TOMMY LAWTON RETURNS
November 1, 1944. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Tommy Lawton, the England international returns to Everton’s team to visit Manchester Maine-road on Saturday, this being one of the rare days when he is not required for representative duties. Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly gives 13 names in his list of probables. They are the eleven who held Liverpool to a draw at Anfield, plus Lawton and Peters, Doncaster Rovers. Catterick, who leads the attack so well on Saturday, may be given a run on the wing, where he would be no stranger but final decision will be made later. Everton (from); Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Rawlings, Wainwright, Lawton, Stevenson, Tommy Jones, Catterick, Peter.

EVERTON RESERVES TEAMS
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 02 November 1944
Everton reserves (v. Fazackerley 3.p.m.) Birkett; McDonnell, Moore; Melling, Rees, Thomas; F. Jones, Wootton, Shepherd (or Booth), Mannion, Underwood
Everton Colts; (v. Port Sunlight, at Orrell lane, 3.15 p.m.) J.A Jones; T. Jones, Rankin; Tansey, Shepphard, Street; Price, Taylor, Pottage, Cross, Peters.

EVERTON TEAM
November 3, 1944. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
In my opinion after dropping three points to Liverpool, have a great chance of getting back to the victory way when they go to Maine-road to tackle Manchester City. I know it is the team spirit and I honest endeavour as much as anything which has enabled the Blues to stay among the leaders, but there is no denying that Lawton has been missed and sadly at that. The deputises have done well without being able to snap up the half chances in the Lawton manner as proved by the fact that in their last two matches Everton have not scored. Now Lawton comes back, and mainly because of this, and the fact that Catterick, a go-getting forward, takes over at outside left, I think Everton will smash the City’s unbeaten record. It should be interesting to see how Frank Swift deals with the shooting of his international pal, Lawton, I have no fear regarding Everton’s back division but with that extra shot in front they should win. Everton; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Rawlings, Wainwright, Lawton, Stevenson, Catterick.

EVERTON’S SUCCESS
November 4, 1944. The Evening Express
City’s First Defeat
Everton’s visit to Manchester City attracted the best crowd of the season, and there were 15,000 present. While Lawton appeared as the Everton leader, the City were unable Sproston in the defence, Clark coming in. Manchester City; Swift, goal; Clark, and Bray, backs; Walsh, Eastwood, and McDowall, half-backs; King, Williamson, Heale, Smith and Taylor, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Lindley, and Watson, half-backs; Rawlings, Wainwright, Lawton (captain), Stevenson, and Catterick, forward. Referee; Mr. H. C. Williams (Manchester). Everton set the pace at the start, and after Bray had cleared a centre by Watson, Catterick, closed in to a pass by Wainwright to turn the ball just wide of the goal. When City made a move towards the Everton goal, Lindley showed fine anticipation and nipped in the bud a promising movement. In the next minute Lindley was again in action, this time checking Heale near the corner flag. City were persistent, but a long shot by Williamson went wide. Everton had a possible chance when Bray misjudged a header to let in Wainwright. McDowell partially cleared and Wainwright gained a corner from which Lawton headed over.
Blues Ahead
Neither goalkeeper had seen much action yet, but the next few minutes brought a goal for Everton. Catterick went through after seven minutes and in a tussle for possession, Swift managed to scramble the ball away. Bray seized it, but unfortunately for City, turned it into his own goal. In the next minute Lawton centred from the right wing, but Swift got the ball away to safely. Everton’s goal livened up the game and there was Swift exchanges, Burnett collecting a long shot, from Smith, while another centre by Catterick brought the best out of Swift, as he punched away with Lawton harassing him. Although the Manchester forwards were using every opportunity to press home their attacks, they could not find a gap in the Everton defence, and all they got for their hard work was a corner which King placed behind. Lawton had seen little of the ball so far, but he made most of a centre from Rawlings, when harassed by two defenders. He managed to get in a header which Swift just managed to reach at the foot of the post. Burnett was in the limelight in the next minute, when he brilliantly turned aside a high shot from Smith, Everton, however, came again, and chiefly due to the centres of Catterick and Rawlings gave the City defence an uncomfortable time. A fine open movement, started by Rawlings ended with Swift catching Catterick’s high centre, and then City gained a corner which Watson cleared. A keen duel between Swift and Lawton had been anticipated and this was clearly shown in the 27th minute, when Lawton clear of the defence hit a high shot like an express train but Swift was equal to the task and turned the ball one handed over the bar. Everton again took up the running near the interval. They plied Rawlings with excellent passes and he responded well for Lawton to again go close.

GREAT DISPLAY BY EVERTON
November 6, 1944. The Liverpool Daily Post
Manchester City 1, Everton 3
Lawton’s Brilliant Goal
A brilliant display by Everton gave them the honour of being the first team to defeat Manchester City this season and there was not one of the 30,000 spectators present who could raise a grumble against the result, 3-1 in Everton’s favour. Everton’s performance was colourful, polished and thrilling. By contrast Manchester appeared ragged, especially in attack, where Everton possessed a big advantage. Lawton was in top form and gave Swift some very anxious moments. His goal after forty three minutes was a perfect sample of his art, possessing power and evade the clinches of the goalkeeper and taken on the turn from thirty yards out, Stevenson, Catterick and Rawlings also revealed guile and balance, forming a combination, that always had the better of a hard pressed defences. Further back Grant, Lindley, and Jackson were outstanding, while Burnett also gave a workmanlike exhibition. Swift saved Manchester City form a more decisive defeat. A one-handed effort from Lawton will long be remembered, but City lacked power. Only Smith revealed the technique of finding a way through the Everton defence. A reorganisation in the second half infused a little more life into the line, but their shooting and passing was weak. Walsh and Bray were hard working backs. Bray turned a shot from Catterick, who dispossessed Swift into his own goal after seven minutes. Then came Lawton’s goal followed by one from Stevenson made also by Lawton, after fifty-two minute. Heale obtained City’s consolation point after sixty-five minutes. Manchester City; Swift, goal; Clark, and Bray, backs; Walsh, Eastwood, and McDowall, half-backs; King, Williamson, Heale, Smith and Taylor, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Lindley, and Watson, half-backs; Rawlings, Wainwright, Lawton (captain), Stevenson, and Catterick, forward. Referee; Mr. H. C. Williams (Manchester).
• Liverpool beat Manchester United 3-2, Roughton (own goal), Welsh (2) (1 Penalty)and for Manchester Woodcock, Mycock

EVERTON RESERVES 7, FAZAKERLEY 2
November 6, 1944. The Liverpool Daily Post
At Goodison Park. Fazackeley well held their own until midway through the second half. They drew level twice through goals by Lapham in each session. Rimmer kept a fine goal, for the losers, especially in the first half. Makin (2), and F. Jones (2) were good wingers. Minnion was the other marksman. Mellings, the victors right half gave a sound display.

WONDER RECORD
November 6, 1944. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton claim the finest away record in the North and second in the country only to that of West Ham, who, however, are forced to play all their games away. In seven journeys the Blues have scored six victories the other -to Anfield –ending in a draw. And it seems only a short time ago that we used to wonder whether Everton would ever win away. Now it has become the habit, and the Blues are poised for their “run in” to outstrip the leaders. Acid test will be next Saturday, when Manchester City visit Goodison Park for the return. Lawton as will Balmer, will be playing at Bolton and secretary Mr. Theo Kelly states that at the moment he has no definite team ideas. It may be late in the week before Mr. Kelly can throw light in the darkness. However, the Maine road win was a great performance –not unexpected from my point of view –and accomplished in as convincing manner as the score suggests. Naturally the Blues got a real tonic with an early goal when Bray placed into his own net, but there was never any disputing their mastery of the City. Lawton got a crowd-thriller which Swift never saw until too late and the enterprising Stevenson snapped a third when Swift was lying on the ground. Only late on did the City manage to break down magnificent defence and then Hesle returned to the net after Burnett had fisted out. The City always played good football, but never had the menacing looks which characteristiced the Everton line under Lawton’s splendid leadership. Point was that Lindley and company were too good in defence in a grand match watched by the best crowd of the day -27,000. All-round brilliance sent the points to the better side.

LAWTON’S SUPER GOAL
November 6, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton gave a superlative display when robbing Manchester City of their unbeaten record, and not even the most rabid “citizen” will argue that they were not worthy of their success. The winner had everything which goes to make a first grade soccer team –polish ability and the greatest opportunist in football today. Tom Lawton goal will be discussion by Maine Road patrons for many a long day, and don’t forget that the goalkeeper was Frank Swift, Lawton’s colleagues in the England side. It was a great goal and had it not been for Swift, Lawton would have got others. Everton right through the team had ability guile and penetrative power and in defence they were as solid as a rock. Stevenson and Bray (own goal) were the other Everton scorers, Hesle obtaining the City’s consolation prize. There were weak points, in the City team particularly among the forwards; they had neither the punch to beat Everton defence nor a scheme to find a way beyond the Everton half backs and backs. It is unfortunate that Everton will be without Lawton for the return game. He plays for the Western Command. There is also a doubt whether Catterick and Lindley will be available and Wainwright, at the moment handily stationed, is due for posting so may be a non-starter as well.

