Everton Independent Research Data
BARNSLEY RES 2, EVERTON RESERVES 1
November 1, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton were the more methodical side in the first half, Lello and Higgins forming a good left wing. Richardson scored for Barnsley and Lello equalised before the interval. Winning goal came from Mount and it was only effective goalkeeping by Leyland that prevented Everton losing by a heavy margin. He made numerous spectacular saves.
• Everton “A” 1, Earlestown 4
CATTERICK SUCCESS
November 1, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Commenting on Everton’s third win of the season, Radar writes; “One’s natural pleasure in being able to record an Everton victory must be tempered by a recognition of the mediocrity of the opposition provided by Huddersfield. On this display even the inspiration of Doherty cannot save Town from a back-to-the-wall” fight against relegation so this was a game marked more by the sheer desperation than anything approaching the standard expected of such clubs. There was nothing to diaper the second-half monotony of misplaced passes increased stoppages for minor injuries and wastage of goal chances by both teams. The most pleasing feature was the return to form of Harry Catterick, whose judicious leadership –his heading was a revelation –allied to the promise of Juliussen in his experimental position of inside-left and the clever foraging of Stevenson, deserved to the rewarded with more than his two goals. “But the wing weakness especially in finishing still remains to be solved, and a general tightening up in defence is urgently desired. The fact that Town did not score was due in the midfield mastery of Jones and the wanton wastage of good chances by Huddersfield. Sagar did not have a shot of note to stop Bentham stuck manfully to his outsize task of solving the Doherty puzzle, but Farrell still has not regained his best form.
BLUES’ NEW PLAN SUCCEEDED
November 1, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
But They Had Not Much To Beat
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s display against Huddersfield calls for no superlatives today. After a moderate first half-hour, the game deteriorated to a dismal and depressing exhibition, relieved only for home supporters by the satisfaction that the two points it brought lifted Everton from the bottom of the table for the first time this season. This time the Blues’ recently increased team spirit lasted beyond the interval. There was a little more virility in their attack, thanks to Catterick’s speed and opportunism and Juliuessen energetic foraging, but that was about all. Though he took his chance smartly both Catterick’s goals had a tinge of fortune through defensive errors. None save Huddersfield will worry about that. It helps to balance up some of Goodison’s ill-luck in previous weeks. This victory welcome though it was, gained at the expense of the poorest side Everton have met so far. Huddersfield showed attacking ideas without the slightest semblance of knowing how to finish them off and their defence had little method and no covering scheme. Everton in short had hardly anything to beat and Manager Cliff Britton has a lot to do yet before he can face the future with confidence. Nobody knows that better than he. The home defence was the most workmanlike part of the side. It’s new plan checkmated all Huddersfield’s endeavouring. It is the same idlea as was exploited by Burnley with sixth success, whereby the defenders retreat goalwards and delay their tackle as long as possible so that the further opposing forwards advance the more do they find the avenues to goal narrowed and blocked. The completeness with which it bottled up the visiting front line was evident from the fact that Sagar did not have a single direct shot to deal with all afternoon, despite Huddersfield serving up some pretty fair approach work in the first half. Everton also produced their best in this portion. The second half was terribly poor stuff, too full of aimless kicking and inaccurate passing to preduce even an occasional thrill. Peter Doherty’s speed and thrust went for nothing and in the final stages he seemed to give it up as hopeless. Though an improvement on some previous Everton displays, nobody earned big bouquets. Tommy Jones was good, the rest of the defence did its job in a safe if not distinguished manner, the inside forwards put all they had into their job, and Eglington was the better of two very ordinary winger. The best entertainment of the day was provided by a marionists-like linesman. It shows how little there was to enthuse over in the game that I found myself watching him most of the time. The reason the referee reversed his decision when Stevenson took a too-hasty free kick was that he considered Stevenson’s action, with so many players bang on top of him, amounted to dangerous play. That solves a problem which puzzled nearly everybody.
EVERTON PLAY MANCHESTER UNITED
November 5, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
In their last two games Everton have shown a greater aptitude for forcing scoring chances than in their previous matches, and against United they give promise of scoring their first away goal of the season, even if they do not grab their first away point. Success against the Matt Busby “wizards” depends more on soundness of defence than anything, however. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Farrell; Higgins, Stevenson, Catterick, Juliussen, Eglington.
• Everton “B” v. Derby Vics at Bellefield
BLUES AT MAINE ROAD
November 5, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s visit to Manchester United hardly promises to be the avenue of their first away win of the season, especially after the way Matt Busby’s team ran riot against Preston last week, when they gave a repeat performance of last season’s cup-winning form. It might, however, be the medium for Everton’s first away goal, which surely cannot much longer be delayed. The association of Catterick and Juliussen in attack gave promise last week of better things, and the former’s opportunism may do the trick. The Blues defence will get a sterner test tomorrow than they had against Huddersfield’s ineffective forwards and Sagar is not likely to go another afternoon without a solitary shot. Football provides such queer reversals of form that it would only be in keeping with some of the season’s freak result if Everton greeted the surprise of the day, but on past performance that seems about as likely as I am to be England’s centre forward. Even a drew which would be heartily welcome, hardly looks possible. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Farrell; Higgins, Stevenson, Catterick, Juliussen, Eglington. Manchester United; Crompton; Carey, Aston; Warner, Chifton, Cockburn; Delaney, Morris, Rowley, Pearson, Mitten.
Everton Reserves home to Sheffield United Reserves, will be Jones (J.A); Clinton, Dugdale; Lindley, Humphreys, Grant; Corr, Pinchbeck, Lewis, Lello, McCormick.
EVERTON MEET A DAZZLING UNITED
November 6, 1948. The Evening Express
Magnificent Sagar in Desperate Defence at Maine-Road
By Radar
Everton ran into Manchester United right back to their super-brilliance of last season at Maine-road today. Only the magnificent goalkeeping of Ted Sagar, combined with desperate defence and the rather impetuous finishing of the United forwards, combined to keep the interval score down to one goal. Sagar had to face an almost continual barrage, but so magnificently did he keep goal that the Manchester crowd rose to him. The Everton attack had few chances to shine although Catterick worked hard with little support. What chances they did have, the Everton forwards did not use to the best advantage. Manager Cliff Britton did not travel with the Everton team. He was engaged on “other businesses.” Manchester United;- Crompton, goal; Carey and Aston, backs; Warner, Chilton, and Cockburn, half-backs; Delaney, Morris, Rowley, Pearson and Mitten, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Jones, Farrell (captain), half-backs; Higgins, Stevenson, Catterick, Juliussen, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. H.T. W Wright (Macclesfield). A 40,000 crowd saw United swing into action, and Rowley and Mitten linked up cleverly on the left for Mitten to level an accurate centre to the far post. Pearson headed in powerfully and accurately, and Sagar did exceptionally well to turn the ball over the top. When Mitten moved towards the far post to head in from Delaney’s corner, Sagar just managed to drop on the ball before it tricked over the line. With United playing magnificent football there was a narrow escape for Everton when both Morris and Rowley raced on to Rowley’s through pass.
Sagar Busy
Sagar, however, came out to narrow the angle, and the ball was driven a few yards wide of the upright. Again Pearson sent Mitten away, who outwitted Saunders, but Sagar was right in position to deal with the United left winger’s acute short-range drive. United went into action again, and again it was Sagar who defied them, dealing confidently with Rowley’s header. Successive corners to Everton in their first raid of note produced nothing to test Crompton. A slip by Aston let in Higgins, but he placed his centre straight into the waiting Crompton’s hands. In the next United attack Hedley handled the ball in the areas, but the referee, right on the spot, denied United’s penalty claim. Catterick pranced on to Jones’ long range free kick to force Crompton to save low down near the post. Away went United for Delaney to cut in and let go a fierce grounder, which Sagar just managed to hold at the second attempt.
Delaney Drive
It was inevitable, however, that this clockwork United, football should bring its reward, and with the game 19 minutes old Mitten swept the ball to the far side of the Everton penalty area for Delaney to race in and drive into the roof of the net from eight yards. Everton claimed strongly for off-side. Morris almost increased United’s lead with a similar shot, but of even greater power. It flashed into the side netting. Although Everton were fighting back hard, with Stevenson scheming effectively, their attacks proved easy meat to a solid United defence, because of lack of method. United came again and from another picture Delaney centre Rowley headed in. Sagar managed to take possession although United claimed that the ball was over the line. From the clearance Morris drove in fiercely for Hedley to kick clear off the line. United right back into their 1947-48 form besieged the Everton goal and a glorious solo run by Delaney should have produced another goal. Pearson, however, failed to make contact with Delaney’s short pass and Mitten, hitting in first time, hooked the ball just wide of the angle of the woodwork. In the main it was a case of desperate defence, for Everton.
Half-time; Manchester United 1, Everton 0
As Before
United resumed where they had left on the attack, and Sagar had to look sharp to deal with a cute rolling back header from Mitten’s short centre. When Everton came into the picture Eglington sent Stevenson away and Catterick took over to race forward and drive past Crompton, but the whistle blew for offside as he did so. Catterick was striving gallantly to make headway, but the Everton attack lacked thrust and finishing power, and United were soon back on the goal trial again. A fast low drive by Mitten finished a foot past the far post with Sagar scrambling. Still the United barrage rained in on Sagar but he was in magnificent form. The Manchester crowd rose to Sagar as he dived at the feet of Delaney to turn the ball around the post for a corner, from which Aston volleyed narrowly wide. Came yet another magnificent Sagar save –this time when he flung himself full length at a perfectly placed Pearson header to edge the ball round the post. Everton began to show up more promisingly, but still could not find a loophole in the United rearguard in which Carey was doing magnificent work.
Danger Every Time
There was a danger every time the United forwards went to work, and Rowley again went close with an angled header after Mitten and Pearson had done the spade work. Everton merited top marks for the way they fought for there was always a chance that they might sneak a goal and Crompton badly fumbled a deceptive long range drive from Stevenson and was lucky to have time enough to regain possession. There was a chance for Everton when Chilton made his first mistake and allowed Juliussen to rob him, but Aston was alive in the danger and raced across to prevent Juliussen making his shot. From an Everton corner the United goal escaped miraculously, the ball bobbing about in front of goal for seconds before it was finally scrambled clear. With five minutes remaining however, United placed the issue beyond doubt when Morris headed a second goal from Mitten’s low centre. Final; Manchester United 2, Everton 0.
• Everton Reserves 0, Sheffield United Reserves 0
• Crompton Rec 3, Everton “A” 6
• Everton “B” 8, Derby Vics 1
EVERTON RES V SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES
November 6, 1948. The Evening Express
Everton had the better of the opening exchanges White, in the United goal, being kept fairly busy with shots from McCormick and Lello. Pinchbeck had a great chance, just before the interval, of putting Everton in the lead, but he shot tamely into the keeper’s hands. Half-time; Everton Reserves 0, Sheffield United Reserves 0
Everton “B” v. Derby Vic
Everton were rewarded for clever team work when Rushton, outside left found the net in the first ten minutes, followed three minutes later by another from Gibson. The visitors then scored with a well placed shot from the outside-left. Rushton added a third for Everton. Half-time; Everton “B” 3, Derby Vics 1.
SAGAR ALONE KEPT EVERTON IN THE GAME
November 6, 1948 The Liverpool Football Echo
Had Manchester Utd, Guessing Until Last Five Minutes
Goal Rush Averted
Man Utd 2, Everton 0
By Stork
The 2-0 defeat away from home looks good, but this result was a false one, for on the play the United should have been handsome winners. And that despite a brilliant day’s work by Sagar, the hero of the match. Everton are still looking for their first away goal. Manchester United;- Crompton, goal; Carey and Aston, backs; Warner, Chilton, and Cockburn, half-backs; Delaney, Morris, Rowley, Pearson and Mitten, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Jones, Farrell (captain), half-backs; Higgins, Stevenson, Catterick, Juliussen, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. H.T. W Wright (Macclesfield). Everton, who were after their first away goal at Maine Road today, recognised the difficulty of their task against the Cup-holders, who after an in-and-out career this season struck their true form last week-end. Everton made one change from the team which defeated Huddersfield a week ago, Higgins returning to outside right for Powell. Cliff Britton the Everton manager, did not travel to Manchester with the team. It is quite possible that he is on important business. There was a crowd of 40,000 people on a sunny afternoon and the onlookers saw Manchester United strike a blow in the first minute which almost brought about the downfall of the Everton goal. Mitten made play on the United left wing and centred with such accuracy that the ball went right to Pearson’s head, and Sagar had to tip the ball over the crossbar as a means to safely. The corner also produced its difficulty and Sagar had to scramble across the goal to keep out another header.
Sagar’s Confidence
This was the opening the Mancunians delighted in, and when Pearson made another header, Sagar took the ball with a coolness and confidence that was encouraging. So far all the attacks of consequence had been made by Manchester. The United exploited the ground pass to the full, so that the player for whom the ball was intended could take it in his stride and move off immediately. Crompton had to make one save –a rather tame affair –and then when Aston was too nonchalant in his defensive play, he let in Higgins, whose centre was collared by Crompton before it could reach an Everton man. Mitten was having a lively innings and it was largely due to him that the Everton defence was so often under the hammer. If the United attack had finished with the same ability as they framed their approach work, Sagar would have had even more to do. For Everton Eglington shot behind but one could not get away from the dominance of United and Sagar had to make another tip-over with a twenty-five yards drive by Rowley. It was immediately following this that Everton produced an attacking plan which ended with Catterick, making a fine shot, which Crompton pounced down upon to have a certain goal. When Delaney squared the ball, Sagar edged it away, and was fortunate to find that there was no other Manchester man at hand to apply the necessary finishing touch.
Early Promise Kept
Manchester were playing a free type of football and the Everton defence was hard, put the keep their goal intact. Some of Everton’s midfield play was of good class for they produced some movements which vied with those of their opponents but near goal they were usually snuffed out without calling on Crompton. At 17 minutes the United scored a goal which they had promised to register from the outset, and the Everton defences was not blameless, for when Mitten drove the ball across goal, Delaney was allowed to rush in and slam the ball to the back of the net, first hitting the underside of the crossbar. It seemed to me that the ball should have been cleared as it sped in front of the Everton goal. One must admit, however, that Manchester were worthy of their lead. Morris had hit the side netting before Catterick with a long effort brought Crompton into action, but with no real worries. Back came the United and Rowley headed against the crossbar, the ball dropping down for Sagar to punch it away. Everton hit back and to show how-luck runs against a team which, is having a bad patch, Stevenson tried a shot, which was cannoned out and when Catterick was close in he hooked the ball over the crossbar. Something similar happened in the Everton goal area when a ball which had been brought close in and pulled back looked to be the means to a second goal, but Rowley failed to connect.
