NOTTINGHAM FOREST v. EVERETON
Nottingham Evening Post - Thursday 02 October 1902
Goose Fair football, which for the first time embraces three League matches, opened this afternoon on the City Ground, when Nottingham Forest met Everton in the first of the two engagements in which they are concerned. Last April the Goodison Park team finished up second to Sunderland, but so far this season they have been a very disappointing side, having to wait until last Saturday for their first victory. Still unable to call upon Settle, they brought the same eleven that defeated Liverpool, except that Henderson was superseded at back by Wolstenholme, who has previously figured in the half-back line, but Forest made one or two alterations, dictated both by necessity and policy, Craig and Iremonger trying the effect of an exchange of positions. Robinson resuming at half-back vice Timmins, with Henderson in place of Norris who has picked himself, and Broughton being introduced at outside right, appearing, like Henderson, for the first time this season. The afternoon was raw, and a choppy wind blew down the ground from the Radcliffe road end, and whether it was that these conditions had their effect on the attendance or not the gate was certainly disappointing at the start, only about 4,000 or 5,000 people being present. The Forest had to face the breeze, the effect of which was quickly seen, Everton advancing on the right by the aid of Sharp, but Abbott shot very feebly at the finish, and from the goal kick Broughton and Calvey made headway :with a run that looked like being fruitful of result. With his backs beaten Booth checked them very smartly, but the whole line returned and Fred Forman gave Spouncer a pretty pass which resulted in a corner which brought nothing. After this play settled for a time in open quarters where a lot of close and keen work was seen. Several pretty bits of work being done, one of which—a brilliant dribble by Morris, being particularly clever. As time went on, Everton took a stronger grip of the game, and after several ineffectual shots had been tried, and Craig had endangered his goal by a faulty clearance, Abbott got in fine shot which Linacre, on his knee buffeted away with both fists. The ball, however, came handily to Sharp, who had little difficulty in driving a quick oblique shot into the net before the keeper had time to recover himself. This happened after ten minutes’ play. Then the Forest got going again with excellent spirit, although unable against the wind to make any impression against the visiting defence. In one of their runs. Booth effected a capital bit of work which set Sharp going, and Craig again failing, the Evertonian was able to take his time in getting the ball across the goal mouth. Linacre left his goal to meet the centre, but got mixed up with Robinson, who also rushed in to take it, with the result that the latter had mortification of turning the ball through his own goal with the game 18 minutes old. After this second reverse Forest worked with great energy, but there was not too much happiness in their methods, and Everton continued to do the bulk of the attacking, in which they were assisted by some very shaky defence. For all that, Linacre had only one shot to dispose of, which curled in from Bell's toe off the line. Still keeping up their attack, however, Everton were rewarded at the end of some pretty combination with a corner, from which Sharp got in a surprise shot, which Linacre by a big effort just managed to reach. Following this, Forest worked up a more promising assault, but a couple of fairly useful centres were not turned to account, and Broughton finally got off-side, The effect, however, was to set the Forest more on their feet, and after a barren corner was taken Spouncer got across a fast centre which Balmer cleared brilliantly close by the far post. Forest were now having the bulk of the game, Iremonger kicking powerfully on the only two occasions on which Everton threatened danger, but although Wolstenholme was none too safe, they could not get in touch with Kitchen. Once Frank Forman’s head came in very usefully, as Bell hooked the ball well in front, and Forest, thanks mainly to a fine dribble by Morris at last called upon Kitchen who had a sharp shot to dispose of near to the post. Fred Forman on one occasion worked a beautiful opening in the centre, but there was no one up to take advantage of it, and Everton raced back to the home goal which experienced a couple of remarkably narrow escapes. The first time Brearley got in a long, low shot which Linacre completely failed to gather leaving Bell practically an open goal. As he put the ball sharply across, however, Linacre succeeded in getting it away before Sheridan could get up. Closely following, Sharp swung in a high centre which Bell breasted just outside the post, with Linacre helpless. Shortly afterwards half-time arrived with the score:—
Everton 2 Nottingham Forest 0
It was expected that as they now had the benefit of the wind, Forest would put a different complexion upon the state of affairs, but it was their opponents who were first dangerous, and Brearley ought to have scored in the course of an exceedingly well engineered attack. He failed, however, and Iremonger, clearing effectively, the home forwards forced their way through, and Spouncer, skying the ball into the goal mouth at the end of a run, in attempting to clear, turned the ball into his own net, after the second half had been in progress barely two minutes. Inspirited by this success. Forest made matters very warm for the Everton defence, and a couple of corners were conceded them, neither of which, however, was made use of. From back to front the "Reds" were now playing in better balanced style, and after Everton had shifted the play for a time to the home quarters, a beautiful run between Morris, Spouncer, and Fred Forman carried the former through, but with only Kitchen to beat, from short range, he shot high over the bar. Following this, Forest settled down to a long continuous siege on the Everton goal, during which Kitchen had twice to clear at close quarters, while Balmer barely kept Calvey out when he looked like going clean through. Time after time, Forest working with tremendous energy, forced the game in pursuit of the equalising goal, but the Everton defence remained steady, and they were beaten off. Frank Forman lost one capital opening by dallying, but again Forest came back by a particularly clever piece of combination, and Booth only checked Broughton by sweeping the ball over his own goal line, the corner having no effect. A mis-kick by Craig, whom the bail came awkwardly, let Sharp in, but as Bell met his centre and turned it in front, Iremonger cleared, and the home left made ground in a run which resulted in Spouncer giving Fred Forman a pass which the letter trapped with his right, and took on the volley with his left. Kitchen had sight of the shot all the way, but never got near it and Forest accordingly drew level at the end of 25 minutes' play. Still keeping up their improved form. Forest continued to force the play, and twice Broughton put long centres right into the goal-mouth. At length Everton, by way of a change, reached the other end, where Craig conceded them a corner, but it was only a momentary diversion, for the home side were soon busy at work at the other end again. The pace lost none of its intensity, and after Frank Forman had narrowly missed scoring from a free kick, his shot being only a shade too high. Bell, who was allowed to run on by the home backs under the belief that the ball was going out of play, gave Brearley and Sharp a glorious opening. The latter took his time over his shot which went in along the ground, but Linacre scooped it up brilliantly with his right hand, and Iremonger completed the clearance by heading over the bar for a futile corner. Dashing away to the other end, Frank Forman tried a fast shot which Wolstenholme was fortunate enough to intercept with his body, and a minute later the game ended:
Nottingham Forest 2 Everton 2
Players:— Nottingham Forest.—H. J. Linacre (goal). J. Iremonger, C. R. Craig (backs), G. H. Robinson, Frank Forman, G. Henderson (half-backs), M. Broughton. J. Calvey (right wing). F. B. Forman (centre), A. G. Morris, and W.A. Spouncer(left wing).