LAWTON MAY DO IT
November 8, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton have their stiffest test so far in tackling the unbeaten Manchester City side at Maine Road. With Lawton in the Blues attack I anticipate at least a draw and won’t be surprised at a victory, for he will bring the finishing touch which Everton have lacked down the middle. Those who estimate the strength of Everton’s task by City’s position as runners-up to Sunderland, must remember that apart from their games with Liverpool and Wrexham the Manchurians have so far met only moderate opposition, and from all accounts were very fortunate to get three points from Wrexham. All the same, Everton cannot afford to give anything away, and would be well advised to cut out any attempts at over elaboration. With the advent of Lawton for one of his all-too rare appearances, Everton move Catterick over to the left wing. Elsewhere the side as the same as the two games against Liverpool. There is solidity and understanding in defence, vigour at half back, and should be improvement in attack. Everton; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Rawlings, Wainwright, Lawton, Stevenson, Catterick.

BLUES WEEK-END TEAM HOPES
November 9, 1944. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Leonard Wootton, 18 year-old Stoke miner, is included among the six attackers from whom Everton will choose their line to face Manchester City in the return Football League match at Goodison Park on Saturday. missing will be Tommy Lawton –leading the Western Command at Bolton –and Eddie Wainwright, who had been posted in connection with his Army duties. Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly names a rather intriguing list, for while Syd Rawlings and Alex Stevenson –two of the season’s regulars –are there all right, “new” names appear. For instance, Welsh international centre-half Tommy Jones is named third in the list, but this cannot be taken as an indication that Tommy will lead the line. Stan Bentham, who has not played in a League game for the Blues this season, but who appeared in the pre-season charity game against Liverpool, is included, and Harry Catterick, the Stockport lad who helped in the draw at Anfield and the win over City at Maine-road, is there again. Jones has had one game this season apart from R.A.F unit matches, that being the “Derby” at Anfield when he operated at outside-left. That was his only game since April 22. Bentham has been playing as an occasional gust with Tranmere Rovers and Stockport, while Wootton’s only senior appearance for the Blues was on February 26 this year when he helped the side to defeat Tranmere Rovers. The defence us unaltered and that is the solid foundation on which rest the hopes of Everton. Everton; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Rawlings, Wainwright, Lawton, Stevenson, Catterick.
Everton Reserves (v Liverpool Reserves); Melrose; McDonnell, Moore; Giblin (Raith Rovers), Drury, Doyle; Makin, F. Jones, Booth, Dean, Underwood
Everton Colts (v. Rydal House at Woollton). J.A. Jones; T. Jones, Rankin; Cookson, Shepphard, Street, A.N.Other; Taylor, Fulton, Cross, Peters.

EVERTON PROBABLES
November 9, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Having got you teeth into that, here are Everton’s probables for the return against Manchester City at Goodison. The defence is again unchanged. It has been altered but three times this season and then only in one position each time. Bentham is named for inside right as Wainwright is not available and Tommy Jones is a probable for centre forward a position he occupied four times in the cup games three season back. Wootton, the “A” team winger who made his centre debut last season against Tranmere, is also included. Team; Everton. Everton; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Rawlings, Wainwright, Lawton, Stevenson, Catterick.

UNBEATEN AWAY
November 10, 1944. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Having smashed Manchester City’s unbeaten record, can Everton break the City’s invincible away record? They will, of course, be without Tommy Lawton, but a vital portion of the Everton team which has pulled them through so many tight corners –the defence –remains intact. And tomorrow I am pinning my faith to those defenders who have built up such a perfect understanding around the Lindley “hub.” The City attack does not present a deadly problem with Jimmy Heale on the injured list, but Smith will take some watching. Jackie Grant should attend to that all right. In Everton’s attack we have Harry Catterick and Tommy Jones besides the young Stoke miner, Leonard Wootton, to link-up with Rawlings, Stevenson and Stan Bentham who makes his first appearance of the season. There is a doubt about Catterick, but with some first-time shooting, the Blues should be capable of getting those vital goals. Any inclination to keep the ball too close will be playing into the hands of a sound football side in a game due to start at three o’clock. Everton. Everton; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Rawlings, Wainwright, Lawton, Stevenson, Catterick.
Manchester City; McMillan; Clark, Gray; Walsh, Eastwood, McDowall; Bootle, King, Williamson, Smith, Taylor.

MANCHESTER CITY AT GOODISON
November 10, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton on the up-grade all along the line until they came up against their old Anfield rivals, get a chance tomorrow to recapture some lost ground and strengthen they challenge for the first half season championship. What they did against Manchester City at Maine Road they ought to be able to repeat at Goodison, even though they will be without Lawton, engaged in a Command game at Bolton, a loss partly balanced by the fact that Swift will also be missing from the City side through the same game. I’m not in agreement with those who moan about the calls made on war players for Army games. Let’s get things right. These men are in the Army, and there’s a war on, as Hatton and Manners used to tell us. If the Army wants them to pull in the crowd at charity games there’s no grouse from the quarter, I admit it is sometimes tough on clubs whose players are in constant demands, but football has been very generously treated by the powers-that-be in this war, thanks to enlightened members of both the Government and the Army Sports Boards, who realise the power of the game as a public relation and morale entailer. If the Army says “You play for us” clubs should not grouse but be darn glad for favours received, and for the fact that after five years of war many of them have so big a proportion of pre-war stars still at home. Having said that, let’s give credit where it is due, and put it on record that neither Everton nor Liverpool have groused at the calls made on their players. True, on rare occasions they have endeavoured to get them released but only when they have been left in a hole, which is a legitimise reason. For tomorrow’s game Everton again have the good fortune to be able to play the same solid defence which has forfeited only fourteen goals in eleven matches. In attack they may repeat the experiment of playing Tommy Jones at centre forward, while on the left wing Wootton is named as a probable, but the actual composition of the line will not be decided until just before the start. City will not be easy meat by any means, and Everton will have to be at they brightest and best to make sure of the points. Everton. Everton; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Rawlings, Wainwright, Lawton, Stevenson, Catterick. Manchester City; McMillan; Clark, Gray; Walsh, Eastwood, McDowall; Bootle, King, Williamson, Smith, Taylor.

HAT-TRICK BY CATTERICK
November 11, 1944. The Evening Express
Everton Win Again
By Pilot.
Tommy Jones, Everton’s Welsh international centre half made his first ever appearance at inside right when Everton entertained Manchester City in the Football League at Goodison Park today. Leonard Wootton the 18-year-old Stoke miner was at outside left and curiously enough, for the second Goodison game in succession there were no team changes although a substitute referee had to be found, linesman Mr. A.C. Hall, of Chester taking over, and Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly enterprisingly scouting around for two linesmen. Everton wore new style Blue and while hooped stockings for the first time. Everton; Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh (captain), backs; Grant, Lindley, and Watson, half-backs; Rawlings (Millwall), Jones (Tommy), Catterick, Stevenson and Wootton, forwards. Manchester City; McMillan, goal; Clark and Gray, backs; Walsh, Eastwood and McDowell, half-backs; Bootle, King, Williamson, Smith and Taylor, forwards. Referee: Mr. A.C. Hall (Chester). In a lively opening Rawlings ran through from Jones pass but pulled the ball a little too far back for Catterick. Stevenson flicked a shot outside before a slip down by Jackson let in the City. The ball was pushed back by Taylor to Smith, whose point blank shot was speedily taken by Burnett. Everton missed the chance of a life-time after five minutes when Jones and Rawlings combined magnificently, and when Jones finally pushed the ball in to the unmarked Catterick, the centre forward had all the goal to shoot, at, but placed over the top. Receiving from Taylor, Williamson shot along the floor but Burnett dived to make another excellent save. Jones and Stevenson were opening out the game magnificently, Jones repeatedly getting the City running the wrong way with his clever back heels. Eastwood saved a certain goal by kicking over his own goal a Rawlings centre bound for Catterick. McMillan pulled down a centre from Stevenson and after Rawlings had forced a corner Catterick placed into the net, but the point was disallowed for a foul.
High-Paced Football.
There was little to choose between two good teams playing high-paced football. Everton had hard luck when Jones lobbed to the centre and Catterick’s header beat McMillan only for the ball to strike the foot of the post and go behind. Straight away the City went down to take the lead in 29 minutes through Smith. Williamson and Smith went through by close interpassing and Williamson’s final pass gave Smith the easiest of tasks from close range. McMillan saved low down from Catterick before Smith went through again with a first time shot which was sailing to the corner when Burnett dived out to make a superb one-handed save at the expense of a corner. Twice McMillan saved from Rawlings before Everton equalised in 36 minutes. Grant slipped the ball to Tommy Jones, whose cross-goal pass, taken as he was tackled, found Catterick who banged the ball into the roof of the net. Jones was injured but was able to resume.
Half-time; Everton 1, Manchester City 1.
Everton reopened in brilliant style, Stevenson heading inches over before Jones and Stevenson, by brilliant combination, blasted open the City defence and Catterick’s shot came back of the foot of the post. Wootton received and his shot was curling under the bar when McMillan turned it over the top. In 50 minutes Everton’s pressure was rewarded with a goal through Catterick. Wootton ran through to Watson’s pass, and shooting as he was tackled the ball came back off the post to Catterick who promptly drove into the net. The City set up a terrific attack, but Burnett stood in the breach, driving to save from Smith and Williamson. King sprang in with a terrific shot, which struck the bar and bounded back into play. The City claimed the ball had crossed the line, but the referee was in perfect position and refused to change his original decision.
Everton’s Lead
Burnett leapt out to save in glorious style from smith, and in 55 minutes Everton increased their lead when Catterick completed a grand hat-trick to amply compensate for his early lapses. Wootton, and Stevenson started the movement which saw Jones swing a wide pass to Rawlings, whose centre was headed into the roof of the net by Catterick from 15 yards for a picture goal. Everton were playing with supreme confidence, their forward work being delightful to watch and a source of continuous anxiety to the City. McMillan was right in position to save an 18-yarder from Jones, while twice Eastwood nipped in to hold up Catterick. Everton made it four in 72 minutes through Stevenson, with another delightful goal. Stevenson and Jones combined before Jones swung the ball out to the unmarked Rawlings. The winger centred close to goal and when McMillan could only just touch the ball as he was harassed by Catterick, Stevenson nodded into the net. Everton eased up a little and naturally this threw more work on to the defence, but the only City “gain” was a close up free kick which cannoned off the barrier of players over the top. Catterick almost went through on his own from Jones’ back-heel pass, McMillan saving on the line. Catterick struck the bar as Everton applied further heavy pressure. Final; Everton 4, Manchester City 1.