Jones Busy
It went on to Mitten and he likely, Catterick lifted the ball over the bar to miss an open goal. Juliussen was brought down and Jones, as usual came up to take the free kick, but he used a pass this time and not a goal shot. The United were always dangerous near goal, and Jones had to work double time against a really clever forward line. Some brought that Sagar had allowed a ball to pass over the line, but the goalkeeper’s hands which clutched the ball were well in front of him. A capital Manchester movement was brought to an untimely end by Rowley getting himself off side.
Half-time; Manchester United 1, Everton nil. The first 15 minutes of the second half found the Everton goalkeeper, Sagar, at his brilliant best. It was he alone who defied the Manchester forwards who, during this period, dominated matters to such an extent that it became a matter of Sagar versus the Manchester forwards. But in the first minute of this half Catterick had netted for Everton –but it was no goal because of an off-side verdict. Sagar has often received an ovation for his great work. He received one, today from the Maine Road crowd and he fully deserved it. He made astounding gave when everything appeared lost. He made saves from Mitten, Morris, Rowley and Pearson. He saw Morris shoot over the bar and Mitten shoot outside, but anything that looked like going into the net he kept out by sound judgement and amazing agility. How he got across to some of the shots the crowd will never know. That he did was all that mattered to them, and they acknowledged his goalkeeping –on a ground which swift adorns.
Mitten-Live Wire
Sagar kept Everton in the game with a chance, for the United’s one goal, lead was not sufficient with Everton capable of delivering a surprise shot as Stevenson did. This travelled only a foot wide. There was a haze over the ground which made the game difficult to follow on the far side, but one could not miss seeing Mitten who was a very live wire and certainly a trouble to the Everton defence. Juliussen was wrongly penalised for a foul, and from this Everton went down, but Higgins was ruled offside. Everton were fighting well and none old better than Stevenson and the United crowd were getting a bit concerned. When Stevenson popped up with a long shot, which Crompton patted down they realised just how slender the United lead was.
Too Fancy
The football had been most attractive. In fact there were times when some of the Manchester players overdid the fancy stuff. Once or twice an equaliser seemed likely, for Everton were having their moments, and when Juliussen ran through there seemed a possibility but he was dispossessed as he was closing in. Delaney ran past a fast moving ball, and so missed a chance, and Everton caused a stir in the home camp when they won a corner which for once in a way caused the United defence a lot of trouble, the ball being bandled about in front of Crompton for almost half a minute. With five minutes remaining, Mitten ran the ball close to the Everton goal line before he transferred it in front of the Everton goal. Morris came up, and with his head sent the ball into the Everton net. Manchester United 2, Everton 0. Attendance 42,789.
EVERTON RESERVES V SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES
November 6, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton;- Jones (J.A), goal; Clinton and Dugdale, backs; Lindley, Humphreys, and Grant, half-backs; Corr, Pinchbeck, Lewis, Lello and McCormick, forwards. Sheffield United Reserves; White, goal; Parkin and Marshall, backs; Coop, Burgin and Thorpe, half-backs; Hutchinson, Ross, Smith, Patterson, and Warhurst, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. McCann (Preston). In the early stages Everton had the better of play, but faulty shooting by Pinchbeck and Lewis spoiled their chances. Sheffield were the more dangerous at close quarters, but found Humphreys always on the alert. Pinchbeck missed a great chance of giving the Blues the lead. Half-time; Everton Res 0, Sheffield United Reserves 0.
After the interval Everton pressed, but once again they forward slacked penetrative power. Sheffield were within an ace of taking the lead, but Jones saved grandly from Warhurst. Final; Everton Res 0, Sheffield United Res 0.
CLIFF BRITTON BANKS ON STOPPING EVERTON’S GOAL LEAK
November 6, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Ranger’s Weekly Gossip
Not for a long time have I seen a side so nonplussed by their opponents tactics as Huddersfield’s attack was by Everton’s defensive measures at Goodison last week. The nearest they got to the Everton goal the less did the Yorkshire forwards seen to know what to do next. Manager Cliff Britton schooled Burnley to a fine art in this branch of defensive Soccer. Their goals against Column last season and the season before was adequate testimony to its efficacy. If similar tactics put a stop to the total of goals against Everton it will have served its purpose, but I hope he will not feel encouraged by any success in the direction to persevere with it longer than necessary. While anything that improves the Blues’ prospects of getting away from the danger zone is fully justified the fact remains that this is a rather negative type of football, no calculated to improve the standard of Saturday afternoon entertainment. I don’t doubt, however, that Mr. Britton has plenty of other ideas up his sleeve. In addition to halting the spate of goals against, he is sure to turn his attention to the urgent need of “goals for.” If he can dovetail these two requirements so that the attack is able to force home the advantage gained for the side by the defence then Everton’s outlook will begin to brighten.
UNITED VERSUS SAGAR
November 8, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
Great Goalkeeping
By Stork
Manchester United 2, Everton 0
There is so much negative play in football nowadays it is refreshing to see a team like Manchester United which relies on top class football and attacking ideas. They gave a grand exhibition against Everton, although they scored only twice. If ever there was a false result this was it and I say that in the full knowledge that Sagar is part –a big part –of the Everton team. But for him the United would have run riot. Sagar’s exhibition on this occasion bordered on the miraculous. United forwards playing brilliantly, were early callers on the Everton goal and Sagar was soon to know what was in store for him for he had to make three magnificent saves in the first 10 minutes. He had to be grand right through to the end for the Manchester, forwards rarely left him alone. If he had been beaten half-a-dozen times and not twice he could not have been blamed. Manchester strength lay in the forward line, which interchanged positions so rapidly that they became a puzzle to an, Everton defence which battled bravely.
Destined for Honours.
On this showing United seem destined for one of the season’s honours. From goal to outside left there was skill in abundance. But they had a penchant for overdoing things missing the substance for the shadows. They looked good for many goals through their final tally was two –Delaney and Morris – 17 and 85 minutes respectively. Catterick should have equalised just before the interval and Stevenson shot a foot outside. A cleaner indication of the uncertainty of the one-goal lead came when Stevenson shot and Crompton fumbled the ball. Everton put up a great resistance without ever promising to bring off a surprise. Catterick tried hard, but the best forward was Stevenson. One of Everton’s oldest servants. He vied with the men of United in skill and in getting the ball through to an open space. Defensively Everton played galliantly, but it was not sufficient to stem the United tide. That was left to Sagar and in a lesser degree to Jones who had a fine game against a roving Rowley.
NOT EVERTON’S BID
November 8, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Ernest Edwards (“Bees”)
Everton are not the club reported to have made a written offer of £23,000 for Wilf Mannion. Doctor Baxter, chairman of the Everton club, said last night; “We meet Sheffield United on Saturday and Aston Villa the following week – these will be equaivafant to cup-ties.
SAGAR BARRIER
November 8, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Radar’s summing up of Everton’s latest defeat is as follows; “Twelve hours’ football away from home and not a single goal. That’s is Everton’s dismal record, and it must be admitted that they rarely looked like breaking the barren spell against Manchester Utd. From an Everton viewpoint this must be written-off as a Sagar game. Had it not been for Ted’s magnificent keeping-how the Maine-road crowd rose to him –United’s victory margin might easily have reached double figures. Sagar invariably touches the heights at Maine-road, but he has never done better than this. With the remainder of the Everton defensive powerless to cope with the mesmerising inter-changing of positions of the penetrative United Sagar had to face a ceaseless barrage. How Ted reached some shots remains a mystery, and one effort had Pearson scratching his head. In contrast Crompton had next to nothing to do – one shot in either half. Granted that the forwards received little assistance for wing halves Bentham and Farrell were too busy engaged in trying to stem Pearson and Morris, but apart from Catterick, who fought a one-man-down-the-middle path, and Stevenson, who was always trying to create openings, the attack seemed laboured. Juliussen was too slow to make effective headway; little was seen of Eglington and Higgins rarely mastered Aston. Jones fought heroically and with rare fire without dominating the middle as he usually does. Saunders and Hedley did better as the game wore on without ever able to quell Mitten and Delaney.”
EVERTON BOTTON AGAIN
November 8, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Grand Football
Ranger’s Notes
Everton are still chasing that elusive away goal. They should have found it at Maine Road, just before the interval in the game with Manchester United, when Catterick blazed the ball over from a few yards out. That was the only real occasion when the Everton forwards looked like scoring. Mitten missed one of a similar nature (writes Stork). Manchester United have got back to their brightest and best form. They have been an uncertain quantity; this season after being acclaimed the wonder team of a season ago. Matt Busby told me that the team had been playing well is every way except goal scoring. Negative football seems to be the vogue these days which is a pity, for when all is said and done football is a spectacle. Manchester United made it that against Everton, on Saturday, by superlative, football, with attack as their main prop. Why did they not win by a greater margin if they were so wonderful, did I hear you ask? The answer was Sagar, the wonder man of the Everton team. He was just as magical as any of the Manchester men, and he prevented an Everton rout. He made the score a false one, for the United would have had six of seven more goals had it not been for him. He was in his most defiant mood, and no one was more surprised at some of his saves than the men who tried to beat him. The United soon gave us an inkling of what we had to expect. For they got off the mark like greased lightning and Sagar parried them off three times before he was beaten at the seventeenth minute by Delaney. From then on it was a battle between Sagar and the United forwards but not until five minutes from the end did he tried a second time – a Morris header. If this is Manchester’s normal football then I would not mind, watching then every week for it was football of the highest type.
Everton away to Rochdale in the second round of the Lancashire Cup tomorrow (2.45) will be;- Sagar; Clinton, Hedley; Linley, Cameron, Grant; Higgins, Fielding, Pinchbeck, Lello, Boyes.
SAGAR TO RESCUE
November 9, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Rochdale Drew Level In Lancashire Cup-Tie
Rochdale; Bywater, goal; Bonell and Rothwell, backs; Partridge, Birch, and Jones half-backs; Arthur, Eastham, Wood, Cheetham, and Dryburgh, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Clinton and Hedley, backs; Lindley, Cameron and Grant, half-backs; Higgins, Fielding, Pinchbeck, Lello and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. T.L. Wood (Bury). Rochdale forwards were full of good ideas in the second round of the Lancashire Senior Cup today, and only fine work by Everton’s last line of defence kept the goal intact. Only twice was Rochdale goal endangered. This was when Fielding put in a grand drive which Bywater saved, and when Higgins shot timidly when well placed after a skirmish in the home goalmouth. Everton improved considerably and it was now Rochdale’s turn to do the defending. Pinchbeck missed a number of opportunities because he decided to shoot from well out when he could have got to closer quarters. A few minutes before the interval Everton went ahead through Fielding who had a good position made for him by Boyes.
Half-time; Rochdale nil, Everton 1.
After 20 minutes of the second half Rochdale equalised when Birch scored from a penalty for a handling offence. Rochdale were well on top and only Sagar prevented them from going ahead.
EVERTON’SLANCS CUP-TIE
November 9, 1948. The Evening Express
Duel With Rochdale
By Radar
The league “scouts” were at Spotlands today, when Everton visited Rochdale for their second round Lancashire Senior Cup tie. The attendance in bitterly cold weather, was barely more than 2,000 at the start. Rochdale; Bywater, goal; Bonell and Rothwell, backs; Partridge, Birch, and Jones half-backs; Arthur, Eastham, Wood, Cheetham, and Dryburgh, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Clinton and Hedley, backs; Lindley, Cameron and Grant, half-backs; Higgins, Fielding, Pinchbeck, Lello and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. T.L. Wood (Bury). Everton had to withstand heavy pressure in the opening minutes from a forceful Rochdale attack, and Sagar several times had to move sharply to take possession. Rochdale kept up the good work, and Sagar was again called into action to deal with a hooked shot from Arthur, the former Everton and Chester right-winger, from short range. Rochdale exploiting the only tactics likely to pay dividends, swung the ball about and Sagar did well to beat Wood to possession when Arthur crossed accurately. A miskick by Clinton almost proved fatal, but again Sagar came to the rescue. When Everton did swing into action, Lindley and Fielding paired off cleverly to open up the way for Boyes, but Boyes found the ball running unkindly for him and sliced his shot. After Bywaters had saved low down from Higgins, Rochdale went away and Dryburgh should have done better than drive into the side netting when Lindsay offered him a perfect scoring opening. With Fielding foaging effectively, Everton began to loom more largely in the picture, but Pinchbeck was being well watched and Bywater was rarely troubled. Rochdale were the more dangerous force when they went to the attack, and Sagar did well to cut out Wood’s dangerous centre when the Rochdale leader veered out to the left. Yet again Sagar foiled Rochdale. He beat Wood in a race for possession when Arthur again centred. Everton profited by escapes and went away to take the lead in the 41st minute. Fielding and Boyes linked up neatly, and although Pinchbeck’s just failed to connect with his head from Boyes centre the ball rolled clear, for Fielding to nip in and give Bywater no chance with a low cross-drive from close range.
Half-time; Rochdale 0, Everton 1
Rochdale had rather the better of matters after the interval, but they were weak in front of goal, and Sagar dealt easily with all calls which were made on him. Fielding hooked, only narrowly wide from Boyes’ pass, and then Lello forced Bywaters to save a fierce short-range drive. After 62 minutes Rochdale were awarded a penalty for a handling offence, and Birch gave Sagar no chance to save.
EVERTON F.C. SEEK MANNION
November 9, 1948. The Evening express
Negotiations In Advanced Stage
By Pilot
Negotiations are in an advanced stage for the transfer to Everton of the most-discussed player in the game – Wilfred Mannion, of Middlesbrough and England. The fee involved will be in the region of £25,000. Mannion’s refusal to resign for Middlesbrough has been the most controversial point in the history of the game, and the matter was raised in the House of Commons this week. Arguments have been raised on both sides, and the players’ Union is endeavouring to get the present transfer law changed, so that players may be free agents at the expiration of their contracts. Middlesbrough at first refused to agree to transfer requests by Mannion, but some weeks ago decided that they would transfer him on a player exchange basis. Later this was revised, so that they left themselves open for cash offers. Several bids were made while Mannion continued in his civil occupation with an Oldham firm. Oldham Athletic have made a bid for Wilf’s transfer.