Everton.—Kitchen (goal)  Wolstenholme, Balmer (backs), Taylor, Booth, Abbott (half-backs), Sharp, Brearley (right wing). Young (centre), Sheridan, Bell (left wing). Referee: Mr. J. Lewis (Blackburn).

NOTTS FOREST 2 EVERTON 2
October 3 1902. The Liverpool Courier
An attendance hardly up to the average for Goose Fair witnessed this match at the Nottingham City ground yesterday, about 6,000 being present. A start was made at 3-15. The Foresters had Frank Forman and Henderson at Half-back, and Broughton as a change for Fielding at outside left. Wolstenholme played right back for Everton for the first time. The teams were: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal Wolstenholme, and Balmer, backs Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell forwards. Notts Forest: - Linacre, goal, Iremonger, and Craig, backs, Robinson, Frank Forman, and Henderson, half-backs, Spouncer, Calvey, Fred Forman, Morris, and Boughton forwards. Referee John Lewis. The wind was gusty, blowing across the ground, but the Forest, who won the choice of ends, quickly took a corner kick, which was ineffectual. The play was not particularly smart for one minute, the ball being difficult to judge. Forman got past Booth, and though Broughton the Foresters attacked, but only feebly. Bell and Sheridan got possession, and bustled both Robinson and Iremonger, but could not get near goal, though there was some nice play amongst the five of the front line men. They did not, however give, Lanacre much to do in goal, but their attack was good enough, for, before the game was ten minutes old. Sharp, on the outside right scored beautifully from about ten yards. The gusty wind appeared to rather favour Everton than the Forest. Booth, the centre half of Everton, was very good, and fed his forwards with much neatness, whilst Wolstenholme kicked with much judgement and low down. In sixteen minutes a second goal fell to Everton by Sharp, who was given the ball, when nicely placed, and running in scored, well, Linacre looking at him, whilst he shot. There was a good detachment of Everton supporters present, particularly on the big stand, for the cheers were voluminous. Craig, who was playing left back for the Forest, was no where near Sharp when he scored the two goals, and Henderson was by no means doing well. Indeed from this point for quite a period the Everton men were continually in the Forest half, and danger threatened from a corner to them, and also by a shot from Brearley. Once the Forest got away, but could not get past the defence when approaching goal, and Broughton finished the business by getting offside. Returning the Foresters got in a shot which, did not trouble the Everton goalkeeper, and once more accomplished by the cheers of their friends, the blue shirts made their way to Linacre's goal. The Foresters improved a bit in their play towards the close of the first half, but Broughton twice spoiled the efforts of his colleagues by getting offside. Young, the Everton centred forward, proved a little too clever, and Bell when within two yards of the goalline, got the ball from a fumble by Linacre but gently put in again to the Forest keeper's hands. It was a lucky escape for the Reds. Half time Everton 2, Forest nil.
The home team played up more strongly on restarting and remained in the Everton half until they obtained a goal. Spouncer centred, and Balmer appeared to put the ball into the net, scoring against his side, after a few minutes play. This unexpected and welcome success stimulated the Foresters to greater efforts, and they hung around the Everton goal for some time. Balmer Wolstenholme and Booth being most valuable in defence. The attendance had considerably increased, and there would be about half way through the second half 10,000 people present. The Forest felt the benefit of the wind, and in the hope of at least drawing level were working very hard, and eventually 25 minutes from the start, Fred Forman equalised when well placed. The score now stood 2 goals each. The closing stages were keenly contested. Frank Forman once sent close, and Linacre saved splendidly from Sharp. Neither side could score again, however, and the game was drawn.

NOTTS FOREST v. EVERTON.
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Friday 03 October 1902
At Nottingham yesterday, in gusty weather, before a Goose Fair audience of 7,000. Broughton appeared for Fielding, and Henderson for Timmins the Forest team, and Wolstenholme at right back for Everton. The visitors were the smartest, playing close and low against the guste of wind, and in ten minutes Sharp scored, obtaining a second six minutes later. The Forest's passing play was poor, and their shooting feeble. They improved a bit in the last quarter of an hour, but were always the ' second best. Bell missed a good chance. Interval : Everton . goals. 2 Notts Forest 0 goal. There was comparison between first and second halves the game as regards the Foresters play; they were quite overpowering at the start. Quickly Balmer put a centre from Spouncer into his own net. The Foresters now most energetically attacked, and persisting Fred Fonman equalised with twenty still play. Frank Forman headed out almost under the bar—a j lucky escape. Result: Everton. 2 goals. , Notts Forest 2 goals.

