour defence. Boyes and Stevenson had chances but failed to direct the ball properly, while Lawton was blotted out by sheer weight of numbers. Everton were best served in defence by Greenhalgh and Gee, the latter coming in through Jones’s ankle injury not having yielded to treatment since last Wednesday’s international match. The wing halves were not up to their usual standard, and of the forwards Boyes faded out after a good first half Gillick was good through out, and Lawton as already stated, had so few passes and was treated with such scant ceremony that he had no chance to show his worth. Birmingham best were Hughes a grand full back Hassall the former Burscough Rangers player, who was a tower of strength until his injury, dearson.
Birmingham City, Clark, goal, Trigg, and Hughes, backs, Dearson, Halsall, and Richards half-backs, Jennings, Jones, Phillips, Harris and Brown (j), forwards. Everton. Sagar, goal, Cook, and Greenhalgh, backs, Mercer, Gee, and Thomson (captain) half-backs, Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes forwards, referee W.J. Lewington att, 27,548.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton reserves 3 Preston North End 0
November 14, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 14)
Preston suffered badly in comparison with Everton and were deservedly beaten. Morton Jackson and Jones were strong in defence for the home side which Milligan who appeared as pivot did not weaken a good line of halves. All the forwards played well. But special mention mush be made of Joe Davies and Sharp for the way they took their chances. In Fairbrother the visitors had a fine custodian. The backs were inclined to be erratic. But Miller, at centre-half played a grand game. Their best forwards was Lowrie who lacked support. Davies (2), and Sharp were the scores. Everton team, Morton goal, Jackson and Jones (je) backs, Britton, Milligan, half-backs, Cunliffe, Bell , Sharp (NW) and Davies (j), forwards
GEORGE MAHON CUP-FIRST ROUND
Everton ‘’A’’ 4 Wigan Athletic reserves 1
November 14, 1938 Liverpool Daily Post
The clever football served up by Everton enabled them to avenge the league reverse sustained at Wigan earlier in the season. Roberts (2), Wyles and McMurray for Everton, Holmes replying. Played 11, won 9 lost 1 draw 1 for 38 against 15 points 19
WET GROUNDS DO NOT SUIT EVERTON
November 14, 1938. The Evening Express
Slippery Ball Causes Birmingham Slip-Up
By Pilot.
If Everton slip up in their race for the championship of the First Division, it may come when we get wet, as apart from heavy grounds. When they went down by the only goal to Birmingham at St. Andrews, on Saturday I saw sufficient to convince me that if the Blues do slip it will be brought about by a slippery ball! Their chief falling against Birmingham was their inability to trap, quickly a wet ball which moved at pace off the wet turf. Instead of making it their own, they were inclined to allow it to move away from the foot sufficient to make the tackling of the keen Birmingham defenders effective. It helped the Midlanders who, during the game, had three different centre half-backs. Birmingham are keen, quick, and accomplished, but they will admit they were a trifle fortunate to secure both points. Everton were the complete masters in the first half. They should have turned around three goals. Yet they were a goal down. For half an hour in the second half Birmingham played as men inspired, but in the last quarter Everton hammered at their door incessantly at their door incessantly without being able to snatch the game out of the fire. Apart from that trapping failing, there was nothing about the play of Everton which one could criticize. It was more the brilliant defensive work of Birmingham rather than their own lack of punch which denied them a goal. Mercer was in international form for Everton, and Charlie Gee proved that the Blues are fortunate in having such a grand reserve pivot. Thomson was purposeful, although erring when the vital goal was scored by Phillips just before half-time. Cook and Greenhalgh were the perfect backs. The Everton attack played rather too much to the right flank, leaving Boyes idle, but the midfield work and the graceful method of approach delighted. My only advice to the Blues is –get used to that slippery, fast-moving ball!
Pilot sports Log
Everton may or may not win cups and championships, but even if failure is to be their lot they will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have done one football community a really good turn. Strange as it may seen, Everton have been responsible for placing Harrogate back on the football map! In Harrogate they have some out-and- out soccer enthusiasts, but the town itself is not really Soccer-minded. The local side has been disbanded and the “city fathers” contemplated selling the local ground for building purposes. Everton decided on Harrogate for special training purposes, and so popular have they become there, that the town council have decided to keep the town ground –for football. Everton, you see, do their training there. Now there is a big wave of enthusiasm and it is largely due to Everton.
Fire Works
November fifth celebrations seem to have been going to for more than a week in Harrogate. Yes, Everton were responsible for that also. The lads have had a great time with their crackers and squibs. One of their gaps is to place little pellets into cigarettes and then generously give the cigarettes away. I was made the present of one on our way to Birmingham. Gratefully I accepted it, but after two puffs there was a minor explosion! It is all good fun and does keep the lads in rare spirits.
At St. Andrews.
Everton had a good following at St. Andrews, where we missed one of football’s most popular managers, George Liddell. He was away seeking players for Birmingham. Mr. Bill Dare, director, and Jackie Bestall, the Birmingham coach, acted as hosts. Walter Abbott, the famous Everton half-back of 30 years ago, came along to greet his Goodison friends. He looks in fine fettle and sends greetings to Merseyside. Mr. Alf Denaro, chairman of the Everton shareholders Association, and son, Bill from London, were present, while Mr. Cobham made one of his rare visits. Mr. Alec Lomax, and faithful, Mr. Harold Williams were other Blue supporters “on duty.” In my travels I caught sight of Mr. Ernie Blackburn, Wightman, manager of Notts Forest, was on our train –also out for “spotting.” On the way home we struck Bolton Wanderers Reserves with Albert Geldard in the party. There was quite a re-union.
EVERTON’S FAILURE TO CROWN APPRAOCH WORK WITH SHOTS
November 14, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Loses Them Points At Birmingham
Ranger’s Notes.
After winning the first three away games, of the season on the run Everton have not gained a solitary point from their last four, during which they have scored only two goals to their opponents’ eleven, but they came near to achieving victory at Harrogate. Had they been as good in front of goal as they were in approach work they would have got at least a point. The trouble was the most of their shots lacked both direction and power, and though they piled on heavy pressure for half an hour in the latter part of each half they could not break down Birmingham’s dour defence, despite the fact that late on the home side had centre half Halsall a passenger on the right wing and Dearson and Richards were both robbed of some of their earlier effectiveness through injury. This is the second time Everton have been defeated by the bottom club in the table. Huddersfield had the honour first, and the precariousness of Birmingham’s League position was reflected in the doggedness and determination of the play, particularly in defence. The halves and backs tackled with scarily regard for the niceties of ceremony. Lawton in particular coming in for some very rough treatment at times, but when Everton decided to try to beat the Midlanders at their own game they reduced their chances of pulling the game out of the fire. More often than not the player who retaliates comes in for an admonitory wigging from the referee while earlier offenders get off scot free, and so it was here. Gillick was caught in the act, and had his name taken. Gee received a warning following an incident which to my mind, was not so serious as some which had gone before, and Mercer was twice spoken to.
A Gallant Fight.
In the latter’s case the reason for the first tickling-off was not apparent at the time, but from what Mercer told me afterwards it appeared that he was the innocent sufferer of a remark made by an opponent. With the exception of one period of 20 minutes in the second half, Everton did three-quarters of the attacking all through, and in the last 10 minutes of the game so penned in were Birmingham, that Sagar advanced from his goal and stood on the far side of the penalty arc. In spite of all their efforts, however, Everton could not wear down the home side’s stubborn defence, and Birmingham deserved reward for their gallant fight against odds following their injuries. The visitors did their best shooting in the first half hour but apart from a fierce Lawton drive and two good attempts each from Gillick. Bentham and Stevenson, the home goalkeeper, had nothing of any note to bother him. It was a bad day for accurate craftsmanship, however, for the top surface was so treacherous that it was difficult to keep a foothold, and the greasy ball flew off at a tangent when hit anywhere bar dead centre. It is a long time since there were so many sliced clearances and shots in one goal at this produced. Birmingham’s goal came two minutes before the interval from one of the spasmodic raids which had represented their only form of attack this half. Everton had been covering round the home goal for several minutes, even Cook having a shot from inside the penalty area, and when Jones put across a long centre Phillips took advantage of the spread-eagled defence to head past Sagar’s hands. Sagar had little chance at it, for he was hampered by the close attendance of another forward, and he dealt confidently with the few other shots which he had Greenhalgh and Cook were sound, on former being the beat defender on the field, though Hughes, of the home side, ran him close, while Gee, who took the place of T.G.Jones, proved that he is still a Rock of Gibraltar in the middle.
Lawton’s Ambition.
The forwards were good in midfield, but slipped a cog when it came to applying the finishing touches to their work. Lawton got few passes of real value, and was so crowded out when he did receive the ball that it was almost an impossibility to get in either a dribble or a shot. Gillick played well all through, and was always in the right spot at the right time, but Boyes faded out somewhat after a good first half, though he dropped one lovely shot on to the crossbar late in. T.G.Jones has been having a little trouble with the ligaments of his ankle recently, and the knock he got at Edinburgh did not mend matters. He is giving it all the rest he can, and hopes to be fit for Saturday next. Tommy Lawton tells me that he is feeling no ill results from the heavy two-matches-a-week programme that has been his lot for the past five weeks. It is a heavy strain for any player, even one will so sturdy a frame and strong a constitution as his, and I would not have been surprised to hear that it was having some effect, but Lawton assures me this is not the case. After Wednesday, however, he can get back to a steady once-a-week game for a couple of months, until the Cup-ties come along at any rate. Lawton is looking forward to the possibility of making the South African trip this season with the F.A. touring side. If he maintain the form he has shown so far this season, there will be little doubt about his selection.
EVERTONIANS IN CENRAL LEAGUE
November 15, 1938 The Liverpool Daily Post
Notes
Central league lost to London combination, Jackson Jones (je), and Britton played for the Central League. . Britton was the best half-back in match, which the combination won 4-2.
ANFIELD’S LANCS. CUP “DERBY”
November 15, 1938. Evening Express.
Tomorrow’s Clash With Everton.
By Pilot.
Merseyside will stage a Lancashire Senior Cup “Derby” match tomorrow. Liverpool and Everton fare each other at Anfield in the second round. It is not often that these clubs clash in the competition, and this game provides a rare treat for the mid-week enthusiasts. Liverpool have already played three games in the competition. They played two draws with Blackburn Rovers before succeeding in the second replay. Everton disposed of Burnley at the first attempt. Both clubs will field strong sides, which will be selected at tonight’s meetings of the directors, and there is promise of some enjoyable football. Both teams posses strength at half-backs, and I think it will be forward effectiveness that will decide a close match. Liverpool (probable); Kemps; Ramsden, Peters; Eastham (S), Bush, Brownings; Jones, Done, Patterson (E), Patterson (G), Kinghorn. Everton; (probable); Morton; Jackson, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Lindley; Merritt, Cunliffe, Bell, NW Sharp, Davies (Joe)
JONES RETURNS FOR THE BLUES
November 16, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton will be at full strength once more for their games this week-end. T.G. Jones has not fully recovered from the ankle injury which he received when playing for Wales a week ago at Edinburgh, and accordingly will return to the side in place of Gee for the visit of Manchester United, at Goodison Park on Saturday, the team reading:- Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Everton’s team to meet Stoke City at Stoke, in a Central League game on Saturday will be; Morton; Jackson, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Milligan; Merritt, Cunliffe, Bell, NW Sharp, Davies (J)
EVERTON AT STRENGTHEN
November 16, 1938, The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Jones (TG) the Everton Welsh international centre-half-back, has recovered from his injury received in the game with Scotland, that kept him out of the Goodison Park team at Birmingham and he will return to the side in place of Gee for the match with Manchester United at Goodison Park.