Interview Two days Ago
Everton’s Manager Cliff Britton entered the field unobtrusively some days ago, and having secured the permission of Middlesbrough had an interview with Mannion on Wednesday, when the question of Mannion’s job was mentioned. Mannion is the produce of Teeside football, and joined the Borough just before the war as a junior. It was during the war time football that Mannion first hit the international headlines –Wilf served in the Army and was for some time a colleague of Mr. Britton, with whom he played in Army representative matches –and became a full international in 1946-47 when he played for England against Scotland, Wales and Ireland. He then went on to play for Great Brittain against the Rest of Europe, scoring two goals in the 6-1 triumph. Last season Wilf played for England against Wales and Ireland and he has played against most of the Continental teams. Since Wednesday Mr. Britton has been waiting for Mannion’s consent. When that is given everything will be plain sailing. The deal can be put through in time for Mannion to play against Sheffield United tomorrow, for he has been training at Oldham. Mr. Britton said today that the question of Halton and Bury would mean a straight cash offer or no deal for he will not contemplate parting with any player at the moment.
GAME OF MISSED CHANCES
November 10, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Draw
A draw was a fair result of this second-round Lancashire Senior Cup-tie between Rochdale and Everton at Spotland. Rochdale yesterday, in which both sets of forwards missed scoring chances. Everton’s chief offender was Pinchbeck , who missed two glorious chances and Rochdale’s wingers were also remiss. Sagar, in the Everton goal, gave a good display when the Rochdale forwards were off the mark, one gave in particularly bring is a clash of its own.
Schemer-In-Chief
Everton’s half-back line played good football, Cameron giving an impressive performance and Grant making good openings for his forwards, Boyes made some sparkling runs down the wing, but Everton’s chief schemer was Fielding, who opened out the game well and provided several chances for his colleagues. Everton’s goal came in the first half when Boyes after a good run down the wing, sent over a perfect centre and Fielding crashed the ball home. Rochdale never looked likely to score until they were awarded a penalty for a handling offence, and Birch beat Sagar from the resultant kick. Outstanding for Rochdale was Dryburgh and Birch.
EVERTON’S VITAL BATTLE
November 12, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s vital battle with Sheffield United, their companions at the foot of the First Division table, will be staged at Goodison Park tomorrow. The Everton duel is one of those keen, do or-die” battles worth four points to the winners, for it means pushing their rivals father down. This is a match Everton must win if they are to reach a position of reasonable comfort by the Christmas holidays. Tomorrow and the following Saturday the Toffees have engagements they cannot afford to lose, for tomorrow week they visit another club also in the doldrums –Aston Villa. If Everton can gain the four points then it will be their finest achievement of the season, and give them a good start on their rehabilitation. My own view is that they will win tomorrow Everton have won only three games –against Stoke, Preston and Huddersfield –but I have not seen them win this season. I think I shall do so this time, for the United are not an outstanding side, although they were strengthened last week by the acquisition of Cockroft from neighbouring Wednesday and Blakemen from Brentford. I still rate Hagan and Collindridge as the danger men to Everton, but their challenge will be offset if only Everton can take advantage of the openings their own skill produces. Everton have made four changes, one being positional. For instance Stan Bentham goes to inside-right –his old championship season position –because Stevenson is injured, Lindley returns to right half for his first game since being injured at Portsmouth in August. Peter Corr, the Irish winger, whose only first team appearance was at stoke early in the season will be at outside-right in place of Higgins while Fielding is brought back at inside-left in place of Juliussen. Do not forget that the Goodison kick-off is 2.30 p.m. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Lindley, Jones, Farrell; Corr, Bentham, Catterick, Fielding, Eglington.
• Everton “C” v. Florance’s Melly B.C, at Bellefield
BLUES’ VITAL GAME
November 12, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s fortune in this vital game will depend on their attack. After forfeiting 13 goals in its first three games at Goodison, the defence has held its own in subsequent home matches, only four goals being put past them in five engagements. Compared with the side which lost to Manchester Unite last week, Everton have three changes, involving four positions. Corr makes his second senior appearance of the season. Fielding supplements Juliussen, Lindley comes in at right half, with Bentham going inside right for Stevenson, who has a heavy cold. Teams;- Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Lindley, Jones, Farrell; Corr, Bentham, Catterick, Fielding, Eglington. Sheffield United; Smith; Brook, Cox; Jackson, Latham, Cockraft; Thompson, Blakeman, Collindridge, Hagan, Jones.
GREAT GOALS GIVE EVERTON VICTORY
November 13, 1948. The Evening Express
Corr Nets In His First Goodison Game
Brilliant Goalkeeping by Sagar Earns Ovation
By Pilot
Everton scored their fourth win of the season, when beating Sheffield United 2-1 at Goodison Park today in a game worth four points, and which handed over the “wooden spoon” to United. Picture goals by Corr –on his first home appearance –and Bentham, placed Everton in command, but it was Ted Sagar, who touched the heights of goalkeeping to deft the late rally of United’s after Collindrige had reduced the lead with 20 minutes to go. Sagar made super saves particularly from Thompson as United had ten men up in attack during the closing stages. It was a mixed game with Everton appreciating the heavy going. Corr, the Irishman, was making his first home appearance, while Bentham was at inside-right for the first time since the cup-tie with Fulham last season. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Lindley, Jones (Tommy) and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Corr, Bentham, Catterick, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Sheffield United; Smith, goal; Brook and Cox, backs; Jackson, Latham, and Cockcroft, half-backs; Thompson, Blakeman, Collindridge, Hagan, and Jones (Geo.), forwards. Referee; Mr. C. Fletcher, of Northwich. Everton should have been a goal up in a minute, but we saw one of the most amazing misses imaginable. United had raided and Jones (Tommy) came away with the ball which he slipped straight up the middle for Fielding to run on unchallenged and on-side. Smith started his run out and this obviously must have induced Fielding to labour under the delusion that quick action was necessary. From 25 yards Fielding tried a shot which passed over, whereas he could have walked the ball on for yards unchallenged. United tried to cash in on this escape. Collindridge and George Jones having shots just off the mark, before a well-concerted Everton move saw Fielding again go through rather wide of the goal, but when he tried to shoot he slipped on the greasy turf, and Catterick nipped in with a quick angled shot which Smith did well to beat around the post. Everton had much to thank Tommy Jones for his powerful headed clearance, and then glorious winning tackle just as Blakeman looked like a scorer. Then Jones neatly back-heel the ball to Sagar to make Collindridge wonder at his sheer audacity. Ball control was difficult on the greasy turf and this accounted in large measure for the fact that so many final passes went astray. At the same time the conditions had little to do with the two poor final efforts by Bentham and Eglington when things promised much Everton’s midfield forward work all along the floor was a delight. Brook’s United’s right back was having his first game in this position ever, but he twice held up Eglington. Colllindridge headed well wide after a grand run by Thompson, and for a few minutes play was far from elevating the final passes going astray with monotonous regularity. Corr enlivened matters by coming inside to feed Eglington, but when Eglington made the return pass Jackson nipped in to clear. Everton set the crowd cheering with a grand six-piece-passing movement which eventually produced a corner, but unfortunately no shots until Eglington’s half-shot-half-centre was caught by Smith. United followed suit and Collindridge became a menace but the mighty Jones not only dispossessed him, but went forward and set into motion the movement which brought a picture goal to the Blues after 25 minutes. Jones whipped the ball through to Bentham, who made ground to draw Cox, and then he pushed the ball diagonally for Corr to race in and drive the ball low into the far corner of the net with his right foot from just inside the penalty area.
A Grand Goal
This was a grand goal, perfectly executed and making a grand start for Corr, who just afterwards almost got through again, but in linking up with Catterick the ball travelled too far. Corr and Bentham next made the opening from which Everton should have been two up, for Bentham squared the ball plumb to Eglington who wasted time to bring it to his left foot, and then in his hurry to shoot blazed over the top with only Smith to beat from six yards. Everton dominated the game, and how the United goal escaped must remain a mystery. Bentham and Catterick had shots charged down before the ball was pushed back by Fielding but again there was a desperate intervention which prevented a goal, even though Smith had been drawn out of his goal. Eglington got away and pushed the ball to the far side, where it bobbed about in front of the goal, fully another three shots being blocked with the crowd repeatedly shouting “goal.” Corr was proving an immense success and how he went away to centre for Eglington to take one on the volley, but it just passed the far post. While this may not have been accuracy, I was pleased at the Everton willingness to shoot. Collindridge went to inside-left and pushed the ball back to Thompson who had run to centre-forward. It look odds-on a goal, but Tommy Jones came along with the tackle just as Sagar dived on the ball, and so Everton were extricated from a tricky position. Sagar fisted away from a corner. The Everton defence was standing firm and giving Sagar such good cover that he had not had a shot to stop so far. Hagan weaved a spell delightfully to have Lindley running all the wrong way, but Hedley was right on the spot to head away the centre.
Half-time; Everton 1, Sheffield United 0.
United Press
United almost drew level immediately on resuming, for Collindridge resisted two tackles before getting in his shot, which struck the net support. Bentham came to outside right to middle a neat ball but Fielding could not get hold of it properly. United forced two corners after Everton had resumed their first half mistake of wasting the final pass, but again Sagar was not bothered. Everton had a “silly season” and Tommy Jones had to –make another fine tackle on Collindridge who just after shot over under difficulties. Smith ran well beyond his penalty area to boot the ball to touch when Corr was proving dangerous. In fifty-five minutes Everton were two up from a glorious headed goal by Bentham –the direct outcome of the Toffees’ corner ruse. Fielding gained the corner, and Tommy Jones as usual and in response to the shouts of the crowd went up for it. Bentham moved to inside left and Eglington instead of trying to find Jones, cut the corner short, and Bentham moving up scored a glorious goal, Smith being completely beaten by the speed of the ball as it swished into the net off the wet turf. It was fifty-nine minutes before Sagar had a direct shot to stop and then George Jones let go a rising ball which Sagar held over his head. Corr was fouled when going through, but the close up free kick was cleared after extreme difficulty. Hagan carved out a cute opening for the in-running Blakeman, but Sagar was right in position to take the shot. Everton were showing an appreciation of the heavy ground and their approach work was really high class at times. Collindridge and Hagan were the danger man to Everton’s supremacy and between them they paved the way for Blakeman to shoot well along the floor, Sagar diving to turn it around the post. Fielding and Eglington combined brilliantly for Eglington to run right through to the penalty area and flash the ball across to Corr, whose shot struck Latham when it seemed certain to go in. In 70 minutes United reduced the lead with a surprise goal from Collindridge. These seemed no particular danger until the ball squirmed away to Collindridge, standing just outside the penalty area. He promptly took a pot shot which went past Sagar at a terrific pace. Everton began to show signs of jitters, and not a little tiredness as the United piled on pressure. Everton made the tactical error of Bentham laying too far back thus causing them to lose the initiative completely for four forwards could n0ot do the work of five. Collindridge forced a corner from which Thompson headed in magnificently Sagar saving high up. Everton stood still as United whipped the ball wing to wing and it was only a desperate Sagar dive in the gloom which prevented United getting an equaliser. It was Sagar again who saved Everton a point when Thompson found himself clear and cracked the ball in hard. Sagar leapt to beat the ball up and though he slipped down he caught it as it fell to complete a wonder clearance. When the United forced a corner in the closing minutes all the United players with the exception of Smith went up into the goalmouth, but it was again Sagar who dived among the bunch of players to save the day. Sagar was given a tremendous ovation when he came off the field, the crowd waiting to cheer him, and he deserved every bit of it. Final; Everton 2, Sheffield United 1. Official attendance 29,816.
EVERTON F.C. AND MANNION
November 13, 1948. The Evening Express
By Pilot
“I” intend seeing Mannion again on Monday to make a final attempt to secure his transfer,” said Manager Cliff Britton, of Everton to me, today, regarding the Middlesbrough and England forward. Mr. Britton and Mr. Theo Kelly had an interview in Oldham with Mannion and Mrs. Mannion, last night, but nothing definite was decided.
MANCHESWTER UNTD RES V EVERTON RES
November 13, 1948. The Evening Express
Buckle and Burke went close for Manchester, and Higgins and Juliussen did likewise for the visitors. Everton were adopting the better tactics on the heavy ground and swift moves almost brought reward on several occasions. Nearing the interval Buckle hit the upright for Manchester. Halt-time; Manchester United Res 0, Everton Res 0.
EVERTON WERE “UNITED” AGAINST SHEFFIELD
November 13, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Team With “Britton Touches” Only Just Made It
Sagar Again Saved His Side
Everton 2, Sheffield United 1
By Contact.
Everton were the best in the first half, United rallied so well they won all the second half honours and came desperately near to getting a draw. Corr, making his home debut for the first time, scored, but this apart, was not a great success. Sagar was in terrific form. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Lindley, Jones (Tommy) and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Corr, Bentham, Catterick, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Sheffield United; Smith, goal; Brook and Cox, backs; Jackson, Latham, and Cockcroft, half-backs; Thompson, Blakeman, Collindridge, Hagan, and Jones (Geo.), forwards. Referee; Mr. C. Fletcher, of Northwich. In the first 30 seconds Collindridge went to outside left, but did not succeed in getting his centre beyond the towering Jones.
Fielding’s Miss
In the next phase of play, after Corr had twice been stopped on the Everton right wing, a long through ball skidded beyond the surprised Brook and left Fielding with as good a scoring chance as he is ever likely to get. Smith came out to beat him and to everyone’s consternation the Everton forward shot hastily and high over the top. It was a tragic miss. Then after Hagan, had made one particularly cute pass, Cockcroft broke through unchallenged and delivered a low, strong shot which Sagar watched round the foot of the post. It was most treacherous “going” but Everton were playing much better than when I have seen them before this season and Catterick’s approach play and his far-flung pass to Corr were perfect football.