A CATTERICK HAT-TRICK
November 11, 1944, The Liverpool Echo
Moulder –Tom Jones
By Ranger.
Everton; Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh (captain), backs; Grant, Lindley, and Watson, half-backs; Rawlings (Millwall), Jones (Tommy), Catterick, Stevenson and Wootton, forwards. Manchester City; McMillan, goal; Clark and Gray, backs; Walsh, Eastwood and McDowell, half-backs; Bootle, King, Williamson, Smith and Taylor, forwards. Referee: Mr. A.C. Hall (Chester). Both sides played grand open football and Everton’s combination and speed threatened the City goal on several occasions. Jones (T.G.) who appeared at inside right supplied his colleagues with some accurate passes and presented Catterick with the easiest of openings but the centre forward skied the ball into the top deck of the goal stand. City also had their moments, and Burnett had to be alert to save from King and Williamson. Catterick and Rawlings contributed to grand solo runs, but fell finally to weight of numbers, and then Catterick succeeded in netting only to see the point disallowed through an elbowing offence. Williamson likewise netted for City but this time offside washed it out.
Smith’s Goal.
City gradually improved, and were now displaying tip-top combination. They got their reward when Smith and Williamson continued in an attack which got the home defence spread-eagled, and Smith beat Burnett with a calmly placed shot time 29 minute. Two minute after a shot from Smith looked a goal all over until Burnett saved miraculously at the foot of the post. Both sides continued to play excellent football though the City were finding their men a little more accurately than Everton. Everton got on terms at the 36th minute. Jones (T.G.), who all along had been plying his colleagues with copybook passes laid the foundation of the equaliser. Catterick applying the finishing touch. Everton fought hard to get in front but the City defence was very sound.
Half-time; Everton 1, Manchester C, 1.catterick Hat-Trick
The second half started on a high note Catterick hitting the post with McMillian well beaten. In a rousing five minutes Everton got two goals from Catterick, who thus completed his hat-trick. The first came after Wootton had hit the upright, Catterick making no mistake with the rebound, while the other was again initiated by T.G. Jones who supplied Rawlings with a long cross-field past, and when the winger centred Catterick headed into the net like a flash. Time fifty-five minutes. In between three two goals King hit the crossbar for the City, who claimed –although the ball rebounded into play –that it had first crossed the line.
Stevenson’s Turn
Everton came again, and the City goal had two narrow escapes before another Jones-Rawlings pairing led to goal number four; Stevenson heading in from the winger’s centre. This was a seventy-two minutes. City staged a couple of raids which might have brought better reward had they not endeavoured to “walk” the ball through. Catterick hit the bar and Grant who all along had played brilliantly, decided to run through himself, but slipped at the last instant. Everton were worthy winners, though the margin did scant justice to the City. Final; Everton 4, Manchester City 1.

THE FINER ARTS OF FOOTBALL
November 13, 1944. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 4, Manchester City 1
Goodison Display
By Ranger.
Everton and Manchester City served up a splendid exhibition of the finer art of football craft in their return game at Goodison Park. Everton who won 4-1, should have finished up with a greater margin, yet, paradoxical though it sounds after saying that even 4-1 failed to do justice to the visitors. There were periods when City scintillated in the brilliance of their approach work and the team with which, they constantly found their colleagues with passes. The difference between the two was that Everton were much more direct and dangerous in front of goal, whereas City fell victims of their own excessive close passing in the penalty area and their failure to seize first-time smoothing chances.
Disputed Goal
Everton not only accepted all their openings with alacrity, but on four occasions were robbed of goals by the woodwork. City struck the bar once, maintaining unsuccessfully that the ball had gone over the line before coming back into play. Stars of the home attack were Jones (T.G.), Stevenson, and Rawlings. Though Jones took things easily, understandable after his recent injury, he more than balanced this by his brilliant distribution. His passes were a model of accuracy, always placed so that they could be taken by a colleagues in his stride, and never made until he had drawn the defence out of position. Jones offered Catterick his first goal on a plate and gave the passes enabling Rawlings to put over the centres which led to Catterick and Stevenson each heading one, Catterick’s other goal came when he converted a Wootton shot which had rebounded from the upright and City’s goal consolatory point by Smith, which opened the day’s scoring was the culmination of a nice bit of combination with Williamson. Catterick is not a second Lawton, but his hat-trick was solid evidence of his effectiveness and opportunism. Everton’s defenders played with such understanding and confidence and coveted one another so well that even the immaculate approach work of the opposition was in vain, when City did get through far enough to test Burnett they found him his men brilliant form. Two saves from king and Smith were outstanding. The visiting defence could not be blamed for the defeat, for it served up some solid work, and McMillian had little chance with any of the goals. If football followers were always assured of play of this standard and cleaniness war-time gate would go still higher. Attendance 12,144. Everton; Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh (captain), backs; Grant, Lindley, and Watson, half-backs; Rawlings (Millwall), Jones (Tommy), Catterick, Stevenson and Wootton, forwards. Manchester City; McMillan, goal; Clark and Gray, backs; Walsh, Eastwood and McDowell, half-backs; Bootle, King, Williamson, Smith and Taylor, forwards. Referee: Mr. A.C. Hall (Chester).
• Tommy Lawton scored a hat-trick for Western Command against A.A. Command at Bolton, in a 3-3 draw
• Liverpool beat Manchester United 5-2, Welsh (3), Fagan, and Liddell and Mitton and Mycock for Manchester United

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 6, EVERTON RESERVES 1
November 13, 1944. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton netted first at Anfield. The home forwards were a grand line, very ably led by Shannan. Scorers Garner (3), Shannan (2) and Williams. Giblin scored for Everton.

FOURTH “DOUBLE”
November 13, 1944. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
In defeating Manchester City 4-1 at Goodison Park, on Saturday Everton completed their fourth “double” of the season –a wonder feat seeing that skipper Lawton has been absent of the majority of games. The fact again emphasises what I have always contended that Everton play as a team, and a good team I am certain in my own mind that Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly, in deciding to play international Tommy Jones at inside-right virtually “won” this latest game. Jones had a direct hand in three of the goals, and for sheer ball distribution and subtle leads was an outstanding success. For an hour Jones was an amazing success, and then suffered only because he had not the inside forwards natural knack of dropping back to pre-occupy the opposing wing half-back. Of course inside-forward is the most enacting job in a team, and Jones the so brilliant as an attacker that he could be excused for forgetting that vital dropping back tactic in his first ever game in the position. Rawlings, Catterick, and Wootton thrived on joyous Jones passes, and if Jones is given another run in the position on Saturday I can picture Lawton getting a “packet” Stevenson was quick to spot Jones’s oversight,” in the second half, and covered up magnificently to ensure a complete victory in which the Blues had a fighting spirit to battle back after dropping a goal to clever Smith. Harry Catterick came along with a brilliant hat-trick to make us forget an early miss, and Stevenson “nicked in” with a typical goal Catterick’s second goal, after a fine run and shot by promising Wootton, virtually whacked a fine City side which fell below Everton’s high standard of team work and general collaboration. Geroge Burnett placed Everton on the victory way with a superb flying save off Smith when the Blues were a goal down and it inspired his colleagues who settled down to delight the 12,144 spectators with their craft, delicacy of movement and touch and convincing finishing. Mainstay of the side was the super-soundness of the half-back line –Watson’s strength in tackle and judicious feeding; Grant’s indefatigable intervention and Lindley’s stoical “they shall not pass” demeanour backed up by two sound backs in Jackson and Greenhalgh. Rawlings had a merry day, while Stevenson was the epitome of creative ability and Catterick, with luck would have had more goals. Yes, a great team worthy of the title of champions and with Lawton back, even stronger favourites. This City team was good, with Smith, Walsh, Clark and Eastwood the men who mattered.