ANFIELD CUP “DERBY” DRAWN
By watcher.
November 16, 1938. Evening Express
Liverpool and Everton met at Anfield today in the second round of the Lancashire Senior Cup, before a crowd of 9,000. Liverpool: - Kemp goal, Peters, and Ramsden backs, Eastham (s), Bush and Browning, half-backs, Jones, Done, Patterson (e) Patterson (g) and Kinghorn forwards. Everton: - Morton goals, Jackson and Jones (je), backs, Britton, Gee, and Watson half-backs, Barber, Cunliffe, Bell, Sharp (NW) and Davies (j), forward. Referee E.W.Baker (Blackery). Liverpool had a goal lead in the first six minutes, Eastham being the scorer. Within a minute, however, Everton were on level terms, Sharp, the inside left, heading into an open goal with the Liverpool backs vainly trying to prevent the score. Kinghourn was often in the picture with dazzling runs down the wing, and the Liverpool inside men might have made better use of his centres. Sharp was the danger man in the Everton forward line, but found Ramsden and Peters safe. The Reds came near a second goal when Jones put in a nice centre, but one of the Red’s forwards –there were three or four around the goalmouth –handled the ball. Everton took up the attack and after promising a goal for about five minutes. Bell gave them the lead when he beat Kemp from close in after 42 minutes.
Half-Time; Liverpool 1, Everton 2.
Liverpool missed several chances because of hesitation, but after 80 minutes Paterson (E) headed the equaliser. Final Liverpool 2, Everton 2.
EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL TO REPLAY
Liverpool Reserves 2 Everton reserves 2
November 17, 1938, Liverpool Daily post
Lancashire Cup-Tie
Liverpool and Everton each scored twice in the Lancashire Senior cup-tie at Anfield Yesterday. So there is to be a second meeting. Next Wednesday at Goodison Park, at 2-15, when followers of our senior clubs will have an opportunity of seeing the Reserve talent try their strength again. Yesterday game opened up brightly. Liverpool scored after 6 minutes, Gee having had the misfortune to deflect an Eastham centre with his head, and Everton put themselves square in the next minute with a goal by N.W.Sharp. But apart from these thrills the game was disappointing and only for the stern endeavour on all sides there was little to suggest that ‘on paper’’ the sides were so talented. Liverpool were doing all the attacking when Bell scored and gave Everton a lead that lasted until 10 minutes from the end. Then, for once Paterson (g) finished one of many fine bit of dribbling with a good pass to Kinghorn and that players swift centre was flicked in Dean style by Patterson (e) for the equalising goal.
Sharp’s Fine Play.
In the meantime Everton had enjoyed no fewer than 3 chances of making it 3-1, to say nothing of two possible penalty awards which might but did not, come their way. Bell was particularly remiss in his finishing, and N.W.Sharp. Whose other play had won him the game’s honours was equally slow after an individual effort had opened up the way. Sharp who is an amateur (incidentally he is not related to the former Everton director of the same name). Is small and rather frail at the moment, but his strengths in his ability to dig the ball up cleverly for his partners and his knowledge of where the ball should go certainly led to the spread-eagled position in which Bell found himself when he scored. Liverpool’s pertinacity once again kept then in the running and in this respect it is only fair that Browning enthusiasm at half-back has a lot to do with his side’s measure of success. Everton’s defence was sound enough to keep Patterson (e) and other quiet for long spells, but the strange thing was that Kemp had little to do whereas Morton, especially in the first half, had some anxious moments. It was good, to see Gee controlling the opposition and his temper at all times. He played a game remarkable for its restraint. Since there was so many occasions when the temper of either side might have come to the top. Jackson’s speed helped in his work against Kinghorn and Watson Britton (naturally enough in the latter case) were outstanding figures. Eastham (s), and two stern full backs in Ramsdem and Peters were Liverpool’s best. Result Liverpool 2 Everton 2.
Liverpool: - Kemp goal, Peters, and Ramsden backs, Eastham (s), Bush and Browning, half-backs, Jones, Done, Patterson (e) Patterson (g) and Kinghorn forwards.
Everton: - Morton goals, Jackson and Jones (je), backs, Britton, Gee, and Watson half-backs, Barber, Cunliffe, Bell, Sharp (NW) and Davies (j), forward. Referee E.W.Baker (Blackery)
CAPS FOR EVERTONIANS
November 17, 1938, Daily post
Mercer, Lawton play for England against Ireland, winning 7-0, in front of 40,386 Cook, Stevenson for Ireland.
MANCHESTER UNITED MAY BE EIGHTH IN A ROW!
November 18, 1938. Evening Express
Everton Should Keep Great Home Record
By Pilot
Everton, the only club in the First Division left with a 100-per-cent home record, face the challenge of Lancashire rivals in Manchester United at Goodison Park tomorrow. Grimsby Town, Brentford, Portsmouth, Liverpool, Wolves, Leeds United and Middlesbrough in a row have been beaten at the Walton enclosure, and in these games Everton have scored an aggregate of 21 goals to three! Manchester United have secured only half the number of points gained by the Blues in a similar number of matches, an in away games they have secured only four points out of 14 played for. They have won only one game out of the last six played this at Aston Villa a fortnight ago. This form does not indicate that the Old Trafford men can upset Everton whose form in home games this season has been little short of sensational. Everton played well enough at Birmingham last week to win. Their fault lay in finishing ability. If that fault is eradicated tomorrow then the United should after their second defeat on Meresyside this season. They lost at Anfield 1-0. The Blues’ international came through Wednesday’s test in Manchester without injury. Cook was suffering from a slight stiffness in a leg early in the week, but he is all right. The Blues should record their eighth home win of the season. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
Challenge Match.
It is probable that a return challenge match between the “A” teams of Liverpool and Everton will be played this season. This time at Goodison Park will probably be the venue. Last season the match was played at Anfield as the result of a friendly challenge seeing that the two play in different competitions and Liverpool won well. Everton “A” engage in the second round of the Liverpool Challenged Cup at Bellefield, West Derby, tomorrow. They face St. Edward’s Old Boys –a Liverpool League side. Everton “A” Lovett; Prescott, Saunders; Lambert, Edwards, M. Hill; Barber, McMurray, Wykes, Griffiths, Roberts.
EASY FOR EVERTON?
November 18, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
While Everton’s away form has gone all plot they are still supreme at home, and I don’t think they have anything to fear from Manchester United who are at Goodison Park tomorrow. You may say that any opposition is to be feared no matter what their position is in the League table, and to some extent you would be right, but I don’t think that the Old Trafford brigade is the one which is going to have the honour of lowering Everton’s home flag. The reason is that I look upon the United as a very moderate side. True, any side can spring a surprise, but this would not be a surprise but a sensational; at least that is my impression. For some reason or other Everton have lost the art of scoring away from home. Their general play is good enough, but as I have so often stated good football without finish gets you nowhere. I have seen good football made to suffer, because there has been no finality about it. It has been good to the eye, but no good to the credit balance.
Two Games Per Week.
At home the side is full of shots, and although one must not treat the Manchester defence in a light-hearted manner, I don’t think it will be staunch enough to hold down the Everton line which can score goals like it can at Goodison Park. The Manunians have been doing a lot of shuffling about in recent weeks in an endeavour to put the right side but it has not been reached and I feel that the Everton defence strengthened by the return of Tommy Jones will prove too powerful for a variable attack. Several of Everton’s players have been called upon to play two games a week for some time, is that making any difference? I had a talk with a director, a few days ago, and he thought it was, but Lawton is so young in years that two games a week should not greatly affect him. Everton are again a full strength and that means a whole lot to a team. They have distinctly fortunate in the majority of games. The United will bring a strong team, but I feel that it will suffer the fate of all teams this season at Goodison Park –a defeat. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
EVERTON SIGN JUNIOR PLAYERS
November 19, 1938 Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton last night signed two junior players from Ellesmere Port district. They are Derek Williams centre-half aged 15, standing 5ft 113/4 inches and weighting nearly 12st. and Reginald Williams a left half back, aged 17, standing 5ft 9ins and weighting 10st 7lbs.they were signed on amateur league forms. They have been playing for Little Sutton Juniors, leaders of the Babington League.
EIGHT HOME SUCCESS
November 19, 1938. Liverpool Football Echo
Lawton’s Double For Everton.
Fine Gillick Goal
By Ranger.
Everton won their eight successive home match this season by a convincing margin against a very scrappy United side. Had the home side made the most of their chances the score would have been doubled. Breedon played a magnificent game in the Manchester goal. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Cook and Grrenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones, and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Manchester United: - Breedon, goal; Redwood and Roughton, backs; Warner, Manley, and Whalley, half-Backs; Rowley, Gladwin, Smith, Carey, and Wrigglesworth, forwards. Mr. G. Salmon (Stoke-on-Trent). Manchester United made four changes in their side, among them Whalley, who came in for the first time this season. The game was only a couple of minutes old when the United goal had a succession of narrow escapes within the space of sixty seconds. First Stevenson hit the crossbar after receiving a nice pass from Lawton as the latter fell. Then Gillick shot into the side rigging, and Lawton was only a yard outside. The Everton centre forward and Breedon was slightly hurt when they came into collision, but quickly recovered. Everton were not long to be denied, and at the seventh minute they were a goal up. It originated in a throw-in, which might never have happened if Whalley had been a little quarter.
Lawton’s Cool Header. Gillick took it without delay and threw the ball to Stevenson who had crossed over to the right wing. Stevenson hooked it over a defender’s head to Lawton who coolly headed the ball to the left hand side of Breendon. Everton continued to give the United defence some anxious moments, none more so then when Bentham hit the side net support with a rasping drive. Thomson also tried a shot that was well wide of the mark. Gladwin set United going on the right, but Cook neatly robbed Wriggglesworth and coolly grassed to Mercer to complete the clearance. Everton were soon back in their opponents half, and Gillick might have done better than shoot outside when Lawton gave him a nice opening by heading the ball down to his feet as Gillick veered in towards the centre. Bentham’s direction was no better when he shot three yards outside from an unmarked position. The visitors defenders were falling into the error of overkicking their forwards with the result that the ball was frequently providing clean and unhurried clearance by the home backs. United most dangerous looking thrust came from Wrigglesworth, but after a startling run on the wing he found his centre blocked by Cook and cleared by Mercer.
Chances Wasted.