NELSON'S FIRST LEAGUE DEFEAT.
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer and Clitheroe Division News - Friday 03 October 1902
INTERESTING GAME AT SEEDHILL.
EVERTON, 2; NELSON, 1.
Everton being the visitors on the Park Ground on Saturday, a large crowd assembled to see the match. The homesters turned out the same team that defeated Liverpool the week before, Everton also having a strong team, although they were without the services of Monks, his place being filled by Dixon. Mr. Wild, of Liverpool, was the referee and lined the teams up as follows :
Nelson;- Stephenson, goal; Mason, Howarth, backs; Tomlinson, Livesey, Gill, half-backs; Marginson, Bennett, Sellers, J. Cowell, Bertwistle.
Everton;- Whitley, goal; Crelly, Wolstenholme, backs; Clarke, Russell, Chadwick, half-backs; McDonald, Dixon, Bowman, Makepeace, Dilly.
Sellers started the ball but the Evertonians got down towards Stephenson, where Howarth cleared. Midfield play followed, until Bertwistle got hold. The Nelsonians gained ground fast but were sent back by a big kick by Wolstenholme. Sellers delighted the spectators by taking the ball neatly from the toe of an opponent twice in succession. The toffee team put more vigour into the attack and gave the home defence a hot time. Makepeace had a golden opportunity but relieved the spectators by shooting wide of the mark. Sellers troubled the visitors a great deal, but Wolstenholme drove back the homesters with another huge kick. Not to be denied, however, the homesters pressed considerably. Gill passing nicely to Sellers. The latter rushed away, and tested, Whitley with a terrific shot, which took him all his time to save. Makepeace played trickily, and after a straggling effort to force through the home defence, Dilly was pulled up for off--side. Gill had a lot of work to do, and when tackled drove into touch. At this stage the Everton eleven played better than the homesters, and after a throw in, Clarke got possession and gave Stephenson a handful from long range, the custodian having no difficulty in clearing. The play of the visitors greatly improved, and Bowman, receiving a goad pass from Dixon, shot behind the post. Dilly afterwards shot over the bar when well placed. Nelson attacked but the toffee defence time after time proved too strong for them. Bertwistle getting a pass from Gill, outwitted Wolstenholm e and putting over the centre, Sellers nicely passed Crelly and gave to Cowell. Having no one in front of him but Whitley, Cowell shot hard and straight, but a howl arose from the spectators when the ball rebounded from the upright. Had they had the least luck the ball would certainly have gone between the sticks. Still, the Nelsonians kept up a brisk attack on the visitors' fort, but were not favoured with the least luck. In a scrimmage near the goal. Whitley stopped a shot from Sellers, whilst laid full length on his back, but could not get it away and had to give a corner. The corner was of no avail, and Bowman getting possession rushed away and beat Stephenson with a surprise shot. The shot should by all means have been stopped, the ball rolling between the goal-keeper's legs. Nelson being in arrear, played rather loose for a time, and Stephenson made up for his previous mistake by saving a high shot from Bowman in a remarkable fashion. Gill soon afterwards livened matters up a bit, but the right did not get a proper chance. Bennett was not in his prime and his partner was not properly fed. Gill fed Bertwistle frequently and on one occasion the latter obtaining the leather rushed toward the Everton goal, which narrowly escaped. Play became very fast, and the Everton defence were given no rest, as the homesters tried their utmost to equalise. Everton's front rank at last got going, but Howarth checked them, and once more their fort was in danger. Bertwistle was, however, given off-side when close in. Wolstenholme did not clear with the same surety as he did in the opening stage. Clarke afterwards got the forward, into play and McDonald sent in a “hot 'un” which Stephenson splendidly caught and threw away. The visitors were then aided by a couple of corners, but both were put out of danger. Sellers and the left wing had all the work to do, Bennett and Marginson being of little good, the former shooting badly and the latter not getting an opportunity to show his skill. After shooting wide time after time inside right got through and tested Whitley with a low shot. Nelson again experienced hard lines when at close quarters, until Everton had a look in and gave the home defence a warm time. Howarth, in trying to head the ball away, almost put it through his own goal. The sphere, however, went a little too high and topped the cross-bar. Mason was cheered for a bit of smart work, by taking the ball neatly from the foot of Bowman when in a dangerous position. Only about four minutes were left beforehalf-time and in those four minutes the homesters worked like machinery to try to score. One desperate and successful effort was made just on time. Bertwistle received a pass from Cowell and sent in a cracker, which Whitley stopped, but before he could recover himself to clear. Bennett, who was is waiting, banged the leather into the net. This was the first goal scored against Everton this season, breaking Whitley's record. As the whistle was about to be blown for half-time Stephenson called upon to save a shot from Clarke. This he did easily and the whistle went with the score standing at one goal each.