Skidding Ball
So far little had been seen of Thompson, but at this moment he made an exceptionally good right wing run. Collindridge connected with his head but mistimed the heavy ball. First stoppage was for an injury to Jackson but it was not long before he resumed. United kept trying to find Collindridge with long passes any many of the passes towards him were good but a shade too fast for him to collect. Lindley had a great part in an old-time Everton movement, which was of clockwork precision. At this stage George Jackson, sitting in the Press box, was going into raptures, over the use made of the ball by Saunders and Hedley. There followed an Everton goal at 25 minutes. Jones with a passing intervention began it, Catterick carried on the good work, and Corr, picking up a pass when nicely in line for a shot, took the ball on a few yards and then rammed it obliquely beyond Smith. This was a goal to mark Corr’s first home appearance in the first team.
Nearly A Second Goal
If Eglington had done what he should have done with Bentham’s deliciously-placed pass a minute later, Everton would have been two up. Like Fielding, Eglington dug his shot a little and it was too high. Jones was very strong in some fine tackles against Collindridge, and Catterick, with a flick of the foot, put Eglington in line for a goal again. His shot rebounded out to Catterick who was also prevented from scoring by a United body. United right back Brook playing there for the first time, was good and bad by turn, and must have caused the rest of the defence to miss a few heartbeats by some of his mistakes in policy. Everton were again unfortunate not to score when Bentham headed back Eglington’s centre squarely across the face of goal to Catterick, who was unlucky not to be able to beat Smith with a header. Fielding was having a splendid day, and the Everton side as a whole was almost unrecognisably good.
United Miss A Chance
United should certainly have scored when Collindridge from outside left, centre along the ground to Thompson who stood five yards out with the ball at his feet and only had to turn a prelude to scoring. But in that fraction of time Jones and Sagar were both able to set themselves for his shot, which was smothered. The referee, contrary to what the crowd through, judged Sagar to have handled Jones high shot as it flew past the angle. Although Hagan’s jugglery seemed to allow the Everton defence plenty of time which to redeploy it turned out in the end that the United captain was nearly always able to make use of his delaying tactics. There was a confident Everton appeal that Cox had conceded a penalty to charging Catterick but the referee did not even give a foul.
Half-time; Everton 1, Sheffield United nil.
Collindridge obviously looked upon his match as one in which the ball would never behave when it shot along the greasy turf towards him but he did contrive, when faced with an Everton barrier of defenders, to make a good shot which tickled the goal support and made Sagar “jump to it.”
Another United Miss
Thompson coming over to the left wing joined with Jones and Hagan in a lovely three-piece movement which was worth a goal, but which fizzled out when Jones shot over the bar. The ball having been blocked away by Farrell after a Jones corner Collindridge fastened on it and hit a very strong shot just over the bar. At this stage United had come into their own again, and were shaping like getting the equaliser. No sooner had this last line been put over than Everton got a corner on the left, and Bentham twisted to turn in with his head the corner kick from Eglington to make it two-nil. The most conspicuous thing about Everton was the forcefulness of both full backs when using the ball. Hagan when he was more direct, did much better for his side, and hereabouts this policy won him a corner and very nearly a penalty.
Still Full of Flight
United were still full of fight, and deserved at least a goal. Everton could never take any chances with the sharp-shooting Collindridge, and it was as well he found difficulty in picking up passes.
The Hagan Touch
Tom Jones was still the Everton sheet-anchor in defence and Lindley was having a good game. One bit of Hagan timing as the ball was cleared by Smith was probably as good as anything of its kind ever seen in football. He back-heeled the ball on the half volley as it came like lightning between his legs. Sagar made a great one-hand save from Blakeman –the best save of the day. Latham and Cox “walled up” the United goal to prevent Corr scoring again after Fielding and Eglington had made his opening. There was no special approach to the United goal at 70 minutes, but the side had been shaping like scoring it for some time. There was a sharp movement up the right wing. Collindridge, far out, found the ball at his feet and hit it with a fine left-foot shot to beat the goalkeeper.
Staging A Revival
Sagar had to make another save low down to stop another shot by Collindridge immediately afterwards Hagan was making himself a rare nuisance now and there was plainty time for a Sheffield revival. United were so much on top now the ball was scarcely ever in the Sheffield half. Hedley got his body in front of a Collindridge left-foot shot in the gloaming otherwise he must certainty have scored. Then Sagar made another great save from a head flick by Thompson. Jones centred the ball across the Everton goal and Thompson turned it back into the ruck almost on the goal line, where Sagar dropped on it. In the closing minutes Thompson hit a shot from point blank range and Sagar knocked it up and then while lying on his back, reached up to secure the ball at the second attempt, a tremendous bit of goalkeeping. Right at the death Sagar made another stupendous save on the line and then appeared to chase out to say a few words to a United forward. Sagar and Jones both received ovation as they left the field. Final; Everton 2, Sheffield United 1.
MANCHESTER UNITED RES V EVERTON RES
November 13, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton gave Manchester several anxious moments. The first was when Juliussen got through Ball and the Manchester full back only just cleared in the nick of time. Then Higgins shot just wide during other Everton raid. Manchester however, had their share of attacking, but Clinton and Dugdale were sound when called upon. The defence of both sides were on top. Half-time; Manchester United Res 0, Everton Res 0.
In the second half the visitors lost the service of Higgins through injury. With 10 men, however, they had much the best of matters, and in the closing minutes came near to snatching victory. Final; Manchester United Res 0, Everton Res 0
SAGAR AND JONES WERE SUPERB
November 15, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Ernest Edwards (“Bee”)
Everton 2 (Corr, Bentham), Sheffield United 1 (Collindridge)
Spectators at Goodison Park continue to advise half backs to “go into the tackle” instead of falling back towards their own goal, as they do probably on the instructions of Manager Britton. I counsel these critics to let the manager give his orders and let the players work out his and their own salvation. He knows what he is doing and what he wants them to do, and, though it is foreign to former orders in council at Everton, at least it shows the left-boy has already signalled “Going up,” with Everton leaving Saturday’s rivals to foot the bill for the first time this season. No Everton spectators left this match thinking “all is well.” United finished on a roaring note foreign to their tenderness near goal first half. Sheffield left all the shooting to Hagan (brilliant second half, failing first half) and Collindridge, who is popular for his sportsmanship and unpopular because he always gets goals.
Vitalising
What, prevent forwards getting goals or shooting with the ferocious intent that used to grace attacking lines? Is it fear of missing? Is it lack of decision at the vital moment? Is it that they cannot time a ball with security? Whatever it is, the inside forwards with the exception of the two men named were backward in driving shots. This much must be chronicled; an Everton winger has at last gone into the goal-frame. Peter Corr scored a very vital goal from the wing, and that is such a rarity here I make special mention of it, albeit it was made by T.G. Jones aided by the canny Bentham, who went on to head a corner kick goal, another novelty in days when corner kicks seen hardly worth the taking. One-awards a palm to Bentham for versatility in attack, tagged to the improvement, noticed through the call up of the tall, “feeding” half-back, Lindley.
See How They Run
Producing Lindley to guide the ball to his comrades and Bentham to use the ball with those intricate touches, which was his own special delight, led to Everton rising in attack compared with former weeks even though Catterick was not noted. Fielding began with a shockingly hasty decision to shoot when he would have “jigged” his way to goal, Eglington, serviced with one foot, continues to make desperate effort, and the chase is always on when he receives the ball yet would counsel him to be steadfast rather than so fast. In the last half hour Collindgridge brought life to his side with a resounding goal, and thereafter, the Iron curtain operated so frequently by Sagar (who might have slept through the previous hour’s proceedings was brought down upon Sheffield. Sagar, placed the gloom the mud and a horde of opponents to make three saves that set me shouting in the press-box, which is, I confess, a sin against decorum. That was how Everton saved up sufficient to gain a victory whose ending led the rain-soaked crowd to stay behind and show appreciation of Sagar and T.G. Jones. These two men continue to hold everything aided by two very stalwart backs, yet the forward division is curtailed, conglomerated or confused by rival defences but comparable with Everton’s goalkeeper and pivot. Jones is a monumental mason, founding defence at one moment and the next essaying to help to convert a corner kick, following which he edges the ball to his wingmen and finally cuts adrift the oft-repeated attack by his heading. Watching him now and more particularly in his international game, I was impressed by his refusal to take his eye from the ball no matter what Hagan did to divert his attentions. It is that hawk-eye glare by Jones that stares and starves out rival forwards. His last two games make him the greatest pivot in Europe. Of this victory one can say in Strachey phraseology “It isn’t wonderful, but it’s something.
MANCHETER UNITED RES 0, EVERTON RES 0
November 15, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
Defences were on top. Conditions were all against good ball control. Considering that Everton lost the services of Higgins in the second half they did well. Dugdale and Clinton were grand full backs, and Humphreys proved a fine-stooper. Pick of the Everton forwards was McCormick.
LAST BID TO-DAY BY EVERTON?
November 15, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Everton manager, Mr. Cliff Britton will speak to Middlesbrough over the telephone this morning and will then decide whether to make a last effort to persuade Wilfred Mannion to come to Everton. The view in Oldham is still that Mannion will sign for Oldham Athletic.
EVERTON AND MANNION
November 15, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Negotiations Ended
Player Definitely Turns Down Goodison Park Offer
Ranger’s Notes
Following telephone conversations with Middlesbrough F.C, Mr. Britton this afternoon announced that negotiations for the transfer of Mannion to Everton have been broken off. Should the position change in the future, and particularly if Mannion retracts and becomes willing to join a senior side, Everton may or may not re-enter the bidding, according to their needs at the time. At the present stage they were ready to outbid all others. Whether any one player is worth the fabulous sum of £25,000, which Everton were ready to pay, however, is a moot point. If Mannion could have guaranteed their senior status he would have been worth it, but that is something nobody can do. It would have been a terrific gamble.
Blues Narrow Win
Although Everton’s narrow victory over Sheffield United was welcome those who saw it know how nearly United came to drawing or even winning (writes Contact). While Everton were fresh and full of fire in the first half they were well on top, with so many chances it was disappointing that only two were taken –one by Corr and the other by Bentham. The second half was a different story for Sheffield lack the imitative and maintained it to the end. In the last ten minutes only two superlative saves by Sagar, quite again from several other good ones, prevented the visiting side winning. Although his position does not allow him to show up quite so spectacularly as Sagar, Jones was equally as brilliant in binding together a defence which found itself fully extended when Sheffield were at their best. Both backs made fine use of the ball, and Lindley made a good “come back,” in the intermediate line. Catterick made one or two good moves and then faded out completely, Fielding had a good first half, Corr scored a vital goal and was the in a clamp and Bentham was sadly beat in a line which is still plainly not good enough.
MANNION SAY ‘NO’
November 15, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton made another bid today to secure the signature of Wilf Mannion, but Mannion say ‘No.’ Manager Cliff Britton said to me today; “I have spoken with Middlesbrough, but they say they cannot help. Mannion says he will not leave Oldham and so the matter is ended so far as we are concerned. Everton I know, have done all in their power to bring Mannion to Goodison, but it is just one of those things.
Not Out Yet
Do not run away with the idea that just because Everton beat Sheffield United and have reached double-figures in points that they are out of the wood. They are not and it may be some weeks before they are, but.... the signs and portents are there that soon the club will be in a position of comfort at least. On Saturday Everton showed us football craft and construction at its best for an hour and should have had more than the Corr and Bentham goals –how Fielding and Eglington missed beats me –but they must acquire greater staying powers and not be quite so generous at handling over, the imitative to the opposition. So long as Everton made attack their ace method of defence all was well, but when they concentrated their all on defence it gave the United such latitude that in the end, Everton –and Sagar in particular –were battling desperately to retain their lead. What a goalkeeping genius is Sagar whose work in the closing minutes was as good as anything he has ever done in his life. What a mighty centre-half, too, is Tommy Jones whose almost cheeky defiance of the Hagan-inspired United forward was one of the main reasons why Everton could get a grip on the game. Jack Hedley had a glorious afternoon –he is improving with every game –and Wally Fielding showed glimpse of his best form until he began to overdo the dribbling late on. While Fielding followed the principles of the “no-tackling” trial games he was fine. Bentham was a vital forward link until he tired to fall farther and farther back, while there is distinct promise about Peter Corr who had a good first-half at outside-right but like Eglington failed to seek the play later on. Catterick may have lacked ball mastery, but he was a worrier and joined cleverly in Everton’s joyous, inter-passing which so delighted for an hour. Lindley had a good game, but Peter Farrell is still trying to do too much in too much of a hurry. Peter seemed all too tensed and anxious and if he will not be so concerned about himself he will quickly recapture his real form. Saunders found it tough going, but then most backs do against a wing containing Jimmy Hagan. This was a mixed offering, but testy to Everton and promising better things ahead. Eddie Wainwright is still under medical observation and although appendietis was suspected that is not now certain.
TOMORROW’S GOODISON REPLAY
November 16, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s team for the second round Lancashire Cup replay against Rochdale, at Goodison park tomorrow (2.15) will be; Burnett; Clinton, Dugdale; Cameron, Humphreys, Grant; Powell, Pinchbeck, Juliussen, Lello, J.W. Parker. Extra time will be played if necessary.
ROCHDALE AT GOODISON
November 16, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Rochdale pay their visit to Goodison Park for eight years when they oppose Everton tomorrow in the Lancashire Cup second round replay, following the 1-1 draw at Spotlands. The last time Rochdale came to Goodison was in May, 1940, in connection with the League war Cup, and the Blues won 5-1, in the second “leg” of the tie at Rochdale. Everton lost 4-2 but still won on aggregate 7-5. Everton went on to beat Stoke City, only to lose 5-2 at Fulham in the fourth round. Everton as usual, will be fielding several first team players, while Rochdale will bring their strongest-available Third Division team in an effort to spring a surprise on their “big brethren. Everton were leading 1-0 at Spotlands last week and Rochdale equalised from a penalty. In the first round of the competition Rochdale knocked out a Second Division club in Buy, while Everton were beating Chester. You can rest assured that Goodison will be invaded by the ever-hopeful club “scouts” while the heads, of the game will be at Hampden Park to see Scotland face Ireland in the international tournament. A win for the Scots will place them level with England at the head of the table. Everton are including against Rochdale do not forget that the kick-off is 2-15 p.m. eight men who have this season played with the first team. Club followers will have the chance of seeing two of the club’s most-promising youngsters –Parker (outside left) and Clinton (right back). Clinton played at Rochdale last week. Everton; Burnett; Clinton, Dugdale; Cameron, Humphreys, Grant; Powell, Pinchbeck, Juliussen, Lello, J.W. Parker.