Everton had enough changes to have been three up in the first half-hour, and Gillick missed another when he shot right across the goal from well inside the penalty area. Rowley caused Sagar to make a good catch, and for a few moments the United had a spell of attack. Yet the home defence was as sure and confident in its work that the equaliser never looked likely. Then Everton came again and juggled with the ball for fully a minute within, striking distance of Breedon, but always there was a foot, a head or part of a body to prevent the ball from reaching its objective until finally Boyes shot wide. Breedon made a wonderful save right on the line at the foot of the post from Stevenson after good combination between the shooter, Bentham and Gillick. Offside ruined what looked like developing into a stern United challenge for the equaliser, and then Smith missed a great opportunity. He had only Sagar to beat, but as the position was angled when Sagar advanced Smith put the ball square across the goalmouth for what was intended to be a pass to Carey, but unfortunately for United it went straight to the foot of Cook. Breendon saved a Stevenson header in confident fashion at the angle of post and crossbar, and then Gillick, who had been Everton’s cleverest forward so far put a beautiful up-the-middle pass to Stevenson, who once more went near.
Half-Time, Everton 1, Manchester United 0.
Gillick, who in the first half had at times been almost Mathews-like with his clever footwork, caused Breedon to save twice soon after the resumption, his second shot, from the centre forward position being a rasper. At the other end Sagar had to be quick to catch a hot one from Rowley from 30 yards range. Everton went further ahead at the 53rd minute as a result of a move started by Gillick, who veered to inside left, passed to Boyes, and when the latter centred both Lawton and Breedon jumped for the ball. Breedon failed to get it away, and Lawton just managed to get his foot to it from out of a ruck of defenders to score a ragged sort of goal. Gladwin, who had been the starting point of most of United’s attacks, set Smith going, but Jones (TG) robbed him neatly. Rowley was winded, and Warner got a nasty crack on the ankle which caused him to limp for sometime. Then the home goal had a miraculous escape from a corner taken by Wrigglesworth, the ball spun along the face of the crossbar and with Sagar beaten a goal seemed certain, but Greenhalgh headed away in the nick of time. Gillick crowned his good work by a goal at sixty-five minutes with the best shot of the match so far. He got his chance from a Lawton pass, his shot giving Breedon no possible chance. Compared with the first half, the shooting on both sides was now much better and when Smith put in a fierce drive from just on the edge of the penalty area. Sagar had to be quick to turn the ball round the post. It was plainly a corner, but the referee pointed for a goal kick and struck to his decision, despite United’s protest. The visitors fought back gamely, and Cook and Greenhalgh were busier now than at any previous part of the game. Everton might have scored a fourth goal had Lawton got hold of the ball properly when nicely positioned. Gillick hit the side netting and a powerful drive from Stevenson struck a defender. In the last quarter of an hour Everton were toying with a tired and disunited United. Jones (T.G), Cook and Greenhalgh had been an insurmountable barrier to Manchester’s forward line. Final Everton 3, Manchester United 0.
LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK AND TAPPING FROM MY TYPEWRITER
November 19, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Ranger.
• Hard kicking Willie Cook Everton’s Irish International full back, will very soon be joining the list of players with 200 Football League appearances to their credit. He has only to be marked present on two further occasions to send up this figure. Cook now in his seventh season with the Goodison Park club, has proved himself a grand servant and a more daring and whole hearted player it would be difficult to find Willie fears no foe, in spite of the fact that he stands no more than 5ft 7 ½ ins. Born in Colerain, Northern Ireland, he first came into promince with Port Glasgow Juniors from whom he went to Glasgow Celtic, making 103 appearances with the latter club. He joined Everton from the Celtic club on December 30, 1932, and made his League debut the following day v. West Bromwich Albion, since when he has been a worthy Goodison defender. He is playing better than ever this season in club games, but don’t mention Old Trafford to him yet a while. Cook has played more than a dozen games for Ireland and of them all he will remember with least satisfaction the most recent for he simply couldn’t do anything against Matthews.
• Some folk assert to this day (writes Hambletonian) that there was never a better goalkeeper than Jack Robinson, of Derby County, who afterwards played for New Brighton Tower when they made their meteoric flash in the Second Division of the League, just over forty years ago. Where Jack is now I do not know, but I last heard of him in New York some years ago. Yet he was the “hero” of one of the most amusing episodes ever connected with Goodison park some where about 1897. Everton at that time allowed an elder lady to sell sweets inside the field, and as she came by the back of the goal, she offered Jack a packet. Now Jack was a real character with the ladies, and he immediately went to the back of the net took the toffee and naturally thanked his benefactress, smiling sweetly to her, as he said honeyed words. Unfortunately he had not noticed the position of play before leaving his post, for before he could get back Hartley, the Everton centre barged the ball through an untenanted goal to the consternation of almost everyone. Jack looked very foolish, and what Archie Goodall, the Derby captain said to him can only be conjectured.
EVERTON’S BOYS RIGHT SORT
November 19, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Twenty-Year-Olds Rise To Top
The Magistrate In The Boardroom; Mr. George Evans.
By Stork.
Football today is more hectic than it has ever been. Only the strong and young can go through a strenuous season without feeling the effects of the incessant strain put upon them. I can name two famous clubs who have suffered and are suffering through their “kindness” in standing by their old players just a shade too long. I feel sure Manchester City were relegated because of the misplaced sentiment, and the Arsenal stood by their old players until it burst upon the management that new and young blood had to be secured, before it was too late. Major Buckley started the world a few seasons ago when he got rid of all his old players and brought in what the public through were a lot of boys. His belief in youth was questioned by the Wolves followers, but it was not longed before the wisdom of his judgment was made manifest. The Wolves had one of their best seasons with a “gang of kids” who most of us through were being flung to the lions. Let us take a look at the international teams. Stan Cullis at 22 has captained England this year. Tommy Lawton has not missed a representative match at 19. Tommy Jones has made his position as centre half for Wales his own at 20; Gillick’s Scotland’s outside left; and there are many such cases. The F.A. have realized that it is the turn of youth. They have kept in a sparkling of age, but youth predominates. Liverpool have one of the youngest sides ever, and Everton present team is made up of a youngsters who would one time have been considered too young. While honours have been falling thick and fast on the Everton players this season –eight have been chosen for representative games this year –let us not forget that one of the directors, Mr. George Evans has been honored by the city of the birth. No footballer can be more proud of his “cap” than is Mr. Evans on his appointment to the magisterial bench as a J.P. for the city of Liverpool. To be honored by one’s own city is a great joy, Mr. Evans thinks so. It is said that a prophet hath no honour in his own country, but the city fathers have shown, by bestowing on Mr. Evans this signal honour, that they do not forget his great work on behalf of Liverpool. Mr. Evans was the chief officer of the Public Assistance department before his retirement on account of ill-heath in 1936. Originally intended for the teaching profession. Mr. Evan’s interests always lay in poor law and Liverpool have benefited from the fact that he has spent all his life in such work in the city. He is still tending a hand on various committee in the city. To name but two. He is vice-chairman of the Unemployment Assistance Board and on the executive of Liverpool Occupational Centre. He just cannot keep out the City life. We don’t want him to keep out of such matters at his finger tips. He was known as the model officer. The other side of Mr. Evan’s life is centered on football, the Everton Football Club, to which board he was elected in 1932, the season that his club went to Wembley and conquered. Could anyone have a better initiation to the game, for as he said at the time “I am a baby in football management.” But he was quick to learn. When he goes into a thing he does into it thoroughly. I have travelled miles with Mr. Evans, and have never experienced a dull moment. You cannot be dull with George –he just won’t allow it. He can while the hours with his stories and his impersonations are “to life”. Get him on his Army life and you have Mr. Evans at his best. Yes he was a quartermaster-sergeant in the Pals, and ran a concert party up the line. I can imagine what it was like with him at the helm. It could not be anything else but a riot. Mr. Evans has always had a great interest in great winter games. As a boy he claimed the South-end as his home district, so it was only natural that he should play for his school team, St. Cleopas, as an outside right. Upon leaving school he did not cast the game aside, but joined up with a Zingari League club and played for years in that association. It was a good grounding from a player point of view but Mr. Evans is happy as an administer. His management of affairs has stood him in good stead in his capacity as a director and he has done excellent work for Everton on the finance and ground committees.
HOME RECORD RETAINED
Everton 3 Manchester United 0 (Game 1661 over-all)-(Div 1 1619)
November 21, 1938 Daily Post
By Ranger
Skill of Everton attack
Everton gained their eight successive victory at Goodison Park and preserved their unbeaten home certificate by a margin which was sufficiently convincing to disarm serious criticism. Yet it must be admitted that their shooting left something to be desired and had they taken full toll of their numerous opportunities they might have won by their biggest score this season. As it was they had to be satisfied with three goals, while Manchester United despite some occasional flashes of good work in midfield, were denied the consolation of even one. Whatever Everton’s shortcoming in front of goal, however, the forwards pleased their supporters by the excellent of their approach work, the ease and accuracy with which they found one another with passes and their clever footcraft. After Lawton had opened the score in 7 minutes with a header from Stevenson’s pass, which the centre forward placed in deliberate fashion outside Breedon’s out-stretched hands, the home attack played as though they knew they could win, when, they wanted. They passed and repassed in bewilding fashion until the Manchester defence hardly knew it was on its head or its heels.
More Punch Needed.
It was all very pretty to watch, but a risky sort of business with so slender a lead and, against a side with more method and punch, they might have been made to pay the penalty. As it was, through the visitors had quite a fair share of the attack in the first half, they were tarred with the same brush as Everton when it came to finishing, and the equalizer seldom looked like materializing. The nearest approach was when Smith struck out on his own; found himself badly angled as Sagar advanced and in trying to put a square pass to Carey. Who would have had the empty goal to shoot into could do no better than place the ball to the foot of Cook. Lawton’s second goal which came eight minutes after the resumption was a scrabbled sort of affair. It was started by Gillick veering to inside left, where he passed to Boyes and when the latter centered Breedon appeared to be impeded. Two defenders failed to get the ball away after the goalkeeper had lost touch with it and then Lawton struck out his foot and hooked into the net. The third goal was the best of the day when Lawton found himself crowded out, and neatly flicked the ball to Gillick the winger, the put in a terrific drive which left Breedon helpless.
Everton’s football after Lawton’s second goal was more entrancing then ever, thanks partly to the fact that United’s wing halves had gone to pieces and for a time they simply toyed with the opposition. Shooting was an improvement on what had gone before yet so solidly Manchester pack their goal area, that time and again likely shots struck defenders en route. When the ball did reach the goalmouth Breedon affected some excellent saves in confident fashion. The home goal was not without its anxious moments notably when Greenhalgh headed away off the line with Sagar well beaten by a Wigglesworth corner kick, and again when Sagar turned a fierce drive from smith round the post, but through Manchester launched several spasmodic raids, which looked likely to threatening danger they always petered out when within striking distance of the home goal.
Gillick and Stevenson.