EVERTON’S CHAMPIONSHIP PRPSPECTS
November 13, 1944, The Liverpool Echo
Jones Sparkles
Ranger’s Notes
With only six more games to play to complete the first half season’s programme, visions of an Everton championship are looming on the Goodison horizon. Whether this materialises or not is in certain, bar an unexpected and unlikely collapse, that Everton will finish up higher than in any previous seasons since the League tourney was divided into two halves. This is the fourth year of the double barrelled system. Everton’s placing in the previous three have been 6th and 15th, 15th and 25th, and 11th and 12th. In the first war season they were third in the West Section which comprised twelve clubs and next year were out of 36 clubs in the North Regional table, which ran all the season. While we won’t hand out any bunting yet. Everton’s chances are certainly bright, particularly if they carry on as they did against Manchester City on Saturday. Generally if any side in a game in which Everton are concerned has to be criticised for over finesse and chances-wasting. Everton are the official receivers. This time they were absolved from all blames, city took over their role instead, with dire consequences to themselves. The Blues gave a fine display of open play swinging the ball about with a freedom which almost amounted to abandon yet always with accuracy and method. The man chiefly responsible was Tommy Jones playing in the unusual position of inside right. Though he didn’t over-exert himself because of his recent injury. “T.G.” in all other respects was the complete inside forward. Everything he did was strictly according to Cocker. He acted on the margin so often forgotten by some present-day tearaway forward that the first duty of the man in possession is to draw the defence and the second is to put his pass to an open space in such a way that a colleague can dart through to take it in his stride. Jones gave Catterick his first goal, and provided the packet which enabled Rawlings to “make” the two headed ones. Catterick and Stevenson in the second half. Catterick completed his hat-trick by meeting the rebound when Wootton hit the post and took the wind out of the sails of those who would compare him with Lawton. A centre forward who gets three goals and is robbed of two more by the woodwork disarms cricism. Stevenson and Rawlings were two other bright stars in the scintillating Everton forward firmament, and young Wootton gave a creditable show. Everton’s defence was as sound as a bell in every department with Lindley gettings more Junoesque in his nonchalant manner and almost sauntering stride. Burnett made some brilliant saves. Though well beaten in the end, Manchester City can justly claim that the result “did them strong.” Some of the approach work was even more copybook than Everton’s. They advanced in a five point attack and found their men with almost uncanny accuracy, but their tacklers in front of goal robbed them of the initiative when it was most vital.

EVERTON’S HOPES OF FIRST WAR-TIME TROPHY
November 14, 1944. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton have a wonderful chance of winning their first wartime trophy –the No. One Championship of the Football League North. Their rather in-and-out wartime form looks like being crowned with success on December 23, after a neck-and-neck race with Sunderland, Huddersfield Town and Bradford. There are several reasons why I think Everton will emerge triumphant, and not the least is the fact that international Tommy Lawton; now on the 20 goals mark for the season, will be able to play in five of the concluding six games in the championship. Tommy’s only miss will be on December 9 when Everton are at home to Wrexham. I have pointed out, repeatedly that Everton are no one-man team, but Lawton’s presence has a wonderful effect on the entire side. It is no reflection on the rest of the team to say that Everton plus Lawton are just about the best side in the land. Another important reason is that Everton are playing with the confidence in their own abilities which is an essential to success. They have suffered only two defeats, and are still unconquered away from home where they have dropped only one point. Everton should defeat Crewe Alexandra at Goodison Park on Saturday and that win will I think be of such a character that it will enable the Blues to so improve their goal average that they will take the lead no matter what their nearest rivals do.

A THRILLING STORY
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 14 November 1944
Few professional footballers, home from abroad after the war, will have a more thrilling story to tell than Jack Kirkham, Wolves, who escaped three times from the Wops and the Jerries before finally making his way to Switzerland, from where he was recently repatriated. Jack, who played centre forward for Wolves Saturday, was discovered by them with Shell Mex a few years before the war, on Wolves’s favourite hunting ground at Ellesmere Port. If I remember aright, he was for a short while on Everton’s books, and signed for Wolves at the same time as Arthur Keeley, who later came to Chester, and whose death in action was announced a few weeks ago.

EVERTON’S ONE CHANGE
November 16, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton make one change in their team to play Crewe at Goodison Park on Saturday though it involves two positional alterations. The return of Lawton now free from army games bar one Saturday, to the end of the year naturally offsets Catterick from the middle, but he remains in the team, crossing to outside right in place of Rawlings. Tommy Jones continues at inside right, and if he provides Lawton with the type of passes which he served to last week, on the top of what will come from Stevenson. Lawton should reap a good harvest. L. Wootton, the young amateur “A” team winger, who showed much trickiness against City gets another chance to confirm his promise. Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Catterick, Jones (T.G.), Lawton, Stevenson, L. Wootton.

EVERTON “NO GUEST”
November 16, 1944. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton will field internationals representing three countries in the inside forward position against Crewe Alexandra at Goodison Park, on Saturday, when they continue their Football League North championship bid. Tommy Lawton the game’s most accomplished centre-forward will, as I mentioned on Monday, return to take over the leadership from Harry Catterick after a series of representative engagements, and on his right will be the Welsh captain and centre half, Tommy Jones. At inside-left will be the inimitable Alex Stevenson playing as well as ever he did and complete master of his arts. This will be Lawton’s sixth match with the Blues this season and he has scored six club goals Jones will be making his third appearance of the term and his second at inside right. There is no doubt that Jones’s creative abilities last Saturday had a lot to do with Everton’s fine victory over Manchester City, and the experience gained in a strange role in that game will stand him in good stead on Saturday. Jones will have the mastery of those little falling back dodges which are part and parcel of the composition of an inside forward. Harry Catterick who got a hat-trick from centre-forward last Saturday, moves to outside-right to take the place of Rawlings, who is not available. Leonard Wootton, the Stoke lad, gets another run at outside left and with the defence unaltered again, Everton have the proud distinction of fielding a team composed entirely of their own players, something unique in these days of guest stars. Everton; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Catterick, Jones (T.G.), Lawton, Stevenson, L. Wootton.
Everton Reserves (v. Napiers away); Melrose; McDonnell, Moore; Melling, Cookson, Doyle; J. Pye, Taylor, Booth, Cross, Underwood.
Everton Colts (v. Shotton Juniors, at Orrell, lane, kick-off 3.15 p.m.); J.A. Jones; T. Jones, Rankin; Tansey, Shepphard, Lever; Walsh, Gatherer, Pottage, G. Hannah, Peters.

SHOCK TEAM’S THREAT TO EVERTON
November 17, 1944. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
All eyes are on Everton holders of the Football League peace time championship cup. The Blues of Goodison Park are poised for their bid to secure the championship of the Football league (North) No 1. Their need is twofold –points and goals. Only goal-average keeps Everton in second place behind Sunderland at the moment, but the order may and should be changed by tomorrow night, for fixtures are in their favour. Sunderland and Huddersfield Town their nearest rivals, have to play away from home, but Everton will play at Goodison Park against the shock team of the competition-Crewe Alexandra.
Remember November 27
I would ask Everton in their “look forward” move, to remember November 27 1943 –almost a year ago. That was the day Crewe Alexandra came to Goodison Park hunting league points, and at a time when it did not appear they had a chance. Well, Crewe gave Everton the shock of their lives and it was only per a free kick in their closing stages that Jimmy McIntosh (he got five that day) managed to make it 5-5. Crewe today are a better side than there were last season, but while I appreciate that Everton are also infinitely better. I warn the Blues that anything below their best will be asking for trouble. Crewe struck me as being a fast, forceful, effective combination with power in the tackle and relentless in intervention. They are just the type of side to upset the cleverer Everton. I have the greatest admiration for the soundness of the Everton defence, however, and with Lawton operating between the subtle goal-makers. Tommy Jones and Alex Stevenson the Blues should got to their tenth win of the season and fourth at Goodison. Catterick will be at outside-right because Rawlings is not available and to Catterick and Wootton I pass on the tip that if they contrive to get the ball across regularly it will mean goals. This should be a grand struggle between tams of two entirely different styles, and Skipper Lawton will get a warm –welcome when he leads out the Blues just before three o’clock. Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Catterick, Jones (T.G.), Lawton, Stevenson, L. Wootton.

EVERTON’S TITLE HOPES
November 17, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
But Ware Crewe
Ranger’s Notes
Visions of Everton’s first war-time championship are beginning to loom on the horizon at Goodison Park strengthened by the fact that the Blues are likely to have Lawton in their side for all the remaining games this half season, bar one. While their prospects are encouraging Everton will have to fight hard to out stripe those with similar aspirations and there is every prospect goal average may yet settle it. One heartening feature about the Goodison side this season has been its vastly improved team work and the tendency to cut out much of the onetime overdone fancy business, without however, unduly sacrificing the style and artistry which has always been the Everton hallmark. So long as first time shooting and sound approach work are allied as they were against City, Everton will remain a menace to the best. Yet they must avoid also another of the defects of their virtues, that of thinking a game can be won just when they please. The time to go out to win is right from the start, and “mercy” should only be shown when the issue is secure. That supplies particularly against Crewe who are tomorrow’s visitors for the Gresty Road brigade have one of the best away records in the League North, Liverpool and Wrexham among others can testify to that. All the same while paying due respect to Crewe, I cannot see them putting a spoke in Everton’s championship prospects. Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Catterick, Jones (T.G.), Lawton, Stevenson, L. Wootton.