On the resumption, the visitors took up the play and made headway by means of good passing. The home team also played well, the left wing having the most work to do. Everton put the ball past Stephenson about ten minutes after the resumption, but it was disallowed, the whistle having sounded for off-side. Bowman tried to give his team the lead, but was robbed by Mason. The visitors got a foul close in and the home goal looked to be in great danger, but Makepeace ended the movement by shooting into the adjoining park. Wolstenholme cleared badly, time after time kicking over into the cricket field. Nelson maintained their attack and Sellers getting past Crelly, fired in a terrific shot at Whitley who fisted out in brilliant fashion. Wolstenholme had to give a corner to put his goal out of danger, but the corner amounted to nothing. Soon afterwards Bertwistle was kicked in the face and had to be supported off the field. McDonald raced away down the right and forced Stephenson to handle. Bertwistle appeared again soon after and straightway called upon Whitley to save. Sellers got possession from a throw in but Crelly robbed him. Whitley was surrounded for about five minutes, the homesters trying hard to take the lead. Their shooting, however, was at fault, although the visitors’ citadel had some narrow escapes. Everton pressed vigorously and about ten minutes off time Dixon secured and put the ball into the corner of the net. Nelson tried hard to equalise matters, and Marginson sent in a beautiful shot from the corner flag, Whitley only just managing to stop it with one hand. The visitors showed a stubborn defence, and every attempt of the homesters to break through was met with little mercy. The whistle blew for time soon after, and Nelson left the field defeated by two goals to one. Nelson played quite as good as their opponents although they were beaten, and had Marginson been fed more no doubt they would have sent the Toffee men home defeated. Sellers was in fine form, and gave a great deal of trouble to the visitors. Bowman, Whitley, and Clarke were about the best of the visitors.

EVERTON v  NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Liverpool Mercury - Friday 03 October 1902
One of the foremost attractions at the annual festival at Nottingham was the meeting of Everton and the Forest in the first of the season’s League encounters. In recent games the Foresters had enjoyed a fairly good run of success at the expense of their opponents, and spectators were mindful of a four goals margin in favour of the home club in their initial contest last season. The weather during the early portion of the day was not suggestive of good sport, for rain and wind prevailed; but as the afternoon advanced there was an improvement, and a big holiday crowd gathered on the well-appointed enclosure. In view of the importance of the events, the Everton team made the journey to the lace capital on Wednesday, and decided upon entraining for Sheffield after the match to be quite fresh for their struggle with the United on Saturday afternoon. The constitution of the side differed in one respect from that which took the field against Liverpool on Saturday, Wolstenholme superseding Henderson at full back, while the Forest had two changes, Broughton appearing on the right wing, vice Fielding, and Henderson taking the place of Timmins in the half-way line. The visitors won the toss, and taking advantage of the wind, immediately put on pressure. At the outset the game ruled fast and interesting, and quite early on Bell only just failed to reach the leather from a miskick by the home right back. Play was equally exciting at the other end, where Spouncer had a capital chance of opening the scoring, but shot wide, and then followed a spell of play in which the Everton forwards were seen to great advantage, their movements being crisp and generally accurate, and in keeping the ball low they gave the home defenders a most anxious time. Abbott then initiated a movement which was supplemented by Bell, with the result that the ball eventually found its way to Sharp, who defeated Linacre with a swift low shot after play had been in progress ten minutes. Everton were now all over their opponents, and following capital efforts by Abbott and Booth, Sharp, six minutes after his first success, obtained an easy goal, there apparently being some misunderstanding between the home custodian and Craig. The Forest continued to show signs of distress and their play barely reached the average, and for some time there were few items of interest to record. During the last quarter of an hour, however, the forwards infused more vigour into their play, and matters took a different turn, but they were never allowed to get in a parting shot owing to the clever defence of the visiting halves and the smart back play of Balmer and Wolstenholme. Kitchen had quite an easy time in goal, and though the Foresters put on a great effort they were always second best, and did not look like scoring. Towards the interval Bell missed a capital chance of getting through, but nothing further was done up to the change of ends, when the score stood;-
Everton 2; Forest, nil.
Immediately after the resumption it was expected that the Forest would immediately cut out the pace, as they now had a stiffish breeze in their favour, which hitherto had proved most advantageous to their opponents. However, the Evertonians were the first to attack, and a fine movement on the part of the whole of the visiting forwards ought to have been turned to good account by Brearley, who lay in a good position for scoring. He failed to take advantage of the opening, and the Forest forwards dropped into a capital stride, and there could be no question that the Evertonians would have to keep themselves extended to their best efforts if they meant to retain their lead. The home half-backs were most assiduous in their attentions to the Everton forwards, and the persistent efforts of the side quite overpowered the visitors at this juncture. It was not long ere the tangible lead of the Evertonians was reduced. This came about as the result of a fine movement by the forwards culminating in a high dropping centre from Spouncer. In negotiating this Balmer unfortunately put the ball into his own net, two minutes from the resumption, and the success of the Foresters spurred the whole side to a special effort to further reduce the lead. They attacked in most energetic fashion, and though several movements were levelled at the Forest citadel they were not sustained, and still persisting, Kitchen was a second time beaten by Fred Forman. This equalising point came 20 minutes from the close of play, and, as might be expected, the team put a great effort forward to obtained a leading point. Fine defensive work was now most conspicuous, each in turn being subjected to severe pressure, and following one movement towards the Forest goal Linacre had a very narrow escape of being again defeated, when Frank Forman came to the rescue by heading out a shot almost underneath the bar. No further scoring took place, and a stern struggle ended with the result-
Everton 2, Forest 2. Teams;-
Notts Forest.- Linacre, goal; Craig and Iremonger, backs; Robinson, Frank Forman, and Henderson, halves; Broughton, Calvey, Fred Forman, Morris, and Spouncer, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Wolstenholme, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Referee.- Mr. John Lewis. (Blackburn).