Next to Gillick, who played one of his best games for a long time. Despite missing two good chances in the first half-hour, Stevenson was Everton’s best forward and with a bit of fortune, he might have joined the scores, for Breedon saved two of his attempts in brilliant fashion, one dead on the line and the other at the angle of the post and crossbar. Lawton with few chances beyond the two from which he scored, played his part well by concentrating the attention of the opposing defence on himself and plying his colleagues with promising openings: Breedon was his usual hardworking self. Boyes an off day. Mercer was excellent. So was Jones, and the backs and Sagar a confident game. Manchester were anything but United in attack for their line was straggling through out and though the wingers occasionally did clever things there was no finish to their work. Smith was too much in the grip of Jones to have much opportunity of distinguishing himself. Manley deputizing for Voce, played his part well, but the wing halves were weak. Redwood was the best of the backs. Both of whom got through a considerable amount of work with credit. Everton :- Sagar, goal, Cook, and Greenhalgh backs Mercer, Jones (tg), and Thomson (captain) half-backs, Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes, forwards Manchester United:- Breedon, goal, Redwood, and Roughton, backs, Warmer, Manley, Whalley, half-backs, Rowley, Gladwin, Smith, Carey Wigglesworth forwards, referee G Salmon (Stoke on Trent), attendances 31,809.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Stoke City Reserves 1 Everton reserves 2
November 21, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 15)
Everton thoroughly deserved their narrow victory at Stoke and their success carried more merit from the fact that Gee, their centre-half had to leave the field owing to injury in the second half and that Merritt was lame for a long time at outside right. Although he scored the winning goal midway through the second half. Sharpe for Everton, and Liddle for Stoke had score in the first half. Britton was a sound half and Cunliffe an aggressive forward for Everton, whose team work was much superior. Everton team, Moron, goal, Jackson and Jones (je), backs, Britton, Gee (captain), and Milligan, half-backs, Merritt Cunliffe, Bell, Sharp, and Davies (j) forwards. Placed 5th, won 9, lost 2, drew 2, for 26, against 27, points 20
LIVERPOOLL CHALLENGE CUP
Everton ‘’A’’ 5 St Edwards old boys 1
November 21, 1938, The Liverpool Daily Post
At west Derby the home side had nearly all the play during the early portion and although Wylie netted twice, Barber hit the crossbar and McNulty saved a shots from McMurray Simmons, and Roberts. The Everton Goalkeeper was tested by Mahoney, soon after the interval Edwards and Wyes increased Everton’s lead. Foulkes reduced the deficit. Edwards scored a fifth goal for Everton from a Penalty.
SWEENEY ON TRIAL
November 21, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
Everton are to give a trial in the central League side next Saturday to Sweeney, Witton Albion’s 19-years-old outside right, who played for the Cheshire F.A. side against Lancashire at Prescott on Saturday. An amateur who sought after by other big club’s including Huddersfield Town.
EVERTON CONTINUED ALL CONQUERING HOME CAREEE
November 21, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Witton Albion Winger To Have Goodison trial
Ranger’s Notes.
it clever combination, fancy footwork, intelligent inter-positioning and pretty pattern wavering are the be-all and end-all of League football, then Everton go to the top of the class for their exhibition against Manchester United, but if you are one of those who like to see allied to all that the facility to turn reasonable scoring chance into goals, then you will place Everton lower down in the register. When a team wins 3-0 it may savour of carping criticism to say they should have done better, yet there is no denying that had Everton made the most of even half their chances they would have doubled their score. They repeatedly wove their way in and out of the harassed Manchester defence in most bewildering fashion, only to fall dismally when it came to crowding their work in the only manner that counts. They should have been four up at the interval, instead of which they led only by a Lawton goal the result of a quick throw-in by Gillick. Everton frisked and finesse throughout the first half as through they knew they could win whenever they wanted. Against a more virile and cleverer side than United they might have paid the penalty for their over-elaboration. It was very nice to watch, but making two and sometimes three moves where one will suffice in a game where artistry and artfulness bring no material reward unless the ball finishes up in the net. Fortunately for Everton their opponents were just as remiss in front of goal, though they had not a tithe of the home side’s chances. Everton’s shooting improved in the second half; in which Lawton got his second goal, a scrambling sort of point, and Gillick put on a third with the best shot of the day. Having had our say about the home forwards finishing, let us pay tribute now to the excellence of their approach work and combination, which was well backed up by the intermediate line and was sheer joy to watch. Gillick played one of his best games since he donned a blue shirt, dancing and prancing in such dazzling fashion that we can forgive and forget his lapses in marksmanship. Stevenson, too, cut and carved his way through the United defence just as brilliantly, missed a couple of reasonably easy chances, but put in two shots which would have been winners against a less capable goalkeeper than Breedon. Lawton proved his worth in two-fold fashion by taking the only two real chances he got, and by keeping the opposing defence so busily engaged with his quick raids and dashes to the wings, that his colleagues were often left unmarked. Bentham’s worked hard, as he always does, but Boyes had an off day. There was little to choose between Mercer and Jones in the half back line, for both were excellent, while the rear trio played in confident fashion. After seeing United at Anfield, early in September, I opined they would have their work cut out to hang on to their promotion. Certainly their display on Saturday gave no grounds for changing that view. Manley did his work well at centre half. Breedon made some good saves in the second half when Everton’s shooting improved, and the backs could not be blamed for the defeat, but having said that there is little else left to advance on the credit side. While the attack did some race things on occasion it lacked a guilding personality to hold it together, and though they made numerous spasmodic raids few of them ever looked like producing a goal. The nearest approach came from a Wrigglesworth corner kick when the ball ran along the crossbar in remarkable fashion and Greenhalgh headed out on the line with Sagar beaten. Late on Sagar made a clever save from Smith diving at full length to turn the ball round the post.
United’s Need.
A notable visitor at the match was Mr. E. Wood, of Sheffield, who referred the cup final between Everton and Manchester City in 1933. In Liverpool on business he took the opportunity of another look at the ground where he has done so much “foot slogging” in past years. Though now retired from active services he still follows the game just as closely as ever. Mr. Harold Hardman, the Manchester United director and former Everton amateur winger, was also there to renew old friendships and talk over with former colleagues those pre-war days when the famous Sharp-Bolton-Young-Settle-Hardman combination was carrying everything before it. Look out for United making a big splash in the transfer market very shortly. They will not lose their new found status without a stern struggle and they have irons in the fire a bait the negotiation are yet in the embryo stage, which they hope to pull out soon. Though forwards are their most pressing need, a good right half would not come amiss, and if the price was right Everton might consider an offer for Britton. It would have to be substantial, for the club is in no hurry to part. Everton are to give a trial in their Central League side, at Goodison, next Saturday, to Sweeney, Witton Albion’s 19-year-old outside right, who has been attracting a lot of attention from senior clubs this season. While Huddersfield, West Bromwich Albion, and Sheffield United are among the half-dozen or so that have been on his trail, the player himself preferred to take his chance with Everton, who have watched him in his last four games and have been well pleased with his promise.
EVERTON WIN WITHOUT “PUNCH”
November 21, 1938. The Evening Express.
Stevenson The Star Against United.
By Watcher.
Everton have scored more goals than any other team in the First Division, and only Derby and Wolverhampton show a better defensive record. But, on Saturday against a more forceful side than Manchester United, the Blues might not have preserved their 100 per cent home record. Everton won 3-0, but only occasionally did they show that machine-like combination which has been a feature of previous home games. True, Lawton got two goals and Gillick one, but I though the line lacked “punch” near goal. Too many shots went wide, and passes went astray with astonishing regularity. Even Lawton lacked direction, and there was not the usual pace in his shots. Stevenson was the man of the match. He used the ball well and was always a danger to the United defence, in which Manley was outstanding. Gillick occasionally delighted with dazzling solo efforts, and Boyes put across some lovely centres which deserved a better fate. The Blues rearguard had not a great deal to do. The United’s forwards tried hard in midfield, but generally Jones and Company had their measure. The Manchester men often completely faded out in the Everton penalty area. Sagar dealt adequately with the few shots which came his way. Everton promised a spate of goals after Lawton had headed the first in eight minutes, but as I have said there was something missing. Maybe Blues’ stars are feeling the effects of the calls for representative games. My advice to Everton is; show a little more subtlety in feeding the forwards. Too many moves were “advertised” on Saturday.
SEMI-FINAL PLACE THE PRIZE
November 22, 1938. The Evening Express.
Everton-L’Pool Cup Duel At Goodison
Everton and Liverpool meet at Goodison Park tomorrow, for the right to enter the semi-final stage of the Lancashire Senior Cup and oppose Preston North End. It will be the third meeting between the Central League sides this season. In the League, Everton won at Anfield 2-1, and in the Lancashire Cup last week there was a draw 2-2 at Anfield. It will be Liverpool’s fifth game in the competition. They played three matches before they beat Blackburn Rovers in the previous match. Both clubs will field strong teams. They will be chosen at tonight’s meeting of the directors. There is an Everton doubt at centre half. Charlie Gee, the captain, was injured at Stoke, and if he cannot play Milligan will deputise. Liverpool will probably field their full Central League side. If the game is as good as that at Anfield, then it should provide a real treat for the mid-week enthusiasts. Everton (probable); Morton; Jackson, Jones (Jack); Britton, Gee (or Milligan), Watson; Barber, Cunliffe, Bell, N.W. Sharp, Davies (Joe). Liverpool (probable); Kemp; Ramsden, Peters; Eastham (S), Bush, Browning; Jones, Done, Patterson (E), Patterson (G), Kinghourn.
EVERTON-LIVERPOOL REPLAY
November 22, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Liverpool and Everton replay their drawn Lancashire Senior Cup tie at Gooodison tomorrow, kick-off 2.15. The sides –Central league –drew at Anfield last week, so Liverpool have already played four matches in the competition. It took them three triers to dispose of Blackburn Rovers. Tomorrow’s match will be attractive because any meeting between the reserve strength of our seniors is always capable of producing a hard game. The match a week ago was notable for its sternness. Everton are playing the same team. That brings to our notice an amateur N.W. Sharp, who promise to be a tip top player when he has put on a bit more weight. Everyone is confusing him with one of the late Mr. Jack Sharp’s sons. Actually N.W. sharp’s father is also a John Sharp, but he is not related to the other family. Liverpool are likely to play the team which did duty a week ago, but Jones who has had some trouble arising from his leg injury, is not a certainty. Everton ; Morton; Jackson, Jones (Jack); Britton, Gee (or Milligan), Watson; Barber, Cunliffe, Bell, N.W. Sharp, Davies (Joe). Liverpool ; Kemp; Ramsden, Peters; Eastham (S), Bush, Browning; Jones, Done, Patterson (E), Patterson (G), Kinghourn.
EVERTON AS USUAL
November 23, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
For their visit to Stoke City on Saturday, the Everton team will to unchanged from the side which vanquished Manchester United last week. Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
GOODISON PARK CUP REPLAY DRAWN
November 23, 1938. The Evening Express.
By Pilot.