SHOCK FOR EVERTON
November 18, 1944. The Evening Express
Crewe Win 5-3
By Pilot
Everton included four internationals in todays game at Goodison Park with Crewe Alexandra who included Rawcliffe the Wallasey born player at inside-right, Jimmy McCormick, of the Spurs at outside right, and Joe McCormick of Bolton Wanderers at inside left. Lawton return to the Everton side and Tommy Jones had his second run at inside right. Everton; Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Lindley and Watson, half-backs; Catterick, Jones (Tommy), Lawton (captain), Stevenson and L. Wootton, forwards. Crewe Alexandra;- Graham, goal; Tagg and Chandler, backs; Hughes, Hill and McCormick (Jim) (Tottenham), half-backs; Rawcliffe, Basnett (Stoke), McCormick (Joe) (Bolton Wanderers), and Almonds, forwards. Referee; Mr. S. McCarthy (Wrexham). Crewe opened promisingly but found Everton’s defence untroubled and then Stevenson’s quick thinking back heel not only deceived Crewe but his Everton colleagues as well. Catterick broke through to shoot over the top, and when Catterick was going through again, Chandler pulled him up with a magnificent tackle. Wootton surprised. Still and Tagg and raced away to square the ball as goalkeeper Graham was busy lying his shoe-lace. Before Lawton could get to work, however Chandler had come across with the winning tackle.
Fine Passing
Jones, Grant, Stevenson and Catterick participated in a brilliant interpassing movement which led to Wootton placing across goal for Graham to clear. Basnett who got goals last week, came to outside right to try a cross-shot which Burnett saved low down. Receiving from Watson, Lawton headed the ball over Hughes, and a second header before the ball touched ground forced Graham to save at full length, for the biggest thrill so far. Hughes saved a certain goal, intercepting a centre from Catterick after some grand work by Tom Jones whose passes were getting Crewe moving the wrong way. Everton took the lead in 18 minutes through Stevenson, thanks to good building up work by Watson, Jones, and Lawton. Watson pass was headed to Lawton, who moved back and then pushed the ball through for Stevenson to run in unchallenged and give Graham no chance. Lindley pulled a thigh muscle and went off for treatment, as Everton proceeded to serve up some brilliant football. Lindley came back after five minutes to find Everton still on the attack thanks to fine building-up work by Jones and Stevenson.
Crewe Equalise
In 26 minutes Everton were surprised, however, when Joe McCormick equalised in simple style. Basnett moved to outside-left, drew Lindley and then pushed the ball inside. McCormick following up, only half-hit the ball which bounced and trickled into the net. There was another surprise in store for Everton, for in 31 minutes Crewe were ahead, and it was again the Basnett-McCormick due which did the trick. This time Basnett found Watson and Greenhalgh out of position, and he raced through from the inside right position, ran to the line, and placed the ball accurately to the far post for McCormick (Joe) to head into the net, Lindley being just too late in his efforts to kick it away. Everton were badly shaken, the defence having quite a sticky period against the fast moving forwards, who combined splendidly. After good work by Wootton, Stevenson almost broke through, Chandler again coming to the rescue with a last minute intervention, and straight away Crewe raced through for Basnett to bewilder the defence and provide Almond with a chance, his shot flashing inches over the top. Crewe kept on top for a spell, and then when Lawton raced through Graham dashed out to take the ball from his toes. There was plenty of incident, with Crewe by no means playing second fiddle, especially with Basnett playing “ducks and drakes” with the defence.
Half-time; Everton 1, Crewe 2.
Everton were forced to change their formation on resuming owing to the injury to Lindley, who went to outside right, with Watson at centre half and Catterick at right half. Crewe quickly became dangerous and when Almond centred, Basnett turned the ball into the net, but he was yards offside, and the referee rightly discounted the goal. Everton gradually got into the swing of things, and after Lawton had shot wide, he levelled the scores with a magnificent goal. Lawton seemed to be crowned out as, he went through, but he neatly dragged the ball back pass two players, and then scored with a right foot shot just inside the far post. Everton took heart after this, and with Crewe’s defenders becoming panicky, the Blues won two successive corners before Lindley dropped the ball on the roof of the net.
Everton Regain Lead.
Everton took the lead in 61 minutes through Tommy Jones. Graham ran out to clear a free kick for an infringement on Lindley, but the ball was too high for him, and Tommy Jones headed high up, the ball dropping just under the bar. Graham made a magnificent save when he dived out to a menacing centre from Lindley with Lawton in attendance. Crewe drew level in 70 minutes through Rawcliffe. Lindley had been pulled up for offside and from the free kick Almond came inside and gave to Rawcliffe, who from the edge of the penalty area, shot to the far corner of the net, Burnett being slightly unsighted. Stevenson ran clean through and his centre was cannoned away to Lawton, who with an open goal to shoot at, missed his kick, and so Crewe escaped miraculously. Straightaway, Crewe regained the lead through Basnett. Everton seemed to be standing still as Basnett dashed through at outside right, got close in and scored with a shot almost on the goal post, the ball passing behind Burnett. Time 78 minutes. Graham made a splendid one-handed save off Jones, just turning the ball over the ball. When Lawton went through Chandler stuck to him to prevent all possibility of a shot and save a certain goal. In 86 minutes Crewe, profiting by their escape increased their lead with Rawcliffe raced, through and let go a shot which passed between Burnett legs. Final; Everton 3, Crewe 5.

EVERTON GET SHOCK
November 18, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
Crewe Victory At Goodison
Flashing Final
By Ranger.
Everton; Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Lindley and Watson, half-backs; Catterick, Jones (Tommy), Lawton (captain), Stevenson and L. Wootton, forwards. Crewe Alexandra;- Graham, goal; Tagg and Chandler, backs; Hughes, Hill and McCormick (Jim) (Tottenham), half-backs; Rawcliffe, Basnett (Stoke), McCormick (Joe) (Bolton Wanderers), and Almonds, forwards. Referee; Mr. S. McCarthy (Wrexham). Crewe were proving lively and enterprising and after Basnett had tested Burnett, Lindley had to give away a corner, which proved fruitless. After Jones (T.G.) had served up a couple of picture passes and Lawton had gone very close with a double header. Everton took the lead when Stevenson ran on as Crewe were appealing for off-side, and rammed home a pass from Lawton in such a way as to leave Graham helpless. Time 18 minutes. Slackness in the home defence allowed Crewe to get on terms after 26 minutes Joe McCormick scoring after a neat run along with Basnett. It was not a difficult shot although the ball was travelling away from him, but Burnett was just a split too slow in making his drive. Crewe success enlivened their attack and at the 31st minute McCormick (Joe) put them in front after the Everton defence had allowed Basnett to go almost to the touchline unchallenged, from where he placed the ball with a back-pass to give McCormick a comparatively easy chance.
Lawton Policed.
This was a blow to Everton’s confidence and complacency and with Lawton policed and getting very few chances, it was clear Everton had a stiff task in front of them. Crewe were swinging the ball about in telling manner, and Barnett who veered out to both wings turn, was giving the home defence moments Stevenson and Lawton combined in one nice move and Lawton made a grand solo run, but neither brought reward. Many of Everton’s attempts of combination were frustrated by the happiness of the Crewe defenders, who went out to meet the ball while Everton waited for it to come to them.
Half-time; Everton 1, Crewe Alex 1.
On resuming, Everton had Lindley at outside right, Watson centre half, and Catterick and Grant and left half expectedly. Almost straight from the kick off Basnett netted for Crewe, but the point was rightly disallowed for offside, and then at the 52 minute Lawton set the crowd a life by equalising.
Lawton’s Goal
When he got a pass from Jones and was challenged by two defenders it looked odds against Lawton getting through but he retained control in fine style and managed to squeeze the ball through the defence and it rebounded into the net off the post. Nine minutes later Jones (T.G.) gave Everton the lead when he headed in a long-range free kick taken by Jackson. Between these goals Lawton had skimmed the bar with one of his “specials” and had only been over-whelmed by weight of numbers in another afford to force his way through. Crewe fought back in deadly earnest and got on more than they deserved when Rawcliff equalised at the eightieth minute. The ball came to him on the edge of the penalty area from a ruck of players and when he shot Burnett unsighted until it was too late for his to prevent the ball cannoning in off the foot of the post. Everton became sadly disorganised and Basnett put Crewe in front with only 12 minutes to go after splendid solo run. Just before this Lawton had missed the easiest chance of the day when he tried to place the ball into an open goal, and only succeeded in tapping it to a defender. Graham made a splendid save to prevent Jones heading in a Lawton pass and Tagg kicked away off the line. Everton were fighting back galliantly but the issue was sealed when four minutes from the finish Crewe got a gift goal. Burnett allowing Rawcliffe’s shot to slip through his fingers and between his legs into the net. It had been a hard and thrilling game, and once more Crewe justified their title of giant-killers. Final; Everton 3, Crewe Alex 5.

WON EVERY GAME
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 November 1944
EVERTON STAR TRAINS 50TH DIVISION FOOTBALLERS
By a Military Observer
Trained by Cliff Britton, the English international and Everton star, now a sergeant-major instructor in physical training, the 50th (Northumbrian) Division Soccer side is regarded as one of the best Army sides on the Continent. So far 50th Division has won every game played, defeating some of the lead French and Dutch teams. Nowadays Cliff is attached to R.A.S.C. company, his job with the 50th being football. Cliff finds it a full-time job, too, for in addition to turning out regularly for the division at right half, he runs league for divisional units, referees, and is much in demand for Soccer talks to the troops. I met Cliff just as he was leaving to play for Army and R.A.F. eleven in a match against Brussels. In his battledress and beret he looked very fit indeed. “I’m really happy with the 50th,” he said. I came to it in Normandy in the early days of the campaign, and I find that the boys play as hard as they fight. This division, is definitely Soccer-minded. It has useful side, and divisional matches attract very large gates. That is of course, when the chaps can be spared.   “I’ve not met many of my old pals who are out here, but few days ago I humped into Jimmy Hagan, of Sheffield United, who will be playing with me Brussels. We had a good pow-wow.” 