EVERTON v  NOTTS FOREST
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 03 October 1902
League Division One
The great annual festival in Nottingham, known as the Goose Fair, opened yesterday afternoon, and one of the principal attractions was the meeting of Everton and Notts Forest in the League competition. In order to fulfil this important engagement the Everton players left Liverpool on Wednesday afternoon, and stayed over night at the Station Hotel. After the match the team travelled on to Sheffield, where they will remain until tomorrow, when they are engaged to meet Sheffield United. Yesterday was showery and windy, but at three o’clock the weather cleared, and when the teams turned out there was an enormous holiday attendance. Everton made one change from Saturday, Wolstenholme coming in at full-back in Henderson’s place. The Foresters put their full eleven forward, the men lining up as follows;
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Wolstenholme, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Notts Forest.- Linacre, goal; Craig and Iremonger, backs; Robinson, Frank Forman, and Henderson, halves; Broughton, Calvey, Fred Forman, Morris, and Spouncer, forwards.
Referee.- Mr. John Lewis.
Everton won the toss, and the Forest started prompt to time. The visitors at once ran down, and a miskick by Craig nearly let in Bell. Iremonger cleared, and the home right dashed down, Broughton passing finely to Spouncer, who was in a grand position, when he shot wide. The visitors next got away in clever combined order, and Young passed out to Bell, but the latter overran the ball. Midfield work ensued, and a series of throws-in permitted the Foresters to work their way down, but Balmer ran to the rescue, and cleared well. For some time after this play was rather tame, neither side doing much, though some pretty passing was seen. Abbott on one occasion checked an ugly rush, and passed to Bell and Sheridan. The latter in turn gave to Sharp, and after beating Iremonger looked very like scoring, when he sent the ball wide. However, this mistake was almost instantly retrieved, for another beautiful forward movement on the part of the visitors ended in Sharp netting the ball with a low, swift shot after the game had lasted ten minutes. For some time after this Everton were all over their opponents, and both the Forest backs were several times in trouble. They succeeded, however, in keeping the visitors out, though Brearley nearly beat Linacre with a hot one, and shortly after Booth tried his luck with a long shot, which the home goalkeeper just succeeded in getting away. A breakaway on the part of the homesters came to nothing, and then Everton moved down on the right, Sharp sending in a low and slow shot, Linacre and Craig for some mysterious reason allowing the ball to roll between them into the net. The goal was a ridiculously soft one, and can only be accounted for on the ground of some misunderstanding between the Forst goalkeeper and the back. The following stages of the game were all favour of Everton, who, it is only fair to say, had the advantage of the high wind. A powerful clearance by Balmer led to a tremendous bully in front of the home goal, Abbott shooting from short range, Linacre cleared, but Sharp met the return, and sent in a lightning shot, which was cleverly saved. At length the home forwards managed to relieve the long spell of pressure, and they put in some excellent work, but the wind was too much for them, and though they several times got within short range, they were unable to find Kitchen’s charge. Broughton twice shot over when off-side. Towards the interval, Forest put on tremendous pressure, and tried desperately hard to get at least one goal. With the comfortable lead of 2 goals, however, the Evertonian defence was confident and sound. Balmer playing an excellent game, whilst Wolstenholme made a capital show. Half-time; Everton 2 goals; Notts Forest nil.
In the second half the Forest had all the best of the play, and within two minutes of the restart Balmer, in trying to intercept a shot from Spouncer, put the ball into his own goal. The home team continued to press, and twenty minutes from the finish Fred Forman equalised, an excellent game ending in a draw of 2 goals each.
EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD UNITED
It will be seen from our advertising columns that Messrs. Thomas Cook and Son, the tourist agents, have arranged special half-day bookings to Sheffield by the Midland route, in connection with this match tomorrow, the train leaving the Central Station at 12.50, and arriving at Sheffield at 2.50, thus giving ample time to reach the ground for the kick-off at 3.30.

Jack Sharp
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 04 October 1902
Sharp'a reinclusion in the Everton attack and conspicuous success against Liverpool confirmed in somewhat striking manner the opinion expressed last week that if he wrill let himselfgo he is a very fine player. It wrill be long time ere the recllection of one of his displays -for Villa fades atray away. It was at the Aston Lower Grounds; the turf was treacherous and opposed to Sharp was a fairly good back whose one fault was an unsteady head, which was apt to make him erratic under pressure. Sharp soon found out his man, and having fairly beaten him once had him at his mercy. Devey kept on slipping the ball out to the extreme right, and Sharp ran, centred, and shot a style which brought repeated plaudits.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 04 October 1902
Everton v. Sheffield United. At Sheffield.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme, and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Everton Combination v. Rossendale United. At Goodison Park.
Everton Combination.- Joyce, goal; Jettall and Bucknull, backs;  Clarke, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; McDonald, Partington, Sykes, Dixon and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON v.  SHEFFIELD UNITED
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, October 4, 1902
After their draw with Forest on Thursday the Everton team journeyed on to Sheffield, where Friday was quietly spent. This afternoon they were engaged to play the United club, and, as the day was beautifully fine, a large crowd was present at Bramall lane when a start was made at three o’clock. There was only one change in the Everton team, Settle coming in for Sheridan, who was injured slightly at Nottingham. The United played their full strength, and prompt to time the teams faced each other as follows;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Settle and Bell, forwards.
Sheffield United.- Foulke, goal; Thickett, and Boyle, backs; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham (Captain), half-backs; Bennett, Common, Chapman, Priest, and Lipsham, forwards.
Referee, Mr. J.W. Bailey.