Everton and Liverpool replayed their Lancashire Senior Cup second round tie at Goodison Park today. Teams:- Everton:- Morton, goal; Jackson, and Jones (je), backs, Britton, Milligan, and Watson, half-backs, Barber, Cunliffe, Bell, Sharp, and Davies (j) forwards. Liverpool: - Kemp, goal, Peters and Ramsden backs, Eastham (s) Easdale, and Browning, half-backs, Jones, Done, Patterson (e) Patterson (g) and Eastham (h) forwards. Referee Mr. EW Baker (Manchester). Good football was impossible in the mud and with the high wind, the ball more often than not beating the man. Liverpool’s defence stood firm, quick tackling by Easdale, Ramsden and Peters putting an end to many promising efforts. Liverpool provided some well-engineered moves, generally through the agency of Harry Eastham, whose ball control was a delight; but Done, twice, and Patterson missed easy chances before Morton fisted away over the head of Patterson. Liverpool exerted strong pressure towards the interval, but Jones and Jackson were fine in their defensive measures and Morton was untroubled.
Half-Time, Everton 0, Liverpool 0.
In 51 minutes Everton took the lead, barber broke through on the right and centred from the went off his hands into the net. Liverpool fought back in fine style and Done equalized in 62 minutes. The movement developed on the left, and Done burst through to shoot hard from short range, Morton turned the ball on to the crossbar but Done followed up and scored off the rebound. Everton regain the lead in 76 minutes, when Britton placed the ball up the middle, and Bell ran through to place low into the corner of the net. Liverpool were still having more of the game and in 80 minutes they were on terms again. Done scoring Ronnie Jones cut inwards and his low centre was missed. Done sent in a hook shot, Morton ran back and caught the ball, but it had crossed the line. Final Everton 2; Liverpool 2. Extra time should have been played, but owing to the conditions the referee dispensed with it. The clubs tossed for venue and the replay will take place at Anfield next Wednesday.
• Tranmere Rovers signed Dusty Miller, the former Everton player today for Burnley. At Burnley he missed only three first team matches this season and Tranmere had to pay a record fee to get his services to off competition from Falkirk.
LANCASHIRE SENIOR CUP
November 23, 1938. The Evening Express
Everton and Liverpool Draw A Replay.
By Ranger
Everton have today signed on professional forms their 18-year-old inside forward Norman Sharp. He joined the club as an amateur in August last year, played all last season in the “A” side, and this year have been doing very well in the Central League team. He is 5ft 7ins, in height, and weighs 10st 5lbs. Wretched weather conditions ruined the attendance at the replayed second round Lancashire Senior Cup-tie at Goodison Park, today, between Everton and Liverpool there being less than 2,000 spectators. The players were sliding about on a slippery surface like novices on an ice ring, and it was almost impossible to pass the ball with any degree of accuracy. Eastham made a sinuous dribble, but unfortunately in the wrong direction, and then Ramsden, who had been playing well at left back, headed away when Everton threatened danger. Eastham and Jackson provided the crowd with some light relief by their many tussles, and while Eastham was very tricky the honours at half-time were about even.
Half-Time, Everton 0, Liverpool 0.
Four minutes after the resumption Everton were a goal up when Kemp failed to hold a swinging centre from Barber. He went for it at the same time as Bell and Sharp, but the greasy ball seemed to slip out of his hands and over the line. Liverpool got no more than they deserved when they drew level at the sixtieth minute. Done being the scorer. His first attempt cannoned back to him off the woodwork, and he made no mistake with the second. Bell put Everton in front after 72 minutes. Done equalized ten minutes from the finished. In view of the conditions it was agreed not to play extra time. Final Result Everton Reserves 2, Liverpool Reserves 2.
TO MEET A THIRD TIME
Everton Reserves 2 Liverpool Reserves 2
November 24, 1938 Liverpool Daily Post
By Rangers
Lancashire cup tie replay
For the second time of asking, Everton and Liverpool failed to reach a definite decision in their second round Lancashire senior cup-tie played at Goodison Park yesterday. Both sides scored twice in the second half, bout owing to the wretched weather conditions extra time was not played and the third encounter for the right to meet Preston North End in the Semi-Final. Will take place at Anfield on Wednesday next. Liverpool having won the toss for the right of venue. Liverpool met Blackburn Rovers three times before they got through the preceding round. While adverse weather kept the attendance down to just over 2,000, those who braved the wind and rain saw plenty of hard and enthusiastic football for the trouble, and considering the slippery nature of the top surface with the centre of the field little more than a mud-patch, the standard of play was quite good, though the finishing could have been improved on both sides.
Skidding In The Mud.
If the first half yielded few thrills from a football point of view, it certainly provided some light relief for the spectators in the antics of the players as they strove to keep their footing, and footing, and within half-an hour several of those who had gone skidding full length through the mud were almost unrecognizable. Everton drew first blood after four minutes in the second half, when Kemp was at fault in trying to catch a hanging centre from Barber instead of punching it away. When he was challenged by Sharp and Bell the greasy ball slipped out of his grasp into the net. It was a lucky break for Everton, but the luck leveled itself later when Liverpool got the last goal of the day for when Done hooked in a shot from close range ten minutes from the end it seemed to me that Morton fell on the ball before it crossed the line. The referee however, was right on the spot and pointed to the centre without hesitation. Sandwiched between these two goals. Liverpool had got on level terms with Everton’s first point just on the hour. Done was again the scorer, and whereas Morton turned his first attempt on to the woodwork, the home goalkeeper was left helpless when the inside right banged it into the net from the rebound with a fierce drive.
Bell’s Clear Run.
Everton took the lead for the second time through Bell, who fastened on a long clearance during the heavy Liverpool outslaught got a clear run through when Easdale fell as he dashed over to tackle him, and scored the best goal of the day from the edge of the penalty area. A draw was a very equitable result for there was little to choose between the sides. Liverpool deserves credit for the courageous way in which they fought back when twice in arrears, and in their attack none did better than Done. Who knew where the goal was and made his way there by the shortest possible route Eastham (h) displayed all his old mastery of the art of dribbling and ball control, and proved beyond all doubt that his injury of last season had had no effect on his confidence, but too often he was pretty and entertaining without being effective. Peters and Ramsden were sound at full back, but best of all was the work of the half back line, in which Browning and Eastham (s) were outstanding, with Eastdale not far behind. Everton’s defence was also sound, and Milligan, who appeared at centre-half in place of the injured Gee, gave one of his best exhibitions since coming to Goodison. Several times he was there with head of foot just at the right moment. Barber came to his best in the second half, putting over some excellent centres. Bell was always a source of danger, and Sharp playing his first game as a professional he changed his status only yesterday morning-always used the ball cleverly.
Everton, Morton, goal, Jackson, and Jones (je), backs, Britton, Milligan, and Watson, half-backs, Barber, Cunliffe, Bell, Sharp,, and Davies (j) forwards. Liverpool: - Kemp, goal, Peters and Ramsden backs, Eastham (s) Easdale, and Browning, half-backs, Jones, Done, Patterson (e) Patterson (g) and Eastham (h) forwards. Referee Mr. EW Baker, Attendance, 2,068
CLEVER YOUNG EVERTON PLAYER
November 24, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
N.W.Sharp, the clever young Everton forward who has been playing finely in recent games, has signed Professional terms for the Goodison Park club. Her joined the club as an amateur in August last year, played all last season in the ‘’A’’ side and this year has figured in the Central league team. He stands 5ft 7ins and weights 10st 5lbs.
ONE TO WATCH
November 24, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Rangers Notes
Mr. George Evans, who has seen a lot of Sharp since he went to Goodison fifteen months ago, predicts a great future for him, and if anybody knows he should for there is no shrewder judge of a player in the making. I remember how, when nobody could find a good word to say for Gillick, George Evans maintained through thick and thin that the winter would prove worth every penny Everton had paid for him, and that he would play for his country this season. He did. He said the same about Boyes when the folk on the terraces were pulling him to pieces and Boyes got his cap, too; he stuck to his own opinion about Mercer when the wing half back was passing through a lean period, and Everton followers know how brilliantly Mercer has been playing this season, so I am putting Sharp in my notebook as one to watch in the future. Everton tried Milligan out at centre half in this match, and the experiment was well rewarded, for the former Oldham man played better than ever I have seen him. Time and again he nipped in at the critical moment. Mr. George Kay must have been pleased at the showing of Liverpool’s defence. Browning was a tower of strength. Peters showed up well, and ex-Corporal. Eastham mixed his game admirably to suit both attack and defence. It was a pity he hasn’t a few more inches to enable him to get at the ball better when it’s in the air. Harry Eastham proved that his injury has snapped none of his confidence. All his former wizardy in dribbling and the ball control were there in abundance, but if is to make these attributes carry their full weight he must not hang on to the ball so long. There comes a time when super-cleverness defeats its own object.
Shareholders Gathering.
I went on after the match to the Everton shareholders Association first hot-pot of the winter programme. Chairman Alf Denaro presided over the gathering his usual genial fashion, and paid in a brief speech a tribute to the Everton team for their good showing this season. Congratulated Mr. George Evans on his election to the magisterial bench, where he said, they and stand seats will be reserved, but early application is essential.
EVERTON’S TASK AT STOKE
November 25, 1938. The Evening Express.
By Pilot
Everton have a chance to end their prolonged run of non-successes in away matches. They tackle Stoke City at the Victoria-grounds, tomorrow. The Blues, after winning their first three away matches, have been beaten, in succession, at Huddersfield, Bolton, Leicester and Birmingham. Stoke are fourth from bottom in the League chart, and of seven home games they have won three. A feature of the game should be the duel between Stan Mathews and Norman Greenhalgh. Everton play their full strength. I am confident they can win. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
Everton are making an experiment with George Milligan, their strongly-built half-back secured from Oldham Athletic, at the back end of last season. Milligan came as a wing half back, but the Blues at the moment, are trying him at centre half. He fared well in the mid-week game with Liverpool and with Gee still unfit Milligan again acts as pivot in tomorrow’s Central League match at Goodison Park against Manchester United. Sweeney, the amateur outside right from Witton Albion will have a trial. Everton Reserves; Morton; Jackson, Jones (Jack); Britton, Milligan, Lindley; T.F. Sweeney, Cunliffe, Bell, Sharp, Davies (Joe).
EVERTON TO WIN
November 25, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton take their full team to the Victoria ground tomorrow, and if they will only realize that they have shooters in the line there is a possibility of an away win, something which has eluded them for some weeks. The Victoria ground has been the scene of many thrilling battles between Stoke City and Everton, and the honours in recent years have gone to the City. Now I do not rate the present City a great team by any manner of means, even though they have Stanley Matthews in the forward line. I know what Matthews can do, given half a chance but I have also seen him battened down very safely by a full back who adopts the right tactics against him. Greenhalgh and Thomson must not hold off when Matthews is in possession I would play Stan, by keeping alongside him. To start “jinking” in front of him is only asking for trouble. He is undoubtedly the cheekiest wing man playing. Thomson and Greenhalgh have talked this matter of Matthews over during the week, and will have avoided some plan as to how they will “tackle” the England right winger who is said to be the best ever. But a Matthews alone cannot win a game. He must have support, and as the present Stoke team is limping up, I do not think that the Everton defence will have a great task in holding their own. The Everton defence is very solid these days –forget Cook’s tousling at Manchester –and with the Irishman on his proper flank there will be the usual safe cover between the three chief defenders, Greenhalgh, Jones and Cook. It should be a rear battle, and you may think I am tempting with fate to mark Everton for a victory. Man for man I should say Everton were definitely superior to Stoke. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
EVERTON GOALLESS GAIN A POINT
November 26, 1938. The Evening Express
Fade Out After Bright Start
Defences On Top At Stoke.