EVERTON STAR ENJOYS LIFE IN ARMY
November 18, 1944. The Evening Express
Trained by Cliff Britton, the English International and Everton star, now a sergeant-major instructor in physical training, the 50th (North-Cumbrian) Division soccer side is regarded as one of the best Army teams on the Continent. So far the %0th Division has won every game played defeating some of the leading French and Dutch teams. Nowadays Cliff is attached to a R.A.S.C. Company, his job with the 50th being football. He finds it a full time job, too. “I’m really happy with the 50th he told an interviewer. “I came to it in November in the early days of the campaign, and I find that the boys play as hard as they fight. I’ve not met many of my old pals who are out here, but a few days ago I bumped into Jimmy Hagan, of Sheffield United. We had a good pow-vow. Cliff has made 25 appearances for England, and he has been on Everton’s books for 15 seasons.

LAWTON HELD
November 20, 1944. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 3, Crewe Alexandra 5
Determined Team Work Decides
By Ranger.
Crewe Alexandra maintained their role of giant-killers by deservedly defeating Everton 5-3 at Goodison Park. They won by plain, go-ahead football, good team work, and sheer determination. Three times they drew level after being a goal down, and them in the closing stages, when they had Everton on the run, added two quick goals to seal their superiority. In fairness to the local it must be recorded that an early injury to Lindley disorganised their defence and the whole half back line had to be reshuffled when the centre-half went outside right on the resumption. Despite Lindley’s handicap Everton persisted in constant feeding of the right wing and though he responded gamely and provided some good centres he was out of it when a sprint was called for. What the result might have been but for this mishap cannot say, but certainly Everton were not playing like contenders before it, whereas Crewe were always lively and enterprising and full of danger.
Deadly Tackling
In the end Everton were beaten by veering down tactics and their failure to match the opposition in going for the ball instead of waiting for it to come to them. Crewe’s tackling was deadly and speedy, their covering up excellent and apart from a tendency occasionally to over kick their forwards, there was a better understanding between defence and attack than with Everton. They had their share of fortune in striking Burnett on one of his off days. He should have saved two of the goals –the last was a bad slip the ball trickling through his legs-but he was not exclusively to blame, and hesitant in defence also contributed to a couple of Crewe’s successes. Everton fought hard, but there was too little method in their work to overcome the stalwart. Crewe defence. The real turning point was when with the score 3-3, Lawton missed an open goal through an echo of caution in trying to place the ball deliberately. He wouldn’t miss one like that in a hundred times. Had he got it the issue might have been different. Crewe concentrated on blotting Lawton out of the game, and they did it very effectively, usually by sheer weight of numbers, but the Everton inside forwards failed to seize opportunities, consequent on this pro-occupation down the middle. Jones did not “come off” this time and with the upset in the half-back line Everton were nothing like the force they have been of late. Crewe had two grand forwards in the McCormick, Joe, and Jim an enterprising leader in Basnett, whose will-of-the-wisp tactics counter-balanced his lack of inches and a defence which was solid in every link with Hughes standing out at centre half. The order of the goals was; Stevenson (18 minutes); McCormick (Joe) (26 and 31 minutes), Lawton (52), Jones (61), Rawlings (70), Basnett (78), and Rawcliffe (86). Attendance 20,169. Everton; Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Lindley and Watson, half-backs; Catterick, Jones (Tommy), Lawton (captain), Stevenson and L. Wootton, forwards. Crewe Alexandra;- Graham, goal; Tagg and Chandler, backs; Hughes, Hill and McCormick (Jim) (Tottenham), half-backs; Rawcliffe, Basnett (stoke), McCormick (Joe) (Bolton Wanderers), and Almonds, forwards. Referee; Mr. S. McCarthy (Wrexham).
• Napiers 4, Everton Reserves 3
• Liverpool lost 2-0, Berry (2)

CHANCES MISSED
November 20, 1944. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton allowed opportunity to slip through their fingers in astonishing style, on Saturday. With the League leadership within easy reach they crashed at home to Crewe Alexandra, who did precisely what I warmed Everton they might do –scored five goals. Unlike last season, however, the Blues only got three. Before expounding the reasons for Everton’s fall –a fall which could cost them the championship –let say that Crewe Alexandra deserved their success and that they impressed as a grand workmanlike side, always striving to play football in the real copy book style. In combined work Crewe matched Everton, but where they had the pull was that generally they were just a yard faster on the ball. That made all the difference. As I said when Crewe beat Liverpool at Anfield as a team of go-getters I have not seen a better for a long time. There were, however, contributory factors to the result apart from the unquestionable Crewe ability. First, Everton suffered because Maurice Lindley pull a thigh muscle in the opening minutes, and eventually finished at outside right with Gordon Watson at centre half. Then Tommy Jones was out of his element at inside right, not because of misuse of the ball, but in lack of enterprise in going for it. Yes, inside forwards are born; not made. The “square peg” Tommy in a round hole, put the line out of gear so that no matter how gallantly, Lawton and Stevenson –and believe me they were heroes-worked to get things moving there was sand in the lubrication oil. Naturally, we onlookers wondered why Jones was not moved to centre half when Lindley was injured, but I do not think Jones could have excelled the work of Gordon Watson in that respect. Now to another important point. George Burnett, the Everton’s goalkeeper had one of those unlucky days when nothing would go right for him. They come to every goalkeeper in time and that is why I sympathise with Burnett instead of blaming him. It must have been a nightmare for George, for he never recovered from an error in the scoring of Crewe’s first goal, because uncertain and kicking in confidence so that he must have thought all the spirits of evil were against him when a slow shot slipped right between his hands and legs for the last goal. Never in his goalkeeping career will Burnett ever have another day like Saturday, and that thought should give him heart for the future. There was balm for his “wounds” after the game when Captain Tommy Lawton and Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly made a point of giving a word of encouragement to Burnett emphasising that it comes to everyone in turn. As I say “Hard luck, George; now forget it All right, maybe you were not at your best and Everton lost, but many times you have put Everton on the victory way with your brilliance –just a week earlier, to be precise –so it all balances up in the end.”
Brilliant Centres
The feature of the thrilling game was the high standard of centre-forward play. Lawton has never battled so hard and to such good purpose. Shadowed by Hughes, and more especially Chandler –what a great back this erstwhile forward has become –Lawton was the ever-present menace to Crewe success, and his goal was one of those only a Lawton could score. Basnett small, and up to a couple of weeks ago a winger –he is a Stoke player –was an amazingly successful Crewe leader, making three goals by his incisiveness and movement to the unexpected spot, and taking one for himself. Rawcliffe and Joe McCormick –two goals apiece –gave excellent support while Almond former Tranmere winger and Jimmy McCormick made up a line of skill and finishing ability. As a schemer, of course, Alex Stevenson stood out a mile and he must have made goals for Lawton had not Tommy been working so hard to get Everton to settle into a team. Alex got the opening goal, and Jones headed Everton’s third. Everton’s defence was unset by the injury to Lindley, and neither Jackson nor Greenhalgh played with the sureness and confidence which has been their habit this term. Grant and Watson were great and Catterick as effective at half-back as in the attack. Young Len Wootton may have lack virility but his confidence and control augur well for the future. A word for Frank Hill who so ably spurred his side to victory, and congratulations to Crewe chairman Mr. Frank Cottrell, and his colleagues who must look forward to their Liverpool visit with keen anticipation. Everton will have team problems for next week’s return at Gresty Road, for Lindley is not likely to be fit. However, Lawton will be available and that means a lot for on Saturday we saw that Lawton is not only a grand player, but a grand captain. Chairman Mr. Will Gibbins, of the Blues, and his colleagues were loud in their praises of Crewe, and delighted at the attendance of 20,196.

CREWE KEEP IT UP
November 20, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Crewe’s midget centre forward, Basnett of Stoke is normally a winger. When he couldn’t get a place in Stoke’s side he asked Crewe for a game, got it and with Boothway injured deputised in the middle. At Goodison Park on Saturday, when Crewe got the zeal on their claims to be the season’s record “giant-killers” it was Basnett who took the eye more than England’s centre forward, Lawton. He was a Dougal –cum Bruce mixture in his rowing propensities and this “Cook’s tour” got the home defence in many a tangle. The loss of two points to Everton may mean the difference between success and failure in their championship bid. No good worrying about it, though –it’s all part of the game –and it is some-consideration that they were beaten by the better side and were not the victims of a travesty of justice. Certainly they had their share of ill-fortune for Lindley’s pulled muscle necessitating a complete reshuffle of the half-back line, upset the hitherto solid defence on top of which Burnett had one of his rare off days, but that does not detract from the excellence of the visitors. Turning point was when Lawton missed a
“Sitter” with the score 3-3. It will be a long time before he forgives himself for that. A goal then might have turned the game inside out. Instead Crewe went on to get two more –the last a pure gift, Burnett who will also be slow to pardon himself. Crewe all though were a lively and enterprising side, sound in defence and like quick-silver in attack. Though Everton fought grimly there was little understanding whereas Crewe had a plan and purpose in everything they did. They refused to be overawed by Everton’s record, their tackling was quicker and more effective they went for the ball while Everton waited for it to come to them and their wing halves and inside men opened up the game by crafty moves and long passes. Crewe’s defence so concentrated on checkmating Lawton that he usually had three men on him as soon as the ball got anywhere near, and altogether had a thankness and pretty hopeless task. Tommy Jones was out of touch for long periods, and Stevenson manfully shouldered a big burden. Wootton again served up some tricky things, and has the making of a future good un, but isn’t strong enough yet to get his centres over properly on a heavy ground. Time will remedy that. Apart from Burnett Everton’s defence must take a share of the blame. Twice they hung off the challenges too long and goals came. Crewe are not a side with which to take such chances.