ROCHDALE THROUGH
November 17, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Middlesbrough Goal Beats Everton in Cup Replay
By Stork
Everton;- Burnett, goal; Clinton and Dugdale, backs; Cameron, Humphreys and Grant, half-backs; Powell, Pinchbeck, Juliussen, Lello, J.W. Parker, forward. Rochdale;- Bywater, goal; Rothwell and Britton, backs; Partridge, Birch, and Wood, half-backs; Arthur, Easton, Middlesbrough, Moss, and Dryburgh, forwards. Referee; Mr. T.L. Woods (Bury). There was only a moderate attendance for the replayed second round Lancashire Cup-tie at Goodison Park today, the first game having been drawn at Rochdale 1-1. In the first ten minutes Rochdale played good football. They made their passes, with precision and players ran into the open space to receive them. It was some minutes before Everton showed their hand and Powell had hard line, when he scooped the ball across the Rochdale goal face. The Rochdale keeper made a sparkling save from Lello, and Powell had hard lines when he cracked a free kick over the crossbar. Lello was the one Everton forward who showed any inclination to shoot and Bywater had to make yet another magnificent save from the Everton inside left.
Half-time; Everton 0, Rochdale 0.
At 60 minutes Rochdale scored when Middlesbrough got the opportunity he wanted. He smartly hooked the ball into the Everton net. Everton tried hard to get an equaliser and Powell, who had gone inside, offered Juliussen the chance to produce one but the Everton leader slammed the ball over. Final; Everton 0, Rochdale 1.
EVERTON BEATEN IN CUP REPLAY
November 17, 1948. The Evening Express
By Pilot
Everton and Rochdale replayed their Lancashire Senior Cup-tie at Goodison Park today. Everton;- Burnett, goal; Clinton and Dugdale, backs; Cameron, Humphreys and Grant, half-backs; Powell, Pinchbeck, Juliussen, Lello, J.W. Parker, forward. Rochdale;- Bywater, goal; Rothwell and Britton, backs; Partridge, Birch, and Wood, half-backs; Arthur, Easton, Middlesbrough, Moss, and Dryburgh, forwards. Referee; Mr. T.L. Woods (Bury). Rochdale opened strongly, Arthur, the former Everton player, slipping the ball back for Easton to centre accurately over the head of Humphreys, and Dryburgh racing in headed only inches over the top. Lello got the Rochdale defence on one leg with his cross-field pass to Powell, who centred from the line, but the ball passed harmlessly across the face of the goal. Burnett dealt capably with anything which came into the goal area, and then Juliussen broke away but placed beyond the far post with only Bywater to beat. Everton gradually settled down, Bywater saving well from Powell and then Powell was only inches over with a penalty line free kick.
Half-time; Everton 0, Rochdale 0.
Rochdale reopened well, Moss having a shot charged down before he went through again with a shot which Burnett saved by good positioning. Everton secured four corners and from the fourth Juliussen shot just beyond the far post. Rochdale took the lead in 70 minus, when Middlesbrough ran to the right and pushed the ball back for Moss to score with a lobbed shot. Final; Everton 0, Rochdale 1.
EVERTON OUT OF CUP
November 18, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 0, Rochdale 1
By Stork
Rochdale came to Goodison and conquered, it was only by a goal margin that they won, their way through this second round replay of the Lancashire Cup, but they were worthy of their win for they were the more dangerous side and certainty the more accurate footballing eleven in the first period. Everton never seemed to be together. There was no cohesion about their work, yet they had the more shots at goal in the first half, and Bywater had to make one or two really clever saves. In the main Rochdale were the more sprightly lot. They went for the ball with enthusiasm and more grit. At the hour they took the goal which carried them through Middlesbrough was the scorer, and he hooked the ball cleverly beyond Burnett from Arthur’s pass. Everton did not show up at all well. There seemed to be no method in their side, and but for Clinton who kicked off the goal-line with Burnett out of position Rochdale would have scored again.
UNHAPPY DAY
November 18, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Any stranger going to Goodison Park yesterday for the Lancashire Cup replay would have imagined winners Rochdale at the First Division team and not Everton. This was an unhappy day for Everton apart from the promise of Clinton and a lesser degree Parker. Everton are trying all they know to secure added playing strength and money is no object. It is getting them that is the trouble. Rarely have I seen so many passes go astray and there was never a spark of confidence in the team, despite quite a lot of pressure. The Blues never seemed to get into touch with the game, and even when Cyril Lello did let go two beauties there was goalkeeper Bywater to say him “Nay.” I liked Easton, the Rochdale inside-right, the roving Middlesbrough –he was with Bolton last season; right back Rothwell and scoring inside-left Moss, but this star-studded Everton should never have allowed Rochdale to dictate the game as they did. There were plenty of club representatives present, but they too must have been bored with a lot of it at times.
AWAY GOAL WANTED!
November 19, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
On the two previous occasions Everton managed to take one step from the bottom of the leader they have fallen back the following week. To avoid this fate a third time they must beat Aston Villa at Birmingham, which won’t be easy, for Villa, having partially extricated themselves from their precarious position will be doubly determined not to slip back if anything they can do can prevent it. The most I can visualise is a draw and only incurable optimism not any feelings of confidence, gives me even that hope. On form It doesn’t seem likely. When I saw the Claret and Blues against Liverpool in the first match of the season they did not strike me as being anything like so poor aside as later performance appeared to make out, and their recent revival with six points from the last eight played for –including their first away victory –seems to confirm that. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Lindley, Jones, Farrell; Corr, Bentham, Catterick, Fielding, Eglington. Aston Villa; Rutherford; Martin, Cummings; Moss (F.), Parker, Lowe; Mulraney, Dorsett, Ford, Edwards, Smith.
• Everton Res v Huddersfield Res, tomorrow at Goodison Park
• Everton “A” v. U.G.B (St Helens) at Bellefield
EVERTON AT VILLA PARK
November 19, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s 8-match run of non-success in away matches must come to an end sometime, and I have a feeling that the Blues will not only score, but get a point at Villa Park against Aston Villa. This is virtually another “four points” game, for the Villa are only three points ahead of Everton and three places above them. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Lindley, Jones, Farrell; Corr, Bentham, Catterick, Fielding, Eglington.
EVERTON GAIN FIRST AWAY POINTS
November 20, 1948. The Evening Express
Catterick Scorers in Closing Minutes of Match
Poor Game Redeemed by Clever Move Against The Villa
By Pilot
Everton, after 79 minutes of football, away from home, not only second their first away goal of the season through Catterick at Villa Park today against Aston Villa but gained their first away point. Never was victory more richly deserved, in fact had the forwards been able to force home midfield advantages they would have won by three goals. The defence with Tommy Jones brilliantly outstanding; Sagar again a grand goalkeeper and Saunders and Hedley splendid backs, laid the foundations for the win. Catterick and Corr were the only forwards who really threatened, in fact, Eglington had enough chances to have won the game himself. Everton suffered from playing too exaggerated a “W” formation, but this was vastly improved football at round. Four minutes from the end Leslie Smith was sent off. This was the first time Villa had failed to score at home. Wally Fielding, who had been suffering from light stomach trouble following the coach journey to Leamington, where Everton stayed overnight, reported fit, so the conquerors of Sheffield United fought for the Blues first away point and goal against another struggling side. Manager Cliff Britton was not present, being away on a scouting mission. News of the day is that Eddie Wainwright went back into hospital yesterday for further observation. Aston Villa; Rutherford, goal; Martin and Cummings, backs; Moss, Parkes, and Lowe (E.), half-backs; Maleney, Dorsett, Ford, Edwards, and Smith (L.), forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Lindley, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Corr, Bentham, Catterick, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Salmon (Stoke). We saw a promising and entertaining Everton start and when Farrell opened up the way for Eglington in his true style of last season the ball was flung wide to Catterick, who slipped it back into the goalmouth, but Parkes was there to take command. Jones drew as many cheers for the delightful control in holding up Ford as did Everton for their perfect along-the-floor football emanating from Fielding’s stabbed pass. Eglington and Catterick carried on grandly and the ball was slipped forward off the foot of Parkes to the unmarked Corr, who had run into the centre. Relying solely on the judgement of a linesman the referee gave offside, an injustice to Everton for Parkes had played Corr onside.
Hard Luck
Everton had hard luck just after when Bentham gave the dummy , and slipped the ball through for Fielding. Rutherford came out but could not reach the ball and Fielding’s quick shot over Rutherford’s arms went the wrong side of the post. Fielding knew as well as everyone else that this should have been a goal and he shook his fist in disgust at his own miss. Smith’s fierce drive came back off the body of Jones and then Lindley and Edwards were in a head-on collision and both lay flat out for fully two minutes while play went on. Eventually they were able to resume. Farrell took the ball off Dorsett, and promptly gave it back to him so that Mulraney was able to get away unchallenged. Sagar dashed out, the only thing he could do, and he managed to get a foot to Mulrahey’s shot, so that the ball passed straight across the face of the goal for a corner. If all in the Everton side could have played with the accuracy of Jones, Villa would not have been on the attack twice when they should have been defending, while sloppiness in final passing helped the Villa cause when Everton moved in free style. Edwards got Smith away and a grand centre was well covered by Jones when Ford nipped in and punched the ball towards the net. The referee spotted it as Sagar dived to save. Corr’s footwork made us have that “where-have-you-been-all-my-life” feeling, for he was showing us tricks we have not had from an Everton outside right for seasons, but unfortunately some of his good work was wasted by others.
Chances Wasted
Eglington, in the space of three minutes, wasted three golden chances, of finding his colleagues by uselessly passing to a spot occupied by Villa, and so Everton still struggled for that first away goal. There were three successive offences on Sagar, bringing free-kicks. Bentham and Fielding were lying well back, making Everton’s three point attack and the gratifying part was that Villa had not scored. Right on the interval Sagar took the wise way out in tipping over Cummings’ long free kick. From the corner Villa made a strong penalty appeal which was turned down, and the protesting Cummings received a caution.
Half-time; Aston Villa 0, Everton 0.
Extra police lined the touchline when play was resumed with the referee subject to more booing and catcalls. Everton were almost a goal up within the minute for a Fielding – Catterick move saw Corr centre perfectly for the in-running Eglington whose sharp and accurate header passed under Rutherford’s body but he grabbed the ball right on the line. Everton’s midfield combination was better than anything Villa could produce but again Eglington, with the world at his mercy, misplaced the final pass. Eglington was doing the hard things well and failing at the simple tasks. Everton survived a penalty appeal but the defence stood strong. Tommy Jones was magnificent and he brought cheers with some perfect control to send Everton away, for Eglington to shoot high and wide. Villa began to tire a little and Everton swept to their work willingly. Time after time. Eglington had the field clear as he became the focal point of well –conceived and well-engineered movements, yet he simply could not finish properly. At the 65th minute Eglington was away with no one within 25 yards of him and instead of running right in he shot from the edge of the penalty area about six yards over the top. He redeemed himself somewhat with a fine low shot after Corr had left the Villa defenders standing with a cross-field run. Apple cores came on to the pitch as Villa forced two corners in succession. Catterick went racing through to Corr’s pass when Rutherford ran out to take the ball from his toes in thrilling style. Immediately after, Sagar made a point black save from Mulraney who was only four yards out. Sagar beat the ball up and then turned it around the post, a mighty effort. With 11 minutes to go Everton scored their first away goal of the season, and a glorious goal it was. Catterick was the scorer, but every Everton forward took part in the movement. From Catterick to Bentham to Eglington, back to Fielding, and then to Catterick again –Catterick whipped it away to Corr and ran straight for the goalmouth, when Corr found him to a “T.” Catterick’s header flashed into the corner of the net to end a spell of 79 minutes of Everton’s away play with a goal. Yes, this was at the 79th minute, and gave hope of the first away win. Sagar made another super save off Mulraney, another four-yard shot, and then when Lindley was brought down and the referee gave a free kick, the entire Villa team, apart from Rutherford, surrounded the referee protesting. The outcome was “marching orders” for international Leslie Smith who left the ground to cheers and sympathetic pats on the back from his colleagues. Final; Aston Villa 0, Everton 1.
• Everton Res 1, Huddersfield Res 0
• Everton “A” 9, U.G.B St Helens 2
EVERTON RES V HUDDERSFIELD RES
November 20, 1948. The Evening Express
Everton did most of the attacking, Lello putting in a fine drive which Wheeler handed well. In 10 minutes the Blues took the lead, Lello putting well out of the keeper’s reach. McCormick missed a chance of increasing the lead when he ballooned the ball over the bar. The visitors made several attacks, Jones, the Everton keeper having no difficulty in saving his charge. Half-time; Everton Res 1, Huddersfield Res 0
Everton “A” v. U.G.B
Smart football broughten Everton early forward when Moody netted in the first 10 minutes. Five minutes later Lewis scored. Taylor contributed a third shortly afterwards. Buckley scored for U.G.B and Lewis added a fourth. Half-time; Everton “A” 4, U.G.B 1.
CATTERICK SCORES THAT ELUSIVE “AWAY” GOAL
November 20, 1948, The Liverpool Football Echo
For Which Everton Had Struggled For 800 Minutes
Smith gets “Marching Orders”
Aston Villa 0, Everton 1
By Contact
Everton’s first away goal (official), their first away win this season, and Smith sent off –all in the last ten minutes of a match which was badly controlled. Up to the time when Catterick scored the goal which decided the game, Everton had played for 800 minutes away from home during the present season before scoring. Aston Villa; Rutherford, goal; Martin and Cummings, backs; Moss, Parkes, and Lowe (E.), half-backs; Maleney, Dorsett, Ford, Edwards, and Smith (L.), forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Lindley, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Corr, Bentham, Catterick, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Salmon (Stoke).Everton hoped to get that elusive first away goal from to-day’s game. Ex-Wolves manager Ted Vizard was present, and told me that he had hopes of getting back into the game via the Coventry City job for which Doherty is also in the field. Although the ground appeared to be in good condition it churned up quickly and Moss, who tried to centre found it bumping awkwardly and mis-timed his effort badly. Eglington rounded off a nice movement by speeding passed the slowish Martin and centred too strongly for the liking of Catterick and others in front of goal and when Catterick cashed the centre to outside right and returned it, Rutherford was out to make a good catch. Everton’s best move showed Farrell, Eglington and Fielding a perfect in execution but an unjust offside decision cut it short.