By Pilot.
Everton’s disappointed in gaining only a point from an indifferent Stoke side with a goalless draw. The internationals, Lawton and Matthews, were well held –Lawton by Mould and Matthews by Greenhalgh. Stoke had innumerable chances; but Everton, after a bright opening, faded out. Defence were superior to attacks all through. Teams: - Stoke City: - Wilkinson, goal; Brigham and Tennant, backs; Soo, Mould and Kirton, half-backs; Matthews, Smith, Sale, Ormston and Griffiths, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Referee Mr. W. B. Nixon (Manchester). There was brightness about Everton’s opening play, with neat touches by Gillick and Bentham. Boyes shot over, and then Sale headed over the Everton goal, after good work by the former Rochdale boy, Griffiths. Everton’s forward work was a delight and they were getting the right material from which to work. Gillick and Mercer got Stoke going the wrong way, but when mercer centred, Wilkinson dived out and just diverted the ball from Lawton. Matthews, the magical, slipped by Greenhalgh, but Thomson brought out surprises speed to keep the winger at bay. The ball was punched back, for Soo to shoot on the run. Sagar saved. The next time Soo shot it was high and wide. The Blues were facing the sun, and wind –troublesome for the defence when the ball came at an angle.
Lawton Outnumbered.
Lawton snapped up a pass-through from Stevenson and slipped around Mould. Tenant came across and forced Lawton off the direct goal line, and eventually the centre forward succumbed to weight of numbers. Matthews broke through, and his swift centre was neatly knocked up and then caught by Sagar, Smith going headlong into the net. Stoke had an escape when Bentham put Stevenson through, and Stevenson rounded Mould and shot along the floor. Wilkinson got down to it and Stevenson, following up, sportingly jumped over the goalkeeper to avoid injuring him. Everton played with such coolness and precision that one could have taken it for an exhibition game. The City did not lack bite by any means. In fact, Ormston should have scored after 29 minutes, when he found himself with only Sagar to beat from 18 yards. He placed wide as Greenhalgh tackled him. Cook came through to link up with Gillick but as Gillick was going in, he tripped over Tennant’s foot. The City defence stood up to it well, and Wilkinson fisted away from Gillick’s cross, before Boyes headed outside. Greenhalgh cut out passes intended for Matthews. Smith, who was once with Chester, came right across the field with a neat dribble, but delayed his pass too long. Soo put through, but the shot was well off the target. The players were being troubled by the heavy state of the going. It upset the smoothness of passing movements. There was a big thrill when Cook passed back to Sagar with Sale and Griffiths running in. Sale just touched the ball and Sagar could not gain possession. Jones was on the spot to kick away. Everton have played better, but even so they stood out as the superior combination. Gillick put Boyes through, but Mould Stoke’s best player, blotted out the winger as he was about to shoot.
Half-Time Stoke City 0, Everton 0.
Greenhalgh had held up Matthews more than any back that I have seen. Everton had opened well, but faded out, and shot on the target was not good enough by any means. Stoke had neglected good chances, Ormston neglected another immediately on resuming. He had only Sagar to beat, yet shot beyond the far post. Matthews went inside and helped Sale to a nice offering. Sale’s shot was saved at full length by Sagar, who grabbed the ball away from the feet of Ormston. Mould was brilliant a centre-half for the City and now he cut out Gillick when the winger was almost through.
Stevenson’s Effort.
At last another shot by Everton. It was Stevenson again, and Wilkinson saved at full length. Tennant handled to stop Gillick getting away, but the referee rightly allowed play to proceed as Gillick was through. From the centre Lawton headed in well for Wilkinson to push the ball around the post. Next a Gillick centre sped through to Boyes, whose pointblank shot was also turned aside in brilliant fashion by Wilkinson. Next, Wilkinson dived out to save Boyes’ centre. The Blues had another escape when a long, hopping ball deceived Sagar, who was drawn out and beaten in the air by Sale. As Smith was going to tap through Jones and Cook held the ball practically on the line. Sagar leaped back into the crowd, grabbed the ball and finally emerged triumphant. It was curious that Everton should fade out after so promising an opening, and against such an indifferent side. Stoke had all the luck when Lawton put Stevenson clean through. The Irishman’s first shot beat Wilkinson but came back off the foot of the post, Stevenson shot again, but Wilkinson dived out to turn it round the post. Final; Stoke City 0, Everton 0.
EVERTON’S 1ST DRAW
November 26, 1938. The Liverpool Football Echo.
A Lucky Point At Stoke.
Blue’s Good Defence.
Everton were lucky to get a point. They were overplayed for three-parts of the game, but Stoke’s finishing was atrocious. This is Everton’s first drew of the season.
By Ranger.
Teams: - Stoke City: - Wilkinson, goal; Brigham and Tennant, backs; Soo, Mould and Kirton, half-backs; Matthews, Smith, Sale, Ormston and Griffiths, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Referee Mr. W. B. Nixon (Manchester). Stoke decided to bring in Ormston at inside left in preference to Liddle, while Griffiths, their new signing from Rochdale, made his debut at outside left. The crowd at the start was about 20,000. Gillick set Everton on the go with an early attack and forced a corner, but Boyes shot over. Matthews came into the picture with a well-judged pass, and Griffiths had an early chance to make his scoring mark for his new club, but elected to centre instead, and Jones headed away to safety. A neat Stevenson-Gillick-Bentham movement was ruined by offside, and then Mathews had the home crowd roaring when he beat Greenhalgh and Thomson in clever fashion, Soo shooting just over the bar from his pass. A moment later the Stoke half back put in a terrific drive which Sagar was glad to see pass outside. Lawton made his best run of the match so far, beating Mould and Tennant, but pushed the ball just too far forward to get in his shot. Stoke had most of the attacking in the first quarter of an hour, but their finishing was bad, and Sagar was not troubled as he might have been. On one occasion, however, only quick intervention on the part of Jones saved the visitors’ goal when Mercer, blinded by the sun, failed properly to get away a high ball. Stevenson who had been the chief schemer in the Everton attack had a great chance to put them in front but shot straight at Wilkinson, who made an excellent save from close range. At the other end Ormston was put through on his own by Sale, but Sagar’s handling was safe. Gillick, who was always dangerous, was brought down in the penalty area when well placed, but the referee was on the spot and made on award. Matthews was responsible for another sparking run. From his pass Ormston hit a first timer, which passed only a yard wide. There was plenty of fire and determination about Stoke and their forward work was excellent to a point, but most of their attacks broke down at the last moment. Everton were fortunate, however, not to be a goal down when Cook passed back to Sagar with two opposing forwards in close attendance, and the ball struck in the mud, but by a great effort Jones got their first. The visitors had yet another escape when Ormston was presented with a grit opening following a Matthews pass. The Everton defence stopped playing under the impression Ormston was off side but the referee waved him on and the Stoke man; instead of going ahead shot from the edge of the penalty area for Sagar to make a confident save. The Everton forwards were finding the ground a bit of a trouble to their combination, which was not as polished and accurate as usual. Gillick roused the ire of the crowd, and was spoke by the referee for a foul on Soo.
Half-Time Stoke City 0, Everton 0.
Over-Anxious Forwards.
Over-anxiety in front of goal had robbed Stoke of their chances in the first half, when they might have been two goals up, and the same fault was evident again soon after the resumption when Ormston missed a gilt-edged offering. It rose from a misunderstanding in the Everton defence, Jones expecting Sagar to keep out, but the best the Stoke man could do was to shoot well wide from twelve yards range. Thomson and Greenhalgh were keeping a tight rein on Matthews, but when the winger got away and veered inside to give Sale a beautiful up-the-middle pass, only a fine save by Sagar prevented a goal. Stoke at this stage were well on top but chance after chance went a begging through poor finishing. The Everton forwards livened up after a quiet spell after Lawton had been near with a header from one of the few chances which he had all through. Stevenson and Boyes tested Wilkinson. Stoke, however, were soon on the attack again, and in a melee in front of the visitors goal first Jones and then Sagar saved when all seemed lost. Jones was playing a brilliant game in the Everton defence, and time and again came to the rescue in the nick of time.
Stevenson Hits Post
Stevenson it the post with a magnificent shot from an Everton breakaway, which had Wilkinson beaten hollow. And then, with some bite coming into the game, the referee had occasion to speak to Smith and Kirton. Everton’s defence was having a grueling time so that when Thomson required the trainer’s aid for “mud in his eye” it was a welcome relief, Boyes and Gillick were doing their share in defence of the goal, with the result that when Lawton broke away well on the right he had to delay his centre until Stevenson galloped up, but the inside man shot weakly. A few moments later it needed the best that Wilkinson could do to save a Stevenson show with a full length dive. Stoke crowded on full sail in the closing minutes but the visitors defence fought every inch of ground with grim determination, Greenhalgh, Mercer, and Jones being outstanding. Final; - Stoke City 0, Everton 0.
• Everton had a representative at the Doncastle-New Brighton Cup-tie today. I understand their interest is in Stamps, the 19-year-old Raker, who is spoken of as one of the most promising forwards in the Northern Section. Everton are not alone, for Villa have taken a fancy to him, while they have been watching Frost the centre forward.
LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK AND TAPPINGS FROM MY TYPEWRITER
November 26, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Ranger.
• If the enthusiasm which was displayed at the Everton shareholders’ supper on Wednesday is any criterion, the Association is going to be a very live organization and a big force in the affairs of the club in days to come. I understand the membership is going on towards the second hundred, so that Secretary Alex Lomax has tackled no small task in taking on the job. I was surprised when Alex, told me, at Wednesday’s do,” that he has passed the Psalmist’s allotted span. He celebrated his 7oth birthday a week ago, but to look at him and know the vast amount of voluntary work he does in so many directions it is hard to credit it. The occasion was fittingly marked by a complimentary dinner given him by the Odd fellows, in which organization he has held every office, from Warden to Provincial Grand Master. Mr. Lomax’s services to football go back over half a century, and he is the possessor of a long-service medal for 35 years work, presented to him by the Liverpool County F.A. as far back as 1921. His father just missed getting a similar award as he died a few months before completing 21 years service. Had he lived father and son would have completed a unique record. Alex was the first secretary of the first football league formed in Liverpool, in 1888-89, and he still does his bit for the game by acting as honoury auditor of the County F.A. His is a record of which any man might well be proud.