EVERTON CHANGES FOR VISIT TO CREWE
November 23, 1914. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Two wing changes and possibly an inside forward at centre half. This is the team news from Goodison Park for the return match between Everton and Crewe Alexandra at Gresty-Road on Saturday. Add to that a centre-forward at inside right, and you have a team of deep interest and tremendous possibilities. First to the centre-half position, Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly does not know yet whether or not Maurice Lindley will be fit following the pulled muscle in last Saturday’s match, but if Lindley cannot play then the mantle of hub of the side will fall on Stan Bentham, inside forward and member of the 1939 championship side. Stan has not played for the Blues in a League match this season, but has had games with Tranmere Rovers and Southport. Bentham is not a complete stranger to the position, and, in fact has put up some galliant displays there in an emergency. Syd Rawlings, of Millwall, returns to outside-right, for Catterick, who goes to inside right. This will be Harry’s fourth position in four games, for he played outside-left at Manchester, centre forward at home to the City and outside-right last Saturday, I am ignoring the fact that Catterick finished last week’s game at right half. On the left wing Mr. Kelly brings back George Makin, who will be having his third spell worth the chiefs this term. Catterick takes the place of Tommy Jones, and Makin takes over from Wootton, but otherwise the team is unchanged. Everton introduce two newcomers in their second eleven –against Rootes at Goodison Park. They are Drury, a centre half from Ellesmere Port, the township which gave to football Joe Mercer and Stan Cullis, and Preston an outside-left from B.A. Warrington. I note that Charlie Lever, the promising young back who has been out of the game for some time, returns to activity with the Colts. I am pleased to record that Fred Sweeny Everton’s young outside-right who was reported missing on active service, is a prisoner-of-war. Everton; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, (or Bentham), Watson; Rawlings, Catterick, Lawton, Stevenson, Makin.
Everton Reserves; Melrose; McDonnell, Moore; Cookson, Drury, Doyle; F. Jones, Taylor, Booth, Mannion, Preston.
Everton Colts (v. Bebington Hawks at Port Sunlight); J.A. Jones; Evans, Lever; Stanton, Sheppard, Wright; Price, Ireland, Pottage, Arnold, Hartshorne.

EVERTON’S ONE DOUBT
November 23, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton have only one-doubt about their side for the return with Crewe at Gresty Road, and that is whether Lindley will be fit. If not Bentham will deputise, making the only defensive change, compared with three in the attack. Catterick takes over at inside right from Tommy Jones, leaving Rawlings to return to the extreme position, and Makin, who is more used to the position and more strongly built, replaces Wootton at outside left. The latter is really an inside forward. Team; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley (or Bentham), Watson; Rawlings, Catterick, Lawton, Stevenson, Makin.
Everton have received word that Fred Sweeney, their reserve outside right, who had a few first team games a couple of seasons back, and who was reported missing recently is a prisoner of war.

DEATH OF MR. P.J. ROBINSON
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 23 November 1944
Former Liverpool Electricity Chief
Mr. Percival James Robinson Engineer, died at Hillah, Albert-drive, Deganwy, today. He retired from the post in March this year after being head of the department since 1928. He was in the service of the Corporation for 42 years and was made C.B.E in 1943 New Years Honours list. Aged 65 he was born at Erith, Kent, served an apprenticeship to the electrical industry there and later gained his diplomas for electrical and mechanical enginnering and chemistry after two years study at Flinsbury Technical collegue.
Designs
within these months of going to the British Insulated and Helsby Cable Ltd, at Prescot, he was placed in charge of the test room. shortly afterwards he became manager of the Garston and District Electric Supply and Tramways Co. he was responsible for the designs of Graston GGenerating Station and the laying of the traamsway lines from Aigburth to Garston. Mr. Robinson entered the service of the city in 1902, when the Garston undertaking was taken over. His promotion was rapid. His responsibilities increased until in 1928, on the death of Mr. Harold Dickinson, he was appointed cily Electrical Engineer. He was consulting engineer for the Clarence Dock Power Station, one of the largest electrical plants in the country. The Council in 1935 raised his salary from £1,200 to £3,000 a year in recognition of his successful services. Mr. Robinson was responsible for the development of the electrical discharge lamp, a method of lighting which was copied in other places. Another invention which he was responsible for developing was the electrical heating of playing fields, to counteract frost. An important experiment was made on Everton F.C.'s practice ground. The elimination of smoke from large power installations was also a subject upon which he took out four patents.
University Honours
Liverpool University conferned upon him and hon, degree of M. Eng, in 1933, and a year later he was elected president of the Incoroparted Municipal Electrical AAssociation. Mr. Robinson was a member of both the National and North-West Regional Consultative Committee of the Central Electricoty Board. He leaves a widow and two daughters.

BLUES AT CREWE
November 24, 1944. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Notes
A week ago today I reminded Everton of Crewe’s five-goals feat in November 1943, and it was a timely warning for Crewe ran up five goals last Saturday. Now I want to remind Crewe of November 20, 1943, when Everton last visited Gresty-road. Everton scored eight goals that day, and while they may not reach that mark again tomorrow I do fancy Everton to win. I say that while appreciating that Crewe are a really good side playing fast, open football in methodical and attractive style. However Everton were handicapped by Lindley’s injury last week, and the defence certainly will not have as many lapses. The moving of Harry Catterick to inside right should bring more incisiveness into the Everton line, and there is not the slightest doubt that the return of Syd Rawlings to outside right is going to make a tremendous difference. The centre half position remains in doubt, but either Lindley or Bentham should fill the needs adequately and young Makin can make the outside left position his own if only he will get the ball across. Everton still have an outstanding chance of winning the championship, but if they fail to win tomorrow then hopes will fade. I take Everton. Crewe will be without the electric Basnett and that is a big loss. They have not yet selected a deputy, but Barclay, of Huddersfield will be inside right. Crewe Alexandra; Graham; Tagg, Chandler; Hill, Hughes, Still; McCormick (Joe), Barclay, A.N. Other, Rawcliffe, Almond. Everton; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, (or Bentham), Watson; Rawlings, Catterick, Lawton, Stevenson, Makin.

EVERTON’S TASK
November 24, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
To have any hopes of remaining in the championship running Everton well have to get both points from Crewe. Can they do it? I think so, providing the defence tightness up the loose screws of last week and the changed attack works better as a combined force. Last week too much was left to Lawton and Stevenson, who pulled their heart out without avail. What do Crewe think? A visiting director whom I congratulated on the visitors victory relied “I shouldn’t be surprised if Everton get their own back next week?” This truth is that Crewe’s home record is nothing like so good as their collection of scalps away. They have been beaten at Gresty Road by Tranmere, Chester, Wrexham and Manchester City. And they aren’t likely to get the gifts they did at Goodison. All the same Everton will have a tough task if the Railway men reproduce the same all round high standard. Lawton will probably find the same defensive inodus-opetandi in which case the rest of the forwards need to be ready to cut in and snap up chance, themselves. Crewe will be minus Basnett recalled by Stoke. Crewe Alexandra; Graham; Tagg, Chandler; Hill, Hughes, Still; McCormick (Joe), Barclay, A.N. Other, Rawcliffe, Almond. Everton; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, (or Bentham), Watson; Rawlings, Catterick, Lawton, Stevenson, Makin.

FOUR GOALS FOR LAWTON
November 25, 1944. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton at Crewe
Lindley, having recovered from his injury, was at centre half for Everton in the return match with Crewe Alexandra at Gresty road, Crewe, today. Crewe Alex; Graham, goal; Tagg and Chandler, backs; Hill, Hughes and Still, half-backs; McCormick (Tottenham), Barclay (Huddersfield), Powell, Rawcliffe, and Almond, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Lindley, and Watson, half-backs; Rawlings (Millwall), Catterick, Lawton, Stevenson and Makin, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Delaney (Chester). Crewe kicked off in the presence of more than 8,000 spectators the best crowd of the season. Everton were at once dangerous; Rawlings making a fine run down the wing. He centred beautifully to Lawton, who was cleverly dispossessed. Crewe were adopting long passing tactics, which, however, did not give them much advantage. Almond did good work on the Crewe left, and he finished one of his efforts with a great centre, but the danger was cleared. After ten minutes Lawton opened the Everton score with a brilliant first time drive from 30 yards. A moment later the Everton centre-forward again delivered one of his lighting drives and fortunately for Crewe it glided off the body of Tagg for a corner.
Graham’s Save
Everton kept up the pressure and several times Lawton sent in stinging drives and Graham was applaused for his saves. The game was fast and sparkling, with Everton invariably on top. Crewe’s chance came when Almond got away following a breakaway, but his shot went over the bar. Graham’s brilliant goalkeeping was a big feature of the game. He saved shots from all angles and distances. The Crewe forward line did not appear to be settled, and their passing left much to be desired. A free kick just outside the penalty area looked promising for Crewe, but Still’s shot went well out of range. The smartest move of the match so far was a brilliant run from the half-way line by Rawcliffe. He beat four men and finished with a great shot which Burnett just managed to tip over the bar. Five minutes before the interval Lawton scored a second goal. Crewe made desperate attempts to reduce the arrears but Everton’s sound defence prevailed. Everton were well worth their two goals lead, although Crewe put up a plucky fight.
Half-time; Crewe A. 0, Everton 2.
Rawcliffe changed places with Powell in the Crewe centre for the second half. After only two minutes play Lawton completed his hat-trick. Picking up a pass from the right wing, he practically dribbled the ball into the net. Shortly afterwards Makin had a gilt-edged chance of scoring, but Hughes rushed across and deflected his shot. A free kick at close quarters presented Crewe with a chance, but Hill snot timidly. Directly afterwards Rawcliffe gave Burnett a hard shot, which he saved skilfully. Fifteen minutes after the restart Almond got through and sent a good pass to Powell, who scored an easy goal for Crewe. For fully five minutes Crewe attacked strongly and did everything except score. The Everton defence was well extended, and Crewe’s great determination should have been rewarded. Lawton scored a fourth goal for Everton.