Tragic Mistake
Everton should have broken the away goal spell when Catterick with a grand through pass, enable Fielding to get in a position in which he had only to tap the ball passed the out coming Rutherford. He pulled it to beat the goalkeeper and beat the post as well –a tragic mistake. A terrific shot by Ford from an Edwards pass nearly knocked Saunders over –a useful bit of obstruction. A long Villa attack developed while Edwards and Lindley, who had crashed their heads in collision lay out of the world at the other end of the field. Fortunately, they both came to quickly and were both able to resume Lindley at outside right with Corr inside and Bentham right half. Ford, coming from outside right just beat Sagar for possession, but the ball travelled off the goalkeeper’s body for a corner.
Crisp Attacks
Though Villa were on top Everton’s attacks so far had been good crisp ones needing only more punishing finishing. The Everton front line was smaller, but faster than Villa’s defence, which took most of the honours “in the air.” An Edward pass to Smith was a model and Smith duly delivered a nice length centre which Ford neither headed or handled, and off which Sagar made a grand one-handed save. At this point Everton extricated themselves from several off Villa attacks, and Jones and others had to be at their best to keep the lively Ford under subjection. Villa half backs now had a better grip on the game. Farrell cut out a Dorsett free kick.
Sagar Hustled.
Ford caught Sagar with a charge as the goalkeeper came to earth after a leap and catch, but the incident ended amicably in pats on the backs. One way and another Villa were making it difficult for Sagar to get the ball away in comfort in the goalkeeper’s favour. Edward’s quite rightly, had his name taken after coming across Hedley badly. There was storming booing against the referee and against many of his decisions.
On Wrong Lines
The game was developing altogether on wrong lines. When Jones blocked out Ford’s volley and the ball went for a corner, the decision was a goal kick and there was another burst of boos –but the decision stood. A long free kick by Cummings was put over the top by Sagar, and from the corner Lindley appeared to handle Smith’s shot in the penalty box.
Half-time; Aston Villa nil, Everton nil.
Referee Salmon came on to another storm of boos. Eglington glanced in a header, which Rutherford held on the line, and none too confidently at that Corr, who had done quite well against old man Cummings had provided the centre. Lowe was playing brilliantly, but the ball hung and bounced awkwardly in the yielding going, and some of this half backs offerings were lost to Ford and company for that reason.
Spectators Fireworks
Villa claimed a penalty when Lindley tangled with Edwards near the goal-line, and the Villa men fell. The only fireworks in the game were those which were being thrown on the pitch by spectator. The Everton attack, with the note able exception of Corr seemed slow and inclined to fade out. Sagar making a flying punch away allured Jones to half complete the clearance, but Dorsett picked up the ball by the corner flag and hit a true shot which Sagar put around the angle.
Classic Jones
Jones’s next intervention and his use of the ball when standing not more than ten yards from his own goal was in the classic mould. Rutherford crowded Catterick after Fielding and Bentham had issued open invitations to the centre to go forward and score – a good save. Everton’s shooting was no better than Villa’s and that was almost non-existent. Corr came inside and dummying his way splendidly, flicked out a fine pass to Eglington whose shot this time was on the mark but lacked sting. Smith’s shot, which was deflected by Hedley, created another appeal for a penalty and again the answer was “No” Corr, making a chance for Catterick, the latter sped at great speed towards goal when challenged all the way and only Rutherford’s out coming saved the situation. Sagar then went one better and knocked up a point-blank Mulraney shot, and then flipped the ball round the post.
Timid Finishing
Saunders had our hearts in our mouths when passing back and going near to passing beyond Sagar, who came out to make a pick up, Rutherford once lost his grip on the ball after a Corr corner, but did not pay the penalty. Eglington was a rather timid finisher, when a bit more determined shooting would have paid. Everton so cluttered up their defence that Villa had great difficulty in finding a shooting loophole. Lindley half-blocked away an Edwards shot and Sagar could not prevent the corner. Saunders and Jones were as good as anyone on the field and a draw with ten minutes to go was as equitable as anything could be. At exactly this point Corr centred the ball which Catterick gilded neatly inside the post for Everton’s first away goal of the season.
Ordered Off
Lindley suffered a kick in the face from Smith, but stayed on, and then was injured in the next phrase of play. This much knocked about half back still refused to quit. Before the free kick could be taken, there was a sensational incident in which Smith appeared to throw the ball at the referee. He was ordered off immediately, but for some seconds refused to go. Final; Aston Villa 0, Everton 1.
LACK OF FINISH ON THE WING
November 20, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Is Everton’s Snag Ranger’s Weekly Gossip
Among all the walter of discussion, dispute, dissension and discord surrounding the Mannion case, one can spare a sympathetic thought for the more-on-less innocent cease of it all, the golden-haired Wilfred himself, who had a fortune in his boots and a price on his prowess which may well put silver threads among the gold before it is all over. Though I haven’t spoken to Mannion since I took tea with him at Southport Town Hall as a guest of Councillor E.W. Raynor, the Mayor of Southport and chairman of the Haig Avenue club, on the eve of the England v. Ireland international at Goodison Park twelve months ago. I wouldn’t mind betting that if only Wilf could have foreseen the hornet’s nest which he was to stir up in Soccer affairs he might have thought twice about it. There’s a big difference between wanting to get away from one’s club and being the centrepiece of the test case into which the Mannion business has now developed. One almost certain result of all the recent rumpus is that players’ contracts will be revised though to suggest as Jimmy Guthrie has done, that players should be completely free to move wherever they like at the end of each season would be asking for trouble. First, it would completely destroy all continuity in team building, and create playing staff chaos at the end of every season. Secondly, it would undoubtedly lead to much “tapping” of players and encourage under –the-counter inducement which would endanger the whole structure of the game.
Blues Precarious Position
Though the position at Goodison Park gets more difficult and precarious as time goes on I am by no means certain that even so gifted a player as Mannion is the type Everton most need. Their biggest requirement is one which I have been stressing for so long –extreme wingers who can not only make opportunities for their inside men, but can score goals themselves as well. They also need more punch down the middle –the departure of Dodds still seems a quixotic decision –and strength at wing-half. Mannion would have been a tremendous gamble at £25,000, for genius though he is, he has never been a prolific goal-scorer and last season concentrated more than ever on making opportunities for others. As a matter of interest, here is his record for Middlesbrough in peace time promotion and relegation football;-
Season Appearances Goals
1936-37.............2....................0
1937-38............22...................4
1938-39............38..................14
1946-47............37..................18
1947-48............35...................1
Total..................134................37
First Goal From a Winger
The goal which Peter Corr scored last week against Sheffield United was the first scored from either Everton extreme wing this season. Last season no goals were scored from outside right until Grant took over at the end of December. He scored three in his first three outings, and then one afterwards. The outside left position was more productive. Eglington and Higgins getting three each and Boyes one.
In 1946-47 not a single goal was registered from outside right until the 39th League match of the campaign, and that was all. Eight came from the outside left berth, five to Eglington and three to Boyes which if not startling was reasonably satisfying.
No Easy Task
Until Manager Cliff Britton can effect strengthening signings, which will be no easy task, he can only continue to play the hand that was dealt on him when he took over the reins, and shuffle the old pack around in the hope of unearthing unexpected facility for a new position those on the staff. The illness of Wainwright has been one of the biggest individual blows Everton have suffered. Unfortunately, it looks as though it will be some time before he is able to resume, as he is again in the Royal infirmary for observation for his recurrent stomach complaint. His speed, skill, and strong shot would have been invaluable to the Blues during the past three months.
EVERTON RES V HUDDERSFIELD RES
November 20, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton immediately took up the offensive. Lello in 10 minutes placed well out of the goalkeeper’s reach. Huddersfield made periodical raider but failed sadly in front of goal. Everton continued to have the monopoly, but came up against a sound defence. Half-time; Everton Res 1, Huddersfield Res 0. Huddersfield after the interval did their utmost to get on level terms but Jones in the Everton goal proved capable. Everton took a big part in the play but their finishing off was anything but good.
THEIR FIRST “AWAY” GOAL-VICTORY
November 22, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Aston Villa 0, Everton 1 (Catterick)
Two things happened in the last ten minutes to make this match at Villa Park one to remember. Everton scored their first away goal this season and Leslie Smith, the Villa left-winger, was ordered from the field. Given an ordinary finale it would have been one of those quickly forgotten games of which there are so many. Ten minutes from the end all was goalless and nothing seemed likely to change the position. It was a nice pass which found Corr; it was a good centre by Corr from which the earnest Catterick glided the harder that Rutherford fumbled just inside the post with fatal results. Five minutes later, when the 43,000 attendance were booing over come brave and some mistaken referee’s decision, arose the incident after which Smith received his marching orders. Lindley had been injured for the third time the game had been held up while he was extended to and play was about to begin again when Smith picked up the ball and flung it towards the referee. He may have flung it a little harder than he intended or Mr. Salmon of Stoke may have thought he did. The sequel was the referee’s finger directing Smith to the dressing-room. Before he went the player demonstrated how he had thrown the ball and there was a little delay before he disappeared down the subway to the accompaniment of cheers. When the referee sounded the last of many whistle blasts a few minutes later he walked down the same subway and police placed their arms about his shoulders as he did so. The game was ruined for most of us long before the dramatic ten minutes. Villa were inclined to be rugged and the referee stood no nonsense’s from them. He incensed the crowd to almost innocent booing by some brave decisions which were followed, unfortunately by some wide of the mark. A few free kicks given quickly either way for trivialities might have helped him to maintained surer handling.
Still Wasteful
Everton are improving and this first away win can only have the effect of quickening their rise and returning some of their lost confidence. They are still much too wasteful with the hard-won chance. Fielding trying to pull the ball away from the goalkeeper astonishingly pulled it wider of goal in the easiest of chances. Eglington and others did not hit their shots well when the approach had been so good; it was absurd that the finishing touch shot not be applied. The attack after beginning with crisp well-worked movements petered out a bit, Corr and Catterick apart, and the Catterick goal represented the only return for much splendid endeavour. When Villa promised too break the solidity and inspiration of Jones, ably supported on either hand in defence, Sagar was brilliant, neither club has rooms to be complacent about their forwards on this showing. Villa had many fever chances than Everton. Possibly the Villa half-backs –all big men –may have been a little better than Everton’s, and Lowe was outstanding. With Martin and Cumming so ponderous and slow Everton inside forwards might have given Corr and Eglington opportunity to make their speed tell by oblique passes to the neighbourhood of the corner flags, but the must not be too critical of an Everton fighting the intangibility of that dismal away record. It was a triumphant in minor key and a very praiseworthy effort towards better things.
EVERTON RES 1, HUDDERSFIELD RES 0
November 22, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
A solitary goal scored by Lello, in the tenth minute gave Everton victory in a poor game. Both sides of forwards shot weakly, Humphreys broke up several dangerous moves by Huddersfield.
EIRE SELECTORS WATCH COR
November 22, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Peter Corr, Everton’s young forward, after only three First Division games, is practically certain to receive his first international cap within a few weeks. Corr, who with Farrell and Eglington constituted the Irish contingent in the victorious Everton team at Villa Park on Saturday, was under review for “capping” by two members of the Eire F.A. Corr certainly delighted the watchers, and I am in a position to say that Eire will ask for his release. They may also ask for Eglington. It was a good, mobile Everton, who by their victory revealed some light in their position.
Mobile “Blues”
Manager Cliff Britton of Everton did not see the “Blues” put up one of their best displays. They were the better football side and in midfield gave Villa a lesson in constructive art. The unfortunate note was the sending off of Leslie Smith five minutes from the end. There was much needless criticism of referee G. Salmon by the crowd and there was too much incitement of the players by the spectators. From an Everton point of view this was a complete victory and the most satisfying part was that the deciding goal by Harry Catterick should be such a perfect effort, each of the five forwards touching the ball before Catterick headed through Corr’s centre. Everton could be criticised for relying on only three real forwards –Fielding and Bentham played rather too far back –but this was part of the plan which prevented the Villa from giving their supporters a goal at home for the first time this season. The mighty man of the match was Tommy Jones, who is playing better than at any time in his career while Sagar, of course, came through with two of those super saves near the end which only Sagar can effect. Saunders was the best back on the field, with Hedley not far behind, and Farrell early on showed flashes of the Peter we know. Lindley was highly serviceable despite two injuries which are not serious and Corr, in my opinion is the most complete Everton outside right we have seen for seasons. This boy is good, Catterick was a grand centre forward with ideas and skill, and Eglington can be critised only for his wastage of opportunity. His approach work was great. Everton stayed last night at Leamington Spa under chairman Dr. Cecil S. Baxter accompanied by directors, messrs W. Williams and J.C. Sharp ad secretary Theo Kelly, but Director Ernest Green and Manager Britton joined the party after scouting missions to go on to Aldershot for today’s game with the Army.
WELL SATISFIED
November 22, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton came from Villa well satisfied with their one goal victory, if rather displeased by the criticism of the crowd for referee Salmon. There is no doubt that Mr. Salmon was a brave man to give many decisions against the home side, but equally it would be true to say that some decisions late on might have been mistaken ones. The drama of the game was all in the last ten minutes in which Catterick glided the header for Everton’s long awaited first away goal, which was followed five minutes later by the ordering off of Leslie Smith the Villa outside left. Everton will deprive much confidence from this win, but it was tragic to think that they missed easier chances than that which brought about the Catterick goal. Their approach play was neat and excellent every way and taking their chances they should have won with more to spare. The great comfort to Everton is the superb centre half back play of Tom Jones, and the brilliance of Sagar. This is the real backbone of the defence which played adequately when keeping quite a Villa line which had fewer chances than Everton. Corr was particularly good in the Everton front line, and Catterick made several first-class individual moves, but the Everton attack as a whole is still not good enough. The Villa defence all big men and rather ponderous, should have been out speeded and out mancecurved to a greater extent. It is no use believing that all will continue to be well with Everton, because their last two opponents have been moderate but the side can do no more than win, and the trend to recent weeks has helped to show that the prevailing tendency for Everton is in the right direction. Eire F.A. selectors attended the game to watch Farrell, Eglington and Corr with a view to their match against Switzerland.