SHEFFIELD UNITED 0 EVERTON 2
October 6 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Glorious autumnal weather prevailed in Sheffield on Saturday, where Everton played their first League match of the season with the cup-holders. Although the kick off was fixed for the early hours of three o'clock there was a good attendance at Bramell-lane enclosure. After drawing with Notts Forest on Thursday, the Everton representatives did not return home but stayed in the cutley town to be readiness for the important encounter. On the Everton side, Settle reappeared in place of Sheridan, while United was at full strength. The teams were : - Everton: - Kitchen goal, Wolsteholme, and Balmer backs, Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Brearley, Young, Settle, and Bell forwards. Sheffield United: - Foulkes, goal, Thickett, and Boyle backs Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham, half-backs, Bennett, Common, Chapman, Priest, and Lipsham, forwards.
Everton commenced operations against a brilliant sun, and the first few minutes of play ruled in their favour. A movement led by Bell was followed by a capital centre, which Young only just failed to reach. Boyle came to the rescue, and then followed some capital passages on the home right. Bennett and Common eventually testing Kitchen with rasping shots. The goalkeeper got both well away, and then followed a period of midfield play. Breaking away again Lipsham put in a capital centre to Chapman, who passed out to Bennett. The last named drove hard across the goalmouth, and Chapman put the ball past Kitchen, but was obviously offside, and the point was promptly disallowed. From the free kick the Everton left raced away, and Bell tested Foulkes with a swift low ball, which he gathered and cleared with good judgement. The play was so far of a high order, as both sets of forwards were often seen in pretty combination, and the respective backs were kept fully extended. After Taylor and Wolstenholmes had been kept busily employed by the United right wing play was in short stages taken to the home end where Settle and Young tricked Wilkinson and put the ball to Booth, who from fairly long range, shot hard into the corner of the net. Foulkes was quite unable to stop the flight of the ball. This success came after ten minutes play. So far the Everton right wing had not been at all prominent, but at last Sharp got away only to be pulled up by Boyd. Putting a big effort forward, the United became exceedingly dangerous, and time and again the ball was headed from the player to another in close proximity to the goal. Play was soon at the other end, when Booth put in a high dropping shot, which Foulkes easily threw away. A couple of corners fell to the United, and from a second the visitors had a very lucky escape, as Abbott charged down a terrific shot, from Johnson, when at fairly close range. In a further movement Bennett ran the ball over the line, when a favourable opening presented itself. Quite a furore of applause was evoked by what were up to this period the finest individual efforts of the match. Boyle the United left back, quite outwitted Brearley in a style worthy of a class forward, ran the ball down the line, and put in a magnificent oblique shot, which required the best efforts of Kitchen to deal with, and then at the expense of a corner. Certainly the effort was worthy of the recognition which it received. Having safely disposed of the corner the Everton forwards again look up the attack, and Foulkes and his backs had an anxious five minutes. The fine work of the Everton forwards contrasted in marked fashion to the general lethargic movements of the home quintet's. Bell forced a corner off Thickett, but from the corner flag sent the ball behind. At the other end good work by Lipsham and Bennett was spoiled by a foolish attempts by common to score from long range. For some minutes the game was contested in midfield. Then a free kick against booth for handling all but brought about disaster, especially as Kitchen was out of goal when a high shot was put up, and diverted over the line by one of the Everton defenders. The corner was splendidly taken, but Chapman impeding Kitchen when saving under the bar brought an end to the attack. At half time approached the United, put on a tremendous spurt to get level, and on two occasions almost accomplished their object. Taylor was the greatest obstacle to success and especially serviceable was he in timing a shot that had to be charged down if a rescue was to be effected. The interval arrived with Everton holding a lead, which was quite in accordance with the general run of the play. Half-time Everton 1 goal Sheffield United nil. In the second half United had now the wind in their favour, but this was somewhat discounted by the glaring sun. Nevertheless they attacked in a determined fashion, and some good work was noticeable by Bennett and Common, which ended in the latter driving wide of the post. Another spirited movement was initiated by Johnson, and Chapman fastened on the ball, put in a brilliant shot across the goalmouth at the other end. Boyle charged down a terrific shot from Settle, following which Bell failed to centre under perhaps somewhat difficult conditions. A moment later Foulkes was compelled to come out of goal, and in a further attack on the Everton goal, Bennett lacked judgement by preferring to shout when a timely pass, must have benefited his side. Quite ten minutes had elapsed before Everton showed to any advantage. Abbott placed the ball nicely over to Sharp, who brought the gigantic Foulkes to his knees with a fast oblique shot. The Evertonians were not easily driven back, but gradually the Blades took up the running without, however, being allowed to trouble Kitchen. At length Lipsham got in a beauty, which Kitchen fisted away, but Balmer was the savour of his side. Following a vigorous attack by Everton, Boyle deliberately handled, and from the Penalty kick , Abbott scored a second goal for Everton. from a free kick close in the United, who had the best of the play this half, had hard lines in not scoring. Final result Everton 2, Sheffield United nil.

EVERTON RESERVES 8 NANTWICH 1
October 6, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
At Goodison Park, scoring was opened by Makepeace from a penalty kick, and before in the interval Bowman added two whilst Nantwich put one in. in the second half, the visitors were over played, and they resumed with ten men. Bowman Dickinson (twice), and Riley added further goals, while the Nathwich custodian stopped a Makepeace penalty kick, and Everton won in very easy fashion by 8 goals to 1.