CREWE V EVERTON
November 25, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Crewe Alex; Graham, goal; Tagg and Chandler, backs; Hill, Hughes and Still, half-backs; McCormick (Tottenham), Barclay (Huddersfield), Powell, Rawcliffe, and Almond, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Lindley, and Watson, half-backs; Rawlings (Millwall), Catterick, Lawton, Stevenson and Makin, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Delaney (Chester). Crewe had its biggest crowd of the season to see Everton in the return game. Crewe raids had the Everton defence in a bit of a tangle and Almond tested the power of Grant and Jackson to the full. Everton, through Rawlings and Makin also gave the Crewe defence its worries, particularly Rawlings who once ran through and delivered a centre which was cleared. So far Lawton had little chance, but when he received one, he made no bones about scoring. It was from a breakaway and the odds seemed to be on Hughes and Graham but the England centre forward beat them both by his great shot at ten minutes. It was the surprise of Lawton’s endeavour which produced this goal. He bounced round Hughes and as Graham left his goal swings his left foot at the ball to send it sailing into the empty net. Almond shot for the far side of the Everton goal, and Burnett had to go down on all fours to keep the ball out. Rawings made an excellent run, which finished with a shot Burnett had to tip over his bar. Lawton scored a second goal, and again it was a brilliant effort. He missed a shot from thirty yards out, but just as Graham, who had previously left his goal, was trying to get back Lawton’s next drive was much too fast for him and it went sailing into the net. It had been fine football although most of the artistry of the game belonged to Everton.
Half-time; Crewe Alexandra 0, Everton 2.
The second half was only two minutes old when Lawton scored his third goal and hat-trick, bating Graham from close range following good work by Rawlings and Catterick at the 57th minutes. Powell beat the Everton defence and scored. Crewe played with such determination that they had the Everton defence on the collar for a good five minutes, but at 68 minutes their goal fell a fourth time and again it was Lawton who hit the bull’s eye. He collected a pass from Makin and with a first time shot smashed the ball just underneath the crossbar from at least 25 yards range. It was at Crewe last season that Lawton scored five goals. The home side today met an Everton well knit and powerful on the move.

TURNING THE TABLE
November 27, 1944. The Liverpool Daily Post
Crewe Alexandra 1, Everton 5
Centre’s Great Day at Derby
By Stork
A week ago Crewe Alexandra surprised the football world by beating Everton at Goodison Park. Those watching the return game at Gresty Road, could hardly understand it, for Everton were never in danger of defeat although it was due to one man that Everton won 5-1. That man was Lawton, who for the second time in succession scored five goals against Crewe on their own ground. He hit up a quintette of goals last season. Lawton has never played better and Scotland will have to pay him full attention when they meet England at Villa Park. There were four goals at Gresty Road that will vis with anything I have witnessed and the includes Robson’s four goals at Goodison Park some years ago, which were the talk in football circles for weeks. Crewe played quite well, make no mistake about that but they had a Lawton. Hughes did his utmost to stop the England centre-forward but found the task too big for him, but in fairness it must be said that Lawton would have had other goals had not Hughes cut in to take the ball when all seemed lost. Near the end of the game Lawton offered Stevenson and Makin gilt-edged chances but they were not accepted. Crewe opened out smartly and promised a lot of trouble, but the turf of the tide came when Lawton scored a great goal in ten minutes. He slipped round Hughes and with his left foot drove the ball for the far side of the net. Again Lawton caught Graham out of his fair and from 35 yards out cracked a ball into the net. There was a claim for hands against Lindley in the penalty area that in my opinion was fully justified was ignored. The second half was two minutes old when Lawton, following good play by Catterick and Rawlings scored again from a few yards range. Crewe started a rally and at 59 minutes Powell scored. When Lawton gained his fourth goal it was another smashing drive from long range, and a header brought his crop to five. Crewe however, fought on to the finish. Lawton of course took the day’s honours but his strong play of the half-backs and full back contributed to the success, Rawlings was a smart winger and Makin did some nice thing, but Catterick seemed to be suffering from two head blows early in the game. For Crewe, Hughes was outstanding and Tagg was little behind. Score card; Lawton 10, minutes, 25, minutes, 47 minutes, 68 minutes, 70 minutes, Powell 59 minutes. Attendance 8, 700 Receipts £728. Crewe Alex; Graham, goal; Tagg and Chandler, backs; Hill, Hughes and Still, half-backs; McCormick (Tottenham), Barclay (Huddersfield), Powell, Rawcliffe, and Almond, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Lindley, and Watson, half-backs; Rawlings (Millwall), Catterick, Lawton, Stevenson and Makin, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Delaney (Chester).
• Liverpool beat Bury 3-1, Cumner, Niuwenhuys, Berry for Bury

EVERTON RESERVES 4, ROOTES 4
November 27, 1944. The Evening Express
Goodison Park. F. Jones (2), and Booth (2) scored for home goals, while Wilding (2), Clough and Chapman (penalty) netted for Rootes.

EVERTON WIN
November 27, 1944. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Last week I was entering up may record book when Tommy Lawton called to see me I was entering the Lawton goals as a matter of fact. How many of you next Saturday. “I’ll try for six,” said Tom laughingly, “go on, put it down,” I did. And Tommy nearly obliged. He got five “smashers” to enable Everton to win 5-1 at Crewe on Saturday and so keep the Blues bang in the title race. So Lawton equalled his feat at Crewe last season. Five goals in a game is a great feat and they were remarkable efforts, one shot being from fully 40 yards. Lawton’s opportunism was the feature of a brilliant game, and my observer assures me that Crewe played equally as well as at Goodison the previous week, but this time found Everton that yard sharper on the ball. Apart from Lawton the man of the match was Gordon Watson, who gave a superlative display. Grant was not far behind; in fact the two wing half-backs blotted out the Crewe inside forwards apart from one testing ten minute period in the second half. The defence was faultless in the discharge of plenty of work, and there was more life about the entire attack with Stevenson the spring of the most subtle attacks. Rawlings had an excellent game. Catterick was always a potential menace with his quick bursts, and Makin did quit well. The fact that Lindley quickly settled down after feeling his way gave Everton complete confidence and even the galliant Hughes could not hold the relentless unerring Lawton. It was a grand victory against a good side to delight Chairman Mr. Will Gibbins, and Messre Ernest Green and George Evans (directors) and Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly who made the trip. Frank Hill, Crewe’s player-manager, made a special point of congratulating Everton on their display and the gate of more than eight thousand with receipts of £700 odd must have compensated Crewe for the defeat. Everton still have the remarkable away record of seven wins one draw. And the draw was the only match away in which the have not conceded a goal. Powell got Crewe’s lone point by the way.

LAWTON PINPOINTING
November 27, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s big gun –Lawton –thundered and roared at Gresty Road on Saturday and scored five direct hits, and so avenged the Crewe “blitz” at Goodison Park last week. It was a superlative bit of pinpointing by the England centre forward. Last season on the same ground he scored five goals so Crewe will have cause to remember him. His shooting was dynamic, but not only that, he offered glorious chances which were refused; otherwise Everton’s victory would have been more pronounced (writes Stork). I have seen some great goals scored in my time, but none better than Lawton’s first two. They were champions goals, not quite common to him these days. They beat the Crewe defence to place –one was from 20 yards, the other from 35 yards range, and no power on earth could stop them. His fourth was of a single nature –a crack-a-jack shot which Graham could only watch entering his net. The third was a gift from Rawlings only a yard or so out, and his fifth a header. But why were his colleagues not among the scorers. The answer “simple “they wanted more time and space. Lawton wanted neither time nor space just the opening, and he pulled the trigger and hit the bull. Stevenson and Makin had the simples of chances but could not until the opportunity was lost. Sure Crewe no poor? Oh dear so. They played some nice football, gave the Everton defence many anxious moments but had no one to drive home their chances like Lawton. What five goals are scored by the centre forward the opponent centre half usually come in for hard words but there are so hard words for Hughes who was a grand pivot tackling as with courage. He stepped in time and again to hold up Lawton. Otherwise Everton would have run up double figures.

BENTHAM AND BOYES BACK
November 29, 1944. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton, away to Wrexham will have Bentham at inside right, and Boyes now fit after his cartilage operation at outside left is available otherwise Makin. The defence is unchanged for the seventh successive game and will now have been thus in thirteen matches. Six of those below were in the pre-war championship. Teams; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Lindley, Watson; Rawlings, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes or Makin.
Everton Reserves (v. Carlton, Goodison park); Melrose; McDonnell, Lever, Bate, Rees, Doyle, F. Jones, Sheppherd, Booth, Lane, Varney