EVERTON MEET THE ARMY
November 22, 1948. The Evening Express
By Pilot
Jimmy Jones, one of Everton’s young discoveries, made his first team debut, deputising for the injured Sagar, against the Army on the Command ground at Aldershot today. This game kept up the matches which began in 1932, and which was suspended for the war years. The Army team of today with the exception of Hassall, Huddersfield left-half, travels to Germany next week for three games. The Everton party journeyed on from Birmingham. Manager Cliff Britton was a surprise man at the pre-game lunch to receive his memento – a framed record of his success in the cause of Army football. The presentation was made by Major-General Holme, and Cliff made a splendid speech in reply. Dr. C.S. Baxter, Everton’s chairman spoke on behalf of the club. Everton; J. Jones, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones (T.G.), and Grant, half-backs; Corr, Stevenson, Catterick, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Army;- K. Jones (Aston Villa), goal; Flavell (West Brom) and Fox (Fulham), backs; Buchanan (Wolves), Andrews (York City), and Hassell (Huddersfield), half-backs; Hinshellwood, (Fulham), Johnstone (Hibs), Jamieson (Abeerden), McPhail (Clyde) and Bond (Preston), forwards. Referee; Mr. N.J. Mancur. Tommy Jones came well down to take a penalty line free kick against what Colonel Bert Prince secretary of the Army F.A. described as one of their best-ever teams, and although his first shot cannoned against Andrews his second was turned aside by Flavell. Everton’s footcraft and positional sense were a delight and in 11 minutes Eglington gave then the lead, following a throw in on the right. Farrell got the ball back, and quickly centred far beyond Fielding and Favell, so that Eglington could come at top speed and smash the ball in the net. Hedley’s neat intervention held up Johnstone, and then Catterick went to outside right to turn the ball inside for Corr, whose left foot shot grazed the foot of the post and went aside. Fielding who this morning had enjoyed with the party his re-visit to his old Army quarters of the R.A.M.C dribbled through cleverly in the example set by Farrell and Stevenson but the shot withheld. Hinshellwood led the Army’s best raid so far, and Jones had to dive out to save from him after two shots had been charged down. In 32 minutes the Army drew level after a spell of pressure with a goal from Bond (Preston North End). Flavell centred from the half way line, and Bond nipped in quickly and headed the ball in from a narrow angle.
Half-time; Army 1, Everton 1
The Army showed the way on resuming and Hinshelwood almost got through against an Everton showing one change from the first half. Bentham came in at centre-forward for Catterick who had stubbed a leg.
ARMY V EVERTON
November 22, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Eglington and Fielding Score
At Aldershot
By Contact
Everton; J. Jones, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones (T.G.), and Grant, half-backs; Corr, Stevenson, Catterick, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Army;- K. Jones (Aston Villa), goal; Flavell (West Brom) and Fox (Fulham), backs; Buchanan (Wolves), Andrews (York City), and Hassell (Huddersfield), half-backs; Hinshelwood, (Fulham), Johnstone (Hibs), Jamieson (Abeerden), McPhail (Clyde) and Bond (Preston), forwards. Referee; Mr. N.J. Mancur. Before Everton’s game at Aldershot, today, Manager Cliff Britton was presented by Major-General Horrie of the Royal Army Ordinance Corps, with a memento of his services to football in the Army in his playing days. At 12 minutes Eglington volleyed a Stevenson centre into the Army net for the first goal. Although one could hardly take the match seriously, some of Stevenson’s passes were as cute as he has ever made, and Everton were well on top. The Army defence was out-classed and their attack had hardly been seen. Best army prospects were outside right Corporal Hinshelwood and Gunner Hallsall from the Western Command. They were outstanding in one of the poorest Army sides solider spectators had seen for a long time. Thirty-five minutes had gone when Flavell but a big punt into goal, and Bond, the Army left, nodded a good goal. Jones got his hands to the ball, but was not able to stop it.
Half-time; Army 1, Everton 1.
Catterick pulled a muscle in the first half and did not resume –a bit ill-luck for Everton and a blow they could not afford. Bentham came on as substitute. Eglington limped soon afterwards. Fielding dribbled 30 yards past man after man and scored a picture goal with nine minutes’ play remaining. Final- Army 1, Everton 2.
EVERTON BEAT ARMY AGAIN
November 23, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
Catterick Pulls Muscle
By Leslie Edwards
The Army 1, Everton 2
Everton, who have been playing matches against the Army since 1932, won again at Aldershot yesterday by 2 goals to 1. It was a fairish exhibition match in which the winners had to put their best foot forward to win, by an excellent Fielding goal nine minutes from the end. Catterick pulled a muscle in the first half and Bentham substituted for him at centre-forward in the second half. The difference between the Army football and that played by League clubs was apparent. It was not so much the speed with which Everton moved the ball as the speed at which they took up position which contrasted so much with the more earnest and less finessing play of the Army.
Hardly A Serious Test
As a test for Everton this could hardly be considered seriously. Nevertheless, both goals –by Eglington and Fielding –were well worked, and Stevenson brought in, in place of Bentham made some astute passes. Army successes were Flavell (West Brom), Hinshelwood (Fulham), giant left half-back Hassell of Huddersfield Town and Bond (Preston N.E.), who scored the Army goal. Everton players were entertained at Airborne Forces Museum, then at the R.A.M.C depot, at Crookham, prior to the match. At a luncheon before the game Mr. Cliff Britton received from Major-General Horne, president of the Army A.F.C a memento for his services to football as an Army player during the war.
CATTRICK INJURED
November 23, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Harry Catterick, Everton’s centre-forward, pulled a muscle in the first half of the game at Aldershot Command yesterday when Everton maintained their 100 per cent record against the Army by 2-1 per Eglington and Fielding goals. The injury may not keep Catterick out of the side to play Sunderland on Saturday but Manager Cliff Britton is delaying selection of the team until later in the week. This was, I think Everton’s hardest test with the Army side throughout the years. In fact they were rather fortunate to win, but the class which they showed in the first half re-asserted itself late on against a well balanced team of players of league experience. As usual the Army, under General Horne, were the prefect hosts and in the morning the Everton party were taken through the Airborne Division museum and also to a realistic casualty display at the R.A.M.C depot which brought back vivid memories to Wally Fielding for he served there in the war and renewed acquaintance with his old sergeant-major. We even had tea in the sergeant’s mess, the floor of which “No doubt had polished many times.
CATTERICK DOUBTFUL
November 23, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Harry Catterick who pulled a muscle in the Army v. Everton match at Aldershot yesterday, must be considered doubtful for Everton’s home match on Saturday, but Manager Cliff Britton does not think the trouble is serious. So far, he was left out of yesterday’s team because of an ankle injury but... too is not expected to give trouble. Everton won 2-1 before on more than 2,500 spectators –a disappointing gate and one which might have been vastly improved if it had been possible to chance the soldiers half-day holiday from Wednesday to Monday.
DEATH OF MR. T. PERCY
November 25, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
I regret to announce the death of Mr. Tom Percy, former Everton director, which occurred suddenly in Smithdown-road, hospital last evening. Mr. Percy had been suffering from heart trouble for some time but it was only a few days ago that his illness caused more than normal anxiety. Aged 56, Mr. Percy was co-opted to the Everton board in 1936 and remained a director until the annual meeting of 1946 when Mr. J. Sharp succeeded him. In his younger says he was a useful performer at football, cricket and lawn tennis, and also referred in the Zinagar League. An estate agent in business he volunteered for the Army in the last war at the age of 48, and attained the rank of captain in the R.A.O.C.
EVERTON’S HAT-TRICK BID
November 26, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton make an attempt to complete a hat-trick of First Division victories when Sunderland visit Goodison Park tomorrow. The Blues appear to have ended their run of ill-luck for the first time since Aug 25 are not in the last two positions. Following the 2-1 home success over Sheffield Utd, the side went to Aston Villa last week, and Catterick’s goal gave them their first away points. It is a fact that in every game this season in which Everton have scored they have not been beaten. Everton scored three against Newcastle and drew 3-3; scored two against Stoke to win 2-1; obtained one against Liverpool for a 1-1 draw; netted four times against Preston for a 4-1 triumph; bagged two against Huddersfield for a 2-0 win; had another two against Sheffield Utd, for a 2-1 win and that singleton last week for a 1-0 success. Six points from the also eight is most encouraging, but the Blues face a stiff task today, for Sunderland have gained 19 points out of 18 games and claim a point-a-match away from home. Last season, Everton won 3-0 here and should win this time against a side which lost 4-0 at Anfield. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Lindley, Jones, Farrell; Corr, Bentham, Catterick (or Juliussen), Fielding, Eglington. Sunderland; Mapson; Hudgell, Ramsden; Scotson, Hall, Wright; Watson, Robinson, Davis, Shackleton, Reynolds.
• Everton “A” v Haydock, at Bellefield
• Everton “C” v. Mount St, at Bellefield
BLUES CHANCE TO CLIMB
November 26, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Six points from their last four matches –in which they have twice kept a clean sheet defensively –is the measure of Everton’s recent improvement, which may be carried a stage further tomorrow, when Sunderland provide the opposition at Goodison Park. Sunderland these days are an in-and-out side. They have lost their last four away matches on the run, in which they have scored only one goal, and though still unbeaten at home, have drawn no fewer than six of their ten games at Roker Park. They gave promise of something better when they defeated Wolves and Sheffield United in away encounters at the start of the season, but latterly have fallen away. Everton’s fate will again rest mainly with the front line. The solidity of Sagar and Jones has no imbued the rest of they defeats with confidence that the five-goal episode have been forgotten, and after recent successes the side should no longer take the field with its tail between it’s legs. A little more enterprise in shooting and better team work by the forwards will remove the Blues still further from the lower regions. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Lindley, Jones, Farrell; Corr, Bentham, Catterick (or Juliussen), Fielding, Eglington. Sunderland; Mapson; Hudgell, Ramsden; Scotson, Hall, Wright; Watson, Robinson, Davis, Shackleton, Reynolds.
EVERTON’S THIRD SUCCESS ON RUN
November 27, 1948. The Evening Express
Juliussen Drive Rebounds Off Hudgell Into The Net
By Radar
In a game in which accurate shooting was conspicuous by its absence Sunderland’s right back Higgins gave Everton the lead at Goodison Park. After 11 minutes of the second half Juliussen’s venoms drive struck the post, hit Hudgell on the body and rebounded over the goal line. It was a game marked more by promised endeavour than by football touching classical heights, the Everton defence taking full marks for magnificent covering. Everton striving to win their third successive victory, had to make a change at centre forward for the visit of Sunderland at Goodison Park. Harry Catterick, who pulled a muscle in the game against the Army at Aldershot failed to pass a fitness test, and Juliussen came in at centre forward. Sunderland, who included Barney Ramsden, the former Liverpool full back, made sweeping changes in attack. Everton’s manager Cliff Britton was away scouting. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Lindley, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Corr, Bentham, Juliussen, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Sunderland;- Mapson, goal; Hudgell and Ramsden, backs; Scotson, Hall and Wright, half-backs; Watson, Robinson, Davis, Shackleton, and Reynolds, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Russell of Leeds. Sunderland swept quickly to the attack Davis taking over a long range pass from hall and crossing for Reynolds to race around Saunders but Sagar and Jones combined to prevent Reynolds getting in his centre. Then came a free kick to Sunderland outside the Everton penalty area, but Wright’s drive was charged down by one of his own forwards. When Everton did look like making ground, Bentham and Fielding spoilt the movement by “leaving it to each other.” It was taking Everton a long time to settle down for Sunderland were dealing considerably superior speed, and finding their men more accurately. Following a free kick to Sunderland outside the area, Bentham mistake gave right half Scotson the chance to let go powerfully. His rising drive flashed a foot over the top. Then Davis carved out an opening for Watson, who evaded Hedley’s tackle but lofted his angled drive high over the angle of the woodwork.
Juliussen ‘Has A Go’
Everton’s best effort so far came when Juliussen took Eglington return pass in his stride, and his first time drive slewed narrowly beyond the far post with Mapson scrambling. Even though off the mark this did at least show a willingness to try a pot shot. The game was held up temporarily for Mapson and Fielding to recover following a collision when Mapson beat Fielding in a race for possession to Corr’s sweeping upfield pass. Fielding was assisted to behind the goal line. There was another half while referee Russell went to have a word with a policeman behind the Sunderland goal after Mapson had left his goal to pick up a piece or orange peel. As Fielding was assisted off the field, Everton raced away on the right but Bentham failed to connect with Corr’s pass. After seven minutes absence Fielding returned to see Mapson almost dispossession by the strength of Juliussen’s charge from Jones’ long range free kick. The Bentham sent Corr away and Fielding was just off the target with an overhead shot from Corr’s cross. Everton were cramming on all sail in a determined effort to strike the first blew, and Mapson did well to deal with Corr’s deceptive centre at the expense of a corner. From this there was a prolonged melee in the Sunderland goal area during which Fielding just failed to make vital contact. When Fielding was brought down a few yards outside the area, Jones came up to try one of his “specials” Mapson saved brilliantly at full length the referee ordered the free-kick to be retaken and this time Eglington strayed offside. In the main, however, it was rather scrappy desperate football with Everton inclined to fall victims to the Sunderland offside trap. In another Sunderland excursion Shackleton bore to the right, then swept the ball high towards the far post for Reynolds to turn it inside but Wright ankled his first timer several yards wide. A great chance came Everton’s way when Eglington slipped the ball forward for Bentham to let go, but unfortunately his shot, was directed straight at Mapson.
Half-time; Everton 0, Sunderland 0.