EVERTON REVIEW
October 6 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
That the form with which Everton opened their season was altogether too bad to be true, received abundant testimony on Saturday, when the teams gained a really brilliant victory by two goals to nil at Sheffield. It is not often the that the cup-holders are defeated in the presence of their enthusiastic supporters; but even the crowd at Bramell Lane acknowledge in true sportsmanlike sprint that on the day's play the United were beaten on merits. The result was a fitting termination to a fortnight exhibition by the Everton representatives. After sustaining three successive reverses, it was not until a fortnight last Saturday that the Goodison road organisation credited themselves with a point. That was at Wolverhampton, and since then they have not only defeated Liverpool-a success always greatly appreciated-but have journeyed to Nottingham and drawn with the formidable Forest team. Their performances last Saturday even capped their already satisfactory record, and effords tangible evidence of the cleverness of the team which at present sports the Everton colours. It is an achievement of which any club in the League might well be proud, that in four consecutive matches, three of them away from home, six points out of a possible eight should have been forthcoming. Surely this is quite sufficient to rehabilitate the team in the eyes of those supporters who imagined all sorts of dismal foreboding because failure attended visits to West Bromwich and Middlesbrough and because Newcastle United captured a couple of points at Goodison Park.
Certainly on present form the Everton team can hold its own with any team in the first division of the League. Their superiority at Bramell lane was noticeable after the game had been in progress only a few minutes. Once the Evertonians settled down to their work in real earnest, the United, it was evident, had met their match. At the same time, it must be admitted it was not a great exhibition of football; but the worrying tactics, which the half-backs on both sides adopted, accounted this to some extent for. The consequence was that the forwards were rarely able to display the finished combination, which is always delightful to the spectators. Still in what combination there was, the Everton front line were decidedly superior, the home forwards contrary to their usual practice, being so nonplussed by the attentions of Taylor, Booth, and Abbott, that when ever they did have any chance of scoring, opportunities were thrown away by reason of rash and ill-timed shooting. The fear that6 one of other of these energetic half-backs would be on them, before a shot could be got in doubtless accounted for a good deal of the wild shooting in which the two outside Sheffield men, Bennett and Lipsham frequently indulged. The latter, however, at times put in one or two shots which, but for the cleverness of Kitchen, must have taken effect. However, the rashness to which reference has already been made, on one occasion, practically meant the loss of a goal to the Sheffield men. To Booth, that quite and most unselfish centre half-back, felt the honours of opening the scoring for the visiting side. It was the outcome of some excellent manceuring on the part of Settle and Young, and the skipper, with a long shot, which entered the top corner of the net, took the burley Foulkes completely by surprise. The other goal came well on in the second half, after the Blades had made determined and praiseworthy, but still unsuccessful efforts to secure an equalising point. Abbott had little difficulty in converting a penalty, rightly given against Boyle for handling within the dreaded penalty area. There was no doubt about the offence, which was the more inexplicable seeing that at the time Boyle knocked the ball away the Sheffield goal was in little danger of being captured. It was a case of distinctly hard lines for Boyle, especially as earlier in the game he had contributed the most brilliant individual effort, which the match produced. Easily outwitting Brearley, he ran the ball along after a style that could only be expected from the an expert forward and finished with a magnificent oblique shot, which Kitchen as cleverly fisted away at the expense of a corner.
With regard to the players, reference has already been made to the excellence of the Everton half-back division. Each man put in work, which was deserving of high praise, but where all did well the veterans Taylor should be singled out for special word of commendation. He was ever on the watch, and to his alertness and earnestness must be attributed the non-success of the United left wing. As to the forwards amongst whom Settle re-appeared in place of Sheridan, who is on the injured list, no one shone above his confreres, but each did admirable work. Wolstenholme filled the position of right full back with capital judgement, and he ought to prove a reliable partner to Balmer, who on Saturday was as full or resource as ever when danger threatened Kitchen's charged. The Everton custodian kept a safe goal, although he may be warmed against so frequently using his feet when he has other means at his disposal of repelling an attack. The work of the Sheffield forwards was fitful in the extreme. At times theu dashed along in their best cup the fashion, still at others they were absolutely weak and inept. Had it not been for the cleverness of the half-backs Everton must have been even more successful than they were. Seeing that both Boyle and Thickett were occasionally by no means reliable. Foulkes gave nothing away, and could not be blamed for either of the goals.

EVERTON MAKING PROGRESS.
Athletic News - Monday 06 October 1902
By Harricus
When I saw Everton lose at home against Newcastle United, I made bold to prophecy that despite their failures, they would not be long in asserting themselves. That time has evidently arrived. A good start was made booking their first victory at the expense of their great rivals, and following this up on Thursday by dividing points at Nottingham, in a match which, I am told, should have ended in their favour on the play, while they wound up their happy Goose Fair holiday by leaving Nottingham on Saturday morning, calling at Sheffield on route, scoring a win, and returning to Liverpool with three points earned in three days on opponents’ grounds. Altogether they are now on excellent terms with themselves, and with little more dash and less style forward, the players will uphold the dignity of Liverpool’s senior club. They did not turn out with the team as advertised, for Settle dropped in vice Sheridan, who was reported as injured; while Sam Wolstenholme operated at right-back as on Thursday.  United relied on the same eleven that has done duty all season, but I am rather afraid that changes will have to be made.