• A player and a gentleman. The two terms are not always synonymous, but Mr. Ike Baker, the famous referee told me a story recently to the Liverpool Referee’s Society which instanced one case where they are. The player concerned was Hunter Hart the Everton assistant secretary, whom Mr. Baker had occasion to send off the field in the Cup-tie between Everton and Bradford at Park Avenue, fourteen years ago. “A fortnight afterwards,” said Mr. Baker “I was refereeing a League match at Goodison in which Hunter Hart took part. He smiled, shook me cordially by the hand and said he was pleased to see me once again. After the match, when I had a chat with him, I expressed my pleasure that apparently he hope no ill-will for what had taken place in the earlier game. “Why “Should I?” asked Hunter. “You had your job to do, and you did what you thought was your duty. I don’t hold it against any man who does that, and so far as I am concerned the matter is dead and done with. I hope we shall always be good friends, whatever happens.” We could do with more of that sort of spirit, and not in football alone.
• If Tommy Lawton can keep his nose in front of the rest of the marksmen in the four divisions of the League this season, he will bring another notable distinction to the annals of Everton. When he headed the list of goal-scorers last season (jointly with Roberts of Port Vale) he was the fifth Evertonian to lead the field in all four divisions, a distinction which no other club has ever held. His predecessors were Sandy Young, Bert Freeman, Bobby Parker and –need I say it? Bill Dean. Should Lawton finish the season again in front of all comers he will be the first Evertonians to perform the feat twice. There is a long way to go yet, but it is quite on the cards. If only his forward colleagues would give him the ball on the ground more often, instead of in the air, Lawton’s goal bag would go up by leaps and bounds.
EVERTON MUST NOT EASE UP
November 26, 1938. The Liverpool Echo.
Danger Of Over-Confidences;
Stanley Bentham; Another Product of the Goodison “A” Team
By Stork.
Everton and Derby County are having a rare tussle and are keeping together like long-lost brothers. Very soon they will be called upon to meet each other at Goodison Park, in what should be the match of the season should all go well until Boxing Day. The attack in each case is the brilliant section of each team so there is every indication of some hot work for the rival defences. No matter the result the game should be worth going many miles to see, and it would not surprise me to see a new Goodison record put on the books. Can a team be too over-confident? I suppose it can, for one is apt to get that way when one is carrying everything before one. At times Everton have impressed me that way, particularly at home, where they seem to hold off; rest on their oars as it were. The critical half of the season is upon us, so it behoves them to make every post a winning post, and as goal average plays so vital a part in the game, they must not become too chivalrous to their opponents. No one likes to see a side “murdered,” but to ease up may prove a costly matter in the long run. Everton are one of the clubs who reply upon their “A” and Central League teams to supply their wants for the first eleven. Several of the players have graduated from the “A” team and reached the first flight. The name of Albert Virr immediately runs through my mind and there have been others, the latest of them being Stanley Bentham, who this season came into the first team through an injury to Nat Cunliffe and cannot be left out. It has taken Stan a long time to work his way to the top flight, but now he is there he has no intention of falling back if that is humanly possible. Bentham has been an Everton player for five years, a long time says you, but he has never grumbled or become envious. He knew his time would come, although it seemed a long way off. But an injury –how often does this “make” a player –to Cunliffe in Glasgow opened the way to this quiet and modest youth from Leigh. When it was found that Cunliffe would not be fit to open the season, Everton were in somewhat of a dilemma. Some deep thinking was done round the committee table and at last it was decided to give Bentham his chance. He had experience in the first team on occasions, and had always pulled his weight, but there was just a little doubt as to whether he would quite fit in. It was asking the boy something, but Bentham gave his sponsors their answer by fitting in as though he had been there all his life. It has always been my contention that a player should be seen in the best company before passing judgment upon his ability; Bentham has come on all the way, and does not suffer by the fact that he has a row of internationals alongside and behind him. One would have expected him to be a little unnerved by that fact, but it has been quite the opposite with Stan. Perhaps one day he will wear a cap as proudly as his colleagues. He may not have the constructive genius of Alex James, but there never was a more wholehearted player, and that is a big asset in any team. A worker from start to finish, Bentham is ever at hand to throw in his weight –there’s not much of it in bulk, but there is in enthusiasm –and that counts a whole lot where team spirit is concerned. There are stars in the game who have to have the ball brought to them to a praise; not so Bentham. He goes after it carrying and fetching for others, just as an inside man has got to do these days. Those who have seen Bentham this season were surprised at the easy manner he fitted into the scheme of things. He paid a great tribute to his colleagues, when he said. “It makes things ever so much easier for you have the backing of such fine players as I have had. They trusted me from the first, and that put me at my ease. That is just like Bentham. Unlike most boys, he did not figure in a school team simply because there was not a lot of Soccer played round about Leigh, where Bentham was born. He started his football career with Lowton St. Mary’s, a Leigh and District Sunday School League, when he was fifteen, figuring at centre half back. He was an apprentice fitter, but broke his indentures for football’s sake. After several moves he finally found himself alongside Greenhalgh, Eastham, and Atkinson in the Bolton Wanderers “A” team, with whom he played a full season as an amateur. Then on to Manchester City and Wigan Athletic, with whom he became part-time professional and finally Everton. His baptism in First Division football was at Grimsby Town, the year Everton scored their first away victory after a dismal series of defeats. That game Stan reckons his best, for he scored two goals. He made several other first team appearances, but it was not until this season that he hit the headlines good and proper. Here is his best story. “I was invited to play a game with Chorley. My dad was with me to carry my ‘kit-bag.’ We were walking along when a man said, I hope you have a good game.’ ‘Where is the ground, asked my Dad. ‘I’ll take you, and he took us across a ground to a bowling green of some club. If you like’ he said, you can go out and get the feel of the green. What is this, I asked. ‘I am playing football for Chorley. ‘Oh, I thought you were one of the visiting team of bowlers.
STUB MARKS
November 26, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Wonderful Harry Makepeace! –still slim and b (u) oyant at 56. He’s to show the cricket lads “how again at Old Trafford. It was against an Old Trafford club too, that he made his football debut for Everton on a wicked day thirty-five year’s ago.
• Over 300,000 people have already attended Everton’s home League games
• Eight non-smokers in Everton’s team (Puff Par.)
• Hope the ball has run well for Runcorn and their Cup medalist Jimmy Dunn
• Everton have still some way to go to equal Sunderland’s 1936-37 record when they won all their first eleven home games.
• Four of Everton’s capped players this season have been played out of their club team positions –Cook, Mercer, Stevenson, and Gillick.
EVERTON HOLD OUT
Stoke City 0 Everton 0 (Game 1662 over-all)-(Div 1 1620)
November 28, 1938, Daily Post
By Rangers.
Fortunate point at Stoke
Everton took a point from a pertinacious and determined Stoke City side, after a hard and dour struggle, in which the standard of football never rose to any great heights. While it was Everton’s first draw this season and their only point from the last 5 away matches, they must consider themselves more than a trifle lucky to get it. The home side had chances enough to win by a hand-some margin, but their finishing was wretched for the first few minutes Everton gave glimpse of their known ability, but they were short-lived against keen, first-time tackling of Stoke’s halve and backs, and though the visitors did a fair amount of attacking in the first half, the Stoke goalkeeper had only one shot of any note to save. This was from Stevenson, who, with only the goalkeeper to beat, should have done better than shoot strength at him. Had Everton scored at this stage there might have been a different tale to tell.
Ormston Misses Chances.
As it was Stoke gradually settled down and would have been 2 up at the interval had their marksmanship been up to standard. Ormiston missed two great chances, shooting wide each time from close ranges with only Sagar to beat. He was offered another gilt-edged opportunity when Everton ceased playing, thinking he was offside. Ormston himself hesitated, but instead of taking advantage of a clear run through when waved on by the referee he shot hastily and weakly from the edge of the penalty area. Stoke were just as remiss in front of a goal in the second half. Ormston threw away yet another good opening. Sale and Smith were tarred, though not so severely with the same brush. While twice during melees in front of Sagar the Everton goal was saved in the nick of time. Once Jones kicked away on the ground, Cook and Greenhalgh blocked fierce drives and finally with several playing in a jumped heap on the turf Sagar dived into the middle as though entering a swimming bath and scooped the ball away to safety. On an earlier occasion when Cook had passed back to Sagar and the ball dragged in the mud, only quick intervention by Jones saved the situation. For long spells in this half Stoke were on top, not because of any individual superiority on their part for, taken man for man, Everton were definitely the more polished side but simply because they fought with that concentrated determination and doggedness that so often characterizes teams in their lowly position.
A Grueling.
The Everton defence underwent a more severe grueling than I have seen it suffer in any previous match this season, but stood to its guns manfully to the bitter end. Jones, who was a tower of strength in the centre, saving several menacing situations, while Sagar was cool and confident throughout. Greenhalgh, too, came out of the ordeal with infinite credit. He judged to a nasty just when to make his tackle on Matthews and well did by Thomson, cut down the stoke winger’s effectiveness considerably. Yet, in spite of that, Matthews was far and away the best of the home forwards. Cook had an easier task and the wing halves were sound, Thomson at times, showing a most surprising turn of speed under the conditions. The Everton forwards found the heavy ground, which was inches deep in mud in the centre, a big barrier to their ideas of combination. They showed up best when they swung the ball about freely from wing to wing, but when they tried the close-passing game, which was too often, they played into the hands of their opponents. Their attack generally broke down, when they reached the penalty area, chiefly due to the fact that Mould, who was brilliant as a ‘’stopper’’ played so much on top of Lawton that the centre forward rarely got a chance. Yet in spite of this, the Everton line persisted in playing to the centre forwards most of the time. Thrilling Revival. Everton staged a thrilling revival half-way through the second half which almost brought them victory. First Lawton put in a glancing header, then Stevenson shoot the post with the best shot of the day with the goalkeeper hopelessly beaten, and tried another almost as good from the rebound, which Wilkinson turned round the post, next Boyes went near, and finally Wilkinson made a brilliant full length save from a Stevenson shoot that was curling awkwardly away from him into the far corner of the goal. Stevenson was Everton most dangerous marksman and schemer-in-chief. Gillick was excellent in the first half but faded out somewhat later when the crowd repeatedly barracked him for a foul on Soo, while Boyes and Bentham were good only in Paris. Stoke’s best were Wilkinson who, though having far less to do than Sagar, saved his side at a critical time; and Mould and Matthews. The backs were sound after a shaky start and Griffiths ex-Rochdale, making his first Division debut, did well considering how starved he was most of the time. Result Stoke City 0, Everton 0
Stoke City: - Wilkinson, goal, Brigham and Tennant backs, Soo, Mould and Kirton, half-backs, Matthews, Smith, Sale, Ormiston, and Griffiths (debut) forwards.
Everton, Sagar, goal; Cook and Greenhalgh, backs, Mercer, Jones (tg), and Thomson (captain), half-backs, Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson Boyes forward, referee Mr. W.B. Nixon (Manchester), Attendance, 26,725.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton Reserves 2 Manchester United Reserves 2
November 28, 1938 Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 15)
United were fortunate to obtain a point, at Everton were slight the better team. Morton had a fairly quiet time, while Jackson and Jones were equal to all calls. Lindley was the best half-backs and Cunliffe the most prominent in a clever forward line. Porter was a good full-back for the visitors and Brown was outstanding at half-back Gladwin was a hard-working forward. Cunliffe (2), scored for Everton and Part and Oakes for United. Everton team, Morton goal Jackson and Jones (je) backs, Britton, Millington, and Lindley (m), half-backs, Sweeney (tf), Cunliffe Bell, Sharp (NW) Davies (j), forwards. Placed 6 played 16, won 9, lost 4, drew 3 for 28, against 29 points 21
STOKE HAD ALL THE CHANCES AGAINST EVERTON
November 28, 1938, The Liverpool Echo
But Could Not take Them
Ranger Notes.