Saunders’ Tackles
Sunderland showed glimpses of their earlier virility straight from the restart, and Wright swung a low shot too close to the near post to be comfortable for Sagar. Then twice Saunders was responsible for magnificent tackles to foil Reynolds and then Fielding opened up an avenue for Juliussen who had wandered out to the left to cut in, outwit Hudgell and then find his fierce charged down by Hall. Away went Sunderland, and it needed Sagar’s best work to pull down a nicely directed Davis drive taken on the turn. Then Davis bent low to deflect a high lob over the top. The task of the Sunderland defence was simplified by reason of the fact that the Everton forwards were rarely seen in a “five-at-a-time’ attack. The game had now livened up considerably. After 56 minutes, however, Everton’s pressure brought its reward when Juliussen and Bentham inter-passed and confused the Saunders defence. Juliussen held off Hall’s challenge to drive in from close range. The ball thudded against the woodwork, rebounded, struck Hudgell on the body and such was its power that it bounced back again over the line so that in actual fact Hudgell goes down as the scorer. Sunderland struck back hard and Sagar had to go up high to deal with a Reynold’s dropping centre. Following a brief stoppage while Eglington was supplied with a new pair of “shorts” Everton again swung into the attack. Fielding could get no power behind his overhead kick, and Mapson saved without difficulty. When Juliussen forced a corner, Fielding seemed surprised to find Bentham’s hooked pass offering him a clear heading chance, and his hesitancy enabled Mapson to race out and punch clear. Sunderland’s best for some time was a swerving cross drive from Davis which Sagar saved at the foot of the far post. The neatest piece of concerted work in the game so far was provided by an Eglington-Fielding duel, but Fielding elected to pass to Juliussen instead of shooting himself, and his pass was a bad one. If anything the game speeded up in tempo as it progressed and both defences had to put in some keen work to keep the respective attacks out of shooting range. Davis, who had led the Sunderland attack enterprising but lucklessly, flashed a header across the face of the Everton goal. As Sunderland went off out for the equaliser there were some desperate moments in the Everton penalty area. Eglington had to receive attention after this attack, but was soon able to resume. Sagar did his usual good turn of the day when he haved magnificently from Scotson in the fading light. A magnificent solo dribble by Fielding was only foiled by Ramsden’s desperate tackle as Fielding was preparing to shoot. Official attendance 38,080. Final; Everton 1, Sunderland 0.
BLACKBURN ROVERS RES V EVERTON RESERVES
November 27, 1948. The Evening Express
The game started a few minutes early because of the fog threat. Everton had the advantage of a strong breeze but the Rovers piled on pressure and Everton’s goal had several close calls. Woodcock the Rovers’ outside left hit the post after Jones had saved one drive –Clinton cleared a Wilkinson header off the goal line. Wilkinson later forced the ball out of Jones’s hands and shot narrowly wide. Everton forwards were rarely dangerous. Half-time; Blackburn Res 0, Everton res 0.
Everton’s defence was kept almost continuously at full stretch and only grand work by goalkeeper Jones prevented Rovers from scoring. Parker gave Everton the lead just before the end. Final; Everton Res 1, Blackburn Rovers Res 0.
• Everton “A” 3 Haydock 0
FATE AND HUDGELL WERE KIND TO EVERTON
November 27, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
“Own Goal” Tragedy Brought Downfall of Sunderland
Fielding in Grand Form
Everton 1, Sunderland 0
By Stork
Not a great game by any means but two valuable points for Everton. Sunderland will consider themselves unlucky to be beaten by such a goal. This was Everton’s third successive victory and was never more needed. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Lindley, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Corr, Bentham, Juliussen, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Sunderland;- Mapson, goal; Hudgell and Ramsden, backs; Scotson, Hall and Wright, half-backs; Watson, Robinson, Davis, Shackleton, and Reynolds, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Russell of Leeds. It was a grand day, with a cold snap in the air. The attendance considering the early start, was well up to average, and Sunderland kicked off towards the Stanley Park goal.
First-Minute Thrill
There was a first-minute thrill when Jones slipped as he was about to make a tackle and the ball was quickly transferred to Reynolds who showed an amazing burst of speed to work his way to the goal-line, but them put his centre behind. Having taken the shock successfully, Juliussen was only just caught in an off-side position following a long clearance. Sunderland, however, were soon back again and Robinson by his hesitancy when an opening was made for him lost a possible crack at Sagar’s charge. Sunderland’s pace was phenomenal. Their football also was top-class and the Everton defence had to work double time to keep them out. Eglington was badly obstructed when he was making a forward move, and a free kick against Sunderland did not serve them to any purpose. So far it had been Everton’s defence versus the Sunderland’s forwards, yet it was a Sunderland half-back, who put in the first real shot, and it was a good one by Scotson the ball grazing the crossbar. Corr and Bentham participated in a nice round of passing and then Eglington provided Juliussen with a shot which the Everton leader pulled wide of the Sunderland goal. Fielding and Mapson came into collision, the Sunderland goalkeeper having to have attention on the thigh Fielding, however, was the more seriously hurt and he had to be taken behind the goal for attention.
Signal for Doctor
Fielding eventually had to leave the field doubled up in pain, and the referee just previously had a word with a police officer just previously about something or other. It was something similar to what happened at Anfield last week for as Fielding left the field he had his hands on his ribs and Harry Cooke the trainer, signalled for the doctor as they passed the stand. On re-starting Everton staged a strong attack without however penetrating the Sunderland defence. Corr and Juliussen got together to produce a centre right across the Sunderland goalmouth. Eglington got his head to the ball to send it into the Sunderland goalmouth but that is far as it got, for Hall was there to clear. Jones was at his most brilliant and best, as he had to be, because this Sunderland side was a pretty hot one, particularly in the forward section.
Fielding Returns
Fielding returned just in time to see Jones take a free kick and Mapson make a save as he was charged over by Juliussen. Everton were now playing quite well, their rightwing being particularly good, and from Corr’s work Fielding made an overhead kick in an effort to surprise the goalkeeper, but the ball went over. Fielding seemed to have fully recovered for he sent a good ball out to Corr, who centring with his left foot, caused Mapson some worry, but he was able to clear the danger by sweeping the ball round the corner.
A Jones Special
When Everton got another free kick, Jones came up to provide one of his specials. Mapson saved it by turning it round his post, but the kick had to be retaken. This time Jones tried a lob, but Eglington had got himself into an offside position when he made his header. Shackleton seemed almost through when he was tackled by Lindley. Sunderland were using the offside trap to check the Everton forwards and Eglington was again ensnared in it. Reynolds, Shackleton, and Wright gave the Everton right flank a deal of trouble, and on one occasion a glorious dummy by Shackleton looked as though it might prise open the Everton defence, but the promise was not fulfilled. Mapson made a good catch from Corr. In fact the Sunderland goalkeeper had more to do than Sagar.
Good Chance Missed
Everton should have scored the opening goal of the day, when Juliussen was played onside through the ball touching a Sunderland player, and it became a question between the Everton leader and Mapson. Mapson won because Juliussen shot straight at him. Davis was shouldered off the ball by Sagar and some thought the new rule should have been brought into use. Eglington made a header of worth and then Juliussen’s shot slewed well wide.
Half-time; Everton 0, Sunderland 0
There was quite a lively reopening and Saunders did well to hold up Reyonds. Scotson was pushing the call through nicely and a particularly good move right down the Everton wing saw Juliussen at outside left beat his man and then let go with a terrific right foot shot which was blocked out.
Everton take Lead
There was certainly more endeavour this half and Everton were striving might and main for a goal. They got one in a curious manner. A good round of passing ended in Juliussen getting the ball well inside the penalty area. He let loose a powerful right footed shot which struck the upright and rebounded back into play. Hudgell rushed across but could not get out of the way of the ball. He was standing fully six yards out when the ball hit him and rebounded back into the net, leaving Mapson helpless. Naturally this brought even greater endeavour from Everton and Juliussen seemed to be the victim of a nasty trip, for which, however, he got no reward. Final; Everton 1, Sunderland 0.
BLACKBURN RES V EVERTON RES
November 27, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton’s goal several times escaped narrowly before their outside right. Higgins forced Patterson to a grand save at the front of the post. Clinton kicked off the goalline when Jones was beaten by Wilkinson’s header. Later Wilkinson forced the ball out of Jones’s hands and was only inches wide. Half-time; Blackburn Rovers Res 0, Everton Res 0.
EVERTON BOLT THEIR BACK DOOR
November 29, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Ernest Edwards (“Bees)
Everton 1, (Hudgell own goal), Sunderland 0
Everton manager, Cliff Britton, has locked and bolted the back door of his team and ended the glut of goals against. Now he must sense the necessity of improvement in attack. Sunderland had to score the home side’s solitary goal, which lifted them to a height which will not be maintained unless there is more yearning for the honour of goal-getting. Britton’s subterranean activity is at its height. One can read in the fall-back of the defence Britton’s brain work. The team must not be discouraged when hearing discordant critic as everyone is anxious to assist in the recovery plan and players must take determined, intelligent plans. It is a great joy to record the work of an outside right named Corr, who prances in the Stevenson vein and has borrowed his plumes from the fellow-Irishman. Corr has the alacrity to move upward, forward and to cross the ball to goalmouth at the earliest moment. Not since the Chedgzoy regime have Everton had more promise in the position. Fielding got a self-inflicted blow against the massive Mapson, yet was still able to weld his line into threat. Juliussen crossed the house to left flanking so often I was convinced his learning toward that area will eventually gain him a place there. His sweeping centres, and his early control on the wing show him to fit the position easily. The Hall type of pivot does not allow Juliussen to work out his schemes in the centre.
The Winning Hit
Goals are made by fortuitous circumstances and while it is not for me to decry Everton’s one must record the make-up of this lone eve lamb. Juliussen (like Bentham before him) was through. The goal gaped at him, he shot, the ball struck the right upright, Hudgell running crosswise found the rebound strike him on his body and edge the ball towards the still empty goal. Like Mercutio’s wound it sufficed. Allowing for Everton’s consolidated defence one is forced to the view that Everton are not staying the second half. As against Sheffield United, so now Sunderland, smothered them and we are not entitled to think the stalwart company of Sagar, Saunders (remarkable innings), Hedley (great little fellow) and Tom Jones can hold the fort forever. Sunderland should have scored in the second half in spite of the block-out of the goal-view. Then Shackleton began to show something of his prowess but generally speaking he and his line were poor in the extreme, Watson had little life, Robinson was useful Davis as ever was a genuine greater. His misfortune was that he could not cope with Jones. Reynolds below per thanks to Lindley and in truth two had forward lines and little shooting from either.
Oh! For A Charles Buchan Spell
Sagar had not one shot first half and it was late on when was tested by Sunderland’s revived side in which the half-backs delivered the best shots. We are not so much concerned with Sunderland’s blundered spell; what we are concerned about is Everton’s inability to produce forwards with the urge to shoot at reasonable distance and angle. Age told its tale on Saturday and left us with the blank that will continue to be registered if all the forwards dwell upon feint and finesse and none accepts the goal-chance that arises when a defence is spilt open. It is the disease of modern forward lines that they cannot see the goal because it is covered up by prearranged armies of defenders clustered in one spot. The answer is; Use your wing men and by that means empty the goal-area.
BLUES STILL CLIMBING
November 29, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Attack Is Next Problem
Ranger’s Notes
Ill-luck and injuries dogged Everton so much in the early part of the season that none can cavil when fortune’s smiles go their way, as they did when the Blues took both points from Sunderland. It was a double like-cannon off the upright and a defender which sent the Wearsiders away without the point which their play had earned. Against that, Everton deceived praise for the rock-like qualities of their defence when Sunderland were crowding on heavy pressure in the last half hour. Not only have Everton now got eight points from the last ten played for, but they have materially unproved their goal average which may yet be a vital factor. Manager Cliff Britton’s plan has successfully stopped the leaks in defence. Next thing to occupy his attention must be improvement in attack which will not be so easy. Everton’s stern concentration on not forgetting goals- only three have been scored against them in their last five games compared with 38 in the first 14 –means that the attack is invariably outnumbered, which makes its task difficult. Time and time against Sunderland there were only three and occasionally four forwards within striking distance of Mapson, whereas Sunderland attacked five abreast with their half-backs –who actually were the most frequent shooters –close on their heels. It was well for Everton that the visitors forwards were so shot-shy, otherwise Sagar would have had much more to do. Sunderland tried to “walk” the ball in, tactics which were doomed to failure against the Blues resolute defenders and rightly-packed penalty area. Tommy Jones was again the star of the Everton side with Sagar doing the little demanded of him in his customary confident fashion. His late-on save from Scotson in the troublesome half-light was worth a point. Corr, of whom I was having my first view took chief honours in the forward line, and would have shone still more if Everton’s three-up attack had not sometimes forced him to try to do too much. Lindley was good, and so were the full backs whose tackling was usually well timed and effective. Farrell and Fielding sometimes nullified otherwise good work by poor passing. When manager Britton works the same improvement on the attack that he has on the rearguard then Everton will all the more surely get their feet on the upward path. That is going to be the testing part during the next few weeks, when they are up against stronger opposition.
TOMMY JONES AGAIN
November 29, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Radar, commenting on Everton’s success over Sunderland, writes;- “Eight points out of the last ten by Everton, is an encouraging performance and the vital pointer emerging from the goal win over Sunderland is the efficient way in which the defence is now operating the goal-cover plan evolved by Manager Cliff Britton. The lads put the ideas into execution so effectively that apart from those whirlwind closing minutes when he saved twice from Scotson. Ted Sagar had an unusually quiet day. Tommy Jones can never have shown up so magnificent than in this rugged and sometimes desperate struggle and behind him. Saunders turned in an equally-grand display so that Reyonds was rarely dangerous. “Hedley had a more difficult time with the menacing Watson, while Farrell gradually is returning to his best form, this being his finest showing for some weeks. Lindley was always effective in this, Everton taking time to settle down due to faulty distribution. With more steadiness in front of goal they would have won more convincingly than by the Juliussen’s in-off Hudgell goal. The Everton forwards worked more at as a three point and not a five-point attacks with Fielding and Bentham operate to a large extent at half-back. Juliussen’s was a mixed bag and Eglington was still more effective in approach than in finishing. Despite the half injury, Fielding was like his old self and Corr confirmed previous good opinions.
WAINWRIGHT’S OPERATION
November 30, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Eddie Wainwright, Everton’s young inside-right, who has not played for the Football League side this season, has been operated not successfully for appendicitis at the Royal Infirmary. Wainwright has been indisposed on and off ever since the F.A. Cup-tie at Fulham in February. He has been under observation for long periods, but without anything concrete revealing itself. Wainwright played in the Lancashire Cup-tie with Chester in October and scored, but was taken ill again late in the match. Last week he went to the infirmary and during the week-end his appendix was removed. It will be some weeks before Wainwright can play football, but I feel that Everton will have the full benefit of Wainwright for the second-half of the season. Manager Cliff Britton has good news regarding his causalities. Harry Catterick, the centre forward, who damaged a muscle at Aldershot, is practionally certain to be fit for Saturday’s visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers. At a pinch Catterick could have played against Sunderland, but it was worth the risk. Fielding who was injured in the Sunderland game, is alright and will be fit. Johnny McLlhatton, the Scottish outside right who has been at a Wolverhampton rehabilitation centre for the past three weeks, hopes to be back again by the end of the week. Johnny has been having muscle-strengthening treatment following his cartilage operation of last year.
November 1948