The outstanding feature of Everton’s game with Stoke was the tussle for supremacy between Stanley Matthews, England’s brilliant outside right, and Norman Greenhalgh, Everton’s left back, who has not yet completed a full season in senior football. And when all was weighted up at the end of ninety minutes, honours were pretty well even. Stoke officials told me afterwards that Greenhalgh played Matthews better than any other back who has visited the Victoria ground this season. He judged his interventions to a nicety, biding his time while Matthews was doing his famous tip-tapping act preparatory to bringing in that elusive body-swerve of his, and then making a swift tackle at the psychological moment. Not that Greenhalgh kept Matthews out of the game by any means. The winger was far and away Stoke’s best forward, and he did many clever things, but for every Roland that Matthews got away with Greenhalgh produced an Oliver in the next encounter. Thomson also did his part well, and the duels between he and Matthews panned out pretty much the same, while on occasion Thomson produced a surprising turn of speed on the heavy ground. Though Everton got a welcome point, their first out of the last five away matches –and, incidentally, their first draw this season –they were fortunate in doing so. Stoke had enough gilt-edged scoring chance to have won by a comfortable margin, and though it was not Everton’s fault they did not take them, it will be along time before the a Blues are let off as many times as they were in this game. Ormston missed three comfortable chances in the first half, against which Everton’s only shot of note was when Stevenson fired straight at Wilkinson from close range. It was an unlucky day for Ormston, who was making his first appearance in the side since the end of August for he missed another easy one soon after the resumption, but he had company in his lapses, for Sale and Smith had a chance each and let them go by default. Everton’s defence was the only department of the side to come out with honours plus Stevenson, who almost snatched a victory in the last 20 minutes when he hit the post with the best shot of the day, and twice immediately afterwards caused Wilkinson to make brilliant saves. Jones was in his dourest mood at centre half, frequently popping up with head or foot to break an advance at the most critical juncture. The wing halves were good and Sagar who had twice as much work to do as Wilkinson, despite Stoke’s poor shooting, was at his best. Only once did he make the semblance of a mistake, and that without serious consequences. Lawton had one of his poorest days for some time, thanks to a masterly display by Mould, a 19-year-old, who deputized at centre half for the injured Turner. So closely was he watched and so speedily tackled that the Everton leader did not get a single shot worthy of not through to Wilkinson, and his best attempt came from a header late on in the game, when the Everton attack, after a lengthy spell of inactivity, put in the brightest bit of attacking work of the day. The Blue forwards did not seem to relish the heavy going and while they did good things in midfield on occasion there was nothing like the usual smoothness and pep about the line, and very little finishing power. Most of their moves broke down before they got within striking distance of Wilkinson. They were best when the ball was swing about freely, but that was not often enough, and the close passing game on so soft a surface –the mud was inches deep in the centre –played right into Stoke’s hands. Stevenson was the most dangerous marksman on the field in the second half as well as Everton’s schemer-in-chief all through, Boyes put in a beauty late on but otherwise had a patchy day, and Gillick faded somewhat after a grand start, due partly to continually barracking by the home crowd for his foul on Soo just on the interval. He was spoken to by the referee, as also were Smith and Kirton later, but otherwise the game, though dour and hard was clean enough. Stoke had a newcomer to First Division Football in Griffiths, whom they signed from Rochdale last week, and considering the paucity of passes he received he made a promising debut. The Potters, however, are sadly lacking in marksman in the inside forward positions. They tell me Steele will probably be back in the first team next week. They can do with him. The last time Everton took part in a goalless draw was two seasons ago, against Chelsea, at Goodison Park –April 3, 1937. Prior to the match the Everton officials and a journalistic colleagues and myself were entertained at a private luncheon by Sir Francis Joseph, the Stoke City president, who was born in Liverpool, and spent many years in business here. Sir Francis is no mere presidential figurehead, and whenever his engagement permit he takes pleasure in personally welcoming and entertaining visiting directors. Perhaps he feels they deserved some especially warm welcome for he confessed to the opinion that football management and directorship were among the most thankless tasks in the world. Few men can tell a story so engagingly and during and after lunch he entertained the party with amusing reminiscences. One of his best, passed on to me second hand by a business associate, relates to his early days in Liverpool forty years ago, when he tried to buy a half-share in a small concern from his them employer. The latter refused, but aid that for £500 down he would leave him the business in his will. Young Joseph did not bite, which was just as well, for the proprietor only dies a year ago at the ripe old age of 91. Lawton who is broadcasting tonight in Jack Hylton’s hour, left for London this morning with Mr. Thoe Kelly, the Everton secretary.
EVERTON ND LIVERPOOL RESERVES HAVE ANOTHER GO AT THEIR MARATHON CUP TIE TOMORROW
November 29, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
New Association Of Everton Shareholders?
Lawton’s Four Ambitions
Gillick Gets Another Cap
By Ranger.
For the third Wednesday in succession mid-week football followers will have an opportunity tomorrow of seeing the Liverpool and Everton Reserves strings in action, when they meet again in the Lancashire Senior Cup, second round, at Anfield (kick-off 2.15). This Lancashire Cup tournament is keeping Liverpool F.C busy, as in addition to the three matches against Blackburn Rovers they have already had two against their Goodison neighbours. This third meeting is likely to be just “as interesting” as the other two. People will be getting to know the Central League sides as well as they know the first teams. In both sides there are attractive young players, who are likely to develop on the right lines. In both there are tried and tested men who will attract the scouts from various points. When players like Britton, Gee, Jackson, Morton, and Jones are in Central League sides there always other League clubs willing to watch and make offers, even if their hope is extremely faint. Last week’s game brought together a most imposing array of scouts, directors and officials, and while tomorrow provides other attractions for the scouts in the F.A. cup-tie replays, there are sure to be some keen-eyed watchers whose interest will not be in who is to meet Preston North End in the semi-final. Whether they will find their time well spent is another matter. Neither Everton nor Liverpool are anxious to part with any players at the moment, though in one, and possibly two cases , if the offer were big enough it would, no doubt be given serious consideration. The youngster brigade on view include Easdale, a coming centre half, and Done, of Liverpool and Sharp and possibly Barber, of Everton. These boys are well worth seeing, and together with the more experienced players on both sides, will help to make the match very watchable. Easdale, who is a Scot, has come to stay, and Done, a former Bootle Secondly School boy, has been getting goals frequently. Sharp was an amateur until just prior to last week’s game, and is one of the most promising young forwards Everton have had for a long time. Barber, of course, is the Weston-super-Mare product who came on trial and stayed on. Trentham, it is hoped will come back to the game tomorrow, after a fairly lengthy spell through injury. If he is absent Davies (j) will deputise. There is another possible alterative in the Everton side. Milligan the former Oldham wing half, is showing excellent form as a pivot, and may be in the side in this position. At the moment of writing the following are the “probables”;- Liverpool:- Kemp; Peters, Ramsden; Eastham (S), Sanlake, Browning; Jones, Done, Patterson (e), Patterson (G), Eastham (H). Everton; Morton; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee (or Millighan), Watson; Barber, (or Merritt), Cunliffe, Bell, Sharp, Davies (J) (or Trentham).
Gillick Honoured Again.
Once again Scotland have chosen Gillick, of Everton to play at outside left for them. The match is against Hungary, at Ibrox on December 7. This is Gillick’s third cap this season –an honour he has richly deserved.
Lawton’s Four Ambitions
Tommy Lawton’s four ambitions, per his broadcast last night are:-
1. To get a Cup Final medal
2. To Play for England against Scotland.
3. To play for Lancashire at cricket
4. To beat Dixie Dean’s goal-scoring record.
Which is going to be the easiest? No 1 is in the laps of the gods. No 2. Looks a certainty if he maintains his present form during the remainder of the season. I haven’t seen him play cricket, so cannot express any opinion about No. 3 but so far as the last is concerned, I think it will be a long time before Dean’s record goes west. The individual scoring performances in senior football of recent years have shown a downward trend. Lawton’s own total last season, through the best in the First Division and actually the lowest for 30 years or so, and while with freedom from injury I look to him to exceed it this season, I cannot see even Lawton beating the third back game to the extent of going beyond the sixty mark.
Shareholders.
There is talk behind the scenes of a new move by a section of influential and long standing Everton shareholders which may take tangible form during the next few weeks. An informal meeting of several of those interested has already take place, and at another gathering to be held shortly it may be decided to appoint a temporally committee. That is all I can say at the moment, but the developments may be interesting.
EVERTON AS USUAL
November 30, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Having gained 100 per cent home victories at Goodison this season, Chelsea are next to visit Goodison on Saturday. The pensioners have secured only 3 points from 8 away fixtures but have been handicapped though players injured. Everton again have an unchanged side on duty.
NO CHANGES
November 30, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Everton make no changes for their home game against Chelsea; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Everton Reserves side against Birmingham Reserves will be; Morton; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Milligan; Merritt, Cunliffe, Bell, Sharp and Trentham.
L’POOL WIN LANCS CUP REPLAY
November 30, 1938. Evening Express.
By Watcher.
Mr. Dave Halliday, manager of the Aberdeen club was at Anfield today, when Liverpool met Everton in the second replay of the Lancashire Senior Cup second round tie. The two previous games had been drawn 2-2. Aberdeen are interested in an Everton player who was on the field today. Liverpool won 2-1. Liverpool: - Kemp, goal; Peters and Ramsden, backs; Lambert, Easdale, and Browning, half-backs; Jones, Patterson (G), Patterson (E), Done, and Eastham (H), forwards. Everton: - Morton, goal; Jackson, and Jones, backs; Britton, gee and Watson, half-backs; Merritt, Cunliffe, Bell, Sharp and Davies (J), forwards. Referee Mr. G.T. Davies (Bury). Patterson (E) gave Liverpool the lead after nine minutes when he kicked the ball out of Morton’s hands after the Everton goalkeeper had gathered a shot from Jones, the Liverpool right winger. Liverpool continued to press, but after Everton had cleared a dangerous Eastham corner kick, the Blues came into the picture and a Liverpool defender was lucky to clear from Bell. Ramsden was fortunate to deflect a centre from Merritt, and Kemp had to save a rising shot from Britton. A minute later Kemp turned the ball round the post following a drive by Cunliffe. After 44 minutes Sharp equalized, heading past Kemp following a centre from the right wing.
Half-Time Liverpool 1, Everton 1.
Liverpool took the lead again after 52 minutes, when Jones, their outside right, netted from close range, following Eastham’s centre. Everton had the most scoring chances, but Kemp was a stumbling block. Bell shot outside with an open goal. Final Liverpool 2, Everton 1.
November 1938