STRICT ATTENTION TO BUSINESS
Both teams got off well, and only five minutes had elapsed when the net was found. This was the outcome of a good run the Laners, and Bennett crossing to Chapman, that player beat Kitchen. He was offside, however, and the referee being well up, he disallowed the point, though had he been down the field he might easily have allowed a goal, as Chapman was very little out of play. However, only another five minutes elapsed when a legitimate point came along, but, unfortunately for the feelings of a crowd of some 12.000, it went to the wrong side. The United defence seemed to hold back for some reason, and thus giving Booth plenty of light, he shot from a 20 yards radius, and shot so well that he well beat Foulke. This was the only legitimate goal of the half, though the best bit of play was not allowed its just reward. Peter Boyle took it in his head to make a forward run, and essaying the position of outside-left, he skipped along and put in shot, in the saving of which Kitchen proved that he is a real tip-topper, and his worst enemy could not have criticized him had the ball found a billet. On resuming, with the sun not so brilliant as in the opening moiety, the United made an attempt to retrieve themselves but, whatever may have been the outcome of their efforts, was more than discounted by a foolish action on the part of Boyle, who made the United’s position irretrievable. For some unaccountable reason he struck the ball down when there was not the slightest reason to do so, and- well, Abbott got a penalty goal. With only one behind the scratch mark there was always hope for the United, but when two behind, the spectators became reconciled to the probable fate of their pets. True, United kept pegging away to the end, but all to no purpose, for three determined half-backs meant that Everton should win, and so they did, they claiming the only two goals of the match.
MODERATE FOOTBALL
I Have seen two matches at Bramall-lane this season, and though such crack teams as Sunderland and Everton were on view, I must confess that neither game has come up to standard of the other League matches I have witnessed. Sunderland were certainly not at their best, and though it is hard to make any detrimental comment on a side which wins 2—0  away from home, I am of the opinion that Everton will,  with the same players, show much better football as the season progresses. They certainly deserved to win on Saturday, for they were always the better side, even though the United pressed when too late. But then it must not be forgotten that the Evertonians had played a hard game two days previously. The strength of the winners lay in the half-backs, who prevented the forwards opposed to them from doing any damage; indeed, it was the half-backs who won the match, for did not the goals come from Tom Booth and Walter Abbott? Between the sticks., Kitchen was all that could be desired, his save from Boyle being a fine piece of work, and though he puts great trust in the accuracy of his foot, there is always a risk in a goalkeeper kicking a ball. Balmer was a fine back, and I should like to see him and Molyneux in partnership again. Considering that Wolstenholme had always played half-back up to last Thursday, he was not a bad partner to Balmer, though had he had a strong wing against him I am afraid that he would not have fared so well. What the younger Balmer, Lee, and Henderson, Everton ought to be in possession of a decent left-back. Booth was in capital form at centre-half, and there are fewer better men than him for thwarting the intentions of opponents. Abbott is a somewhat similar character, but not so refined as Booth; while Taylor is wearing very well indeed. The forwards were scarcely up to the same standard as the defence. Jack Sharp was about as good as any, and Young and Brearley showed any amount of style, but would do with a little more crashing work. Settle was hardly himself. Whenever he passed out to Bell he did not rush forward to take the return pass as is his wont, which seemed that he had no confidence in his partner. To tell the truth, Bell was considerably out of it, and cannot stay the game. In order to save himself he lies as near off-side as he dare, but it is throwing extra work on the other players.
DULL BLADES.
I am afraid the United are not up to their proper standard. The team looks good enough, yet of the four home games two have been lost, and though one goal in each of the other matches won them the points, the victories were not gained by sound play; indeed, the universal impression is that the Bury match was a very mediocre exhibition. Thus the United will have to pull themselves together if they mean to keep pace with the Wednesday. The defence seems good enough, but the forwards are lacking. The left-wing, Priest and Lipsham, are like square pegs in round holes, and Priest is getting on the slow side: anyhow they do not make up a successful wing. Chapman possesses an excellent qualification for a centre. He can shoot, and though he is far from an ideal pivot, I should persevere with him. Common, like Chapman, is a worker; but Bennett, as with Priest, does not seem to be in too great a hurry. The halves were all good. Ernest Needham was, I fancy, the pick of the trio, and was well seconded by Johnson and Wilkinson, though the latter was scarcely the success as against Sunderland.  Boyle was the better of the two backs, and is keeping his form; while Foulke can still lay claim to the greatest goalkeeper. Sheffield United; Foulkes; Thickett, and Boyle; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham; Bennett, Common, Chapman, Priest, and Lipsham.  Everton; Kitchen; Wolstenholme, and Balmer; Taylor, Booth (Captain) and Abbott; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Settle, and Bell.  Referee; J. W. Bailey, Leicester. 

EVERTON RESERVE SWAMP NANTWICH
Athletic News - Monday 06 October 1902
By Junius
The Combination eleven hailing from Nantwich had a sultry experience of Goodison Park for they had the misfortune to lose the services of one of their full backs, who received a severe kick on the face and the remainder were overwhelmed by an eight goals to one defeat.  The visitors played very pluckily when they were at full strength, but afterwards they could make no headway, and though they adopted the one back game, the score shows how futile this strategy proved.  Rossendale were due, but owing to an English Cup-tie postponed their game, and the hurriedly arranged fixture with the Cestrians drew a fair gate. Bowman was in great form near goal, some of his shots fairly shaking the netting, and four of the points came from this source.  Dickson scored a couple, Makepeace and Dilly one each, the half-time figures of 3 goals to 1 being finally altered to the number already mentioned. 

SHEFFIELD UNITED v.  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 06 October 1902
The attendance at Bramell-lane when these teams came together numbered about 9000, the weather being delightfully fine. United opened in better fashion, but they could gain no advantage, while at the end of twelve minutes Booth beat Foulke with a good shot. If anything. Everton had more of the play, but the score remained unaltered.
Half-time- Everton 1; United, nil.
The second half opened with United having much the better of play, but their efforts met with no success, and the next goal fell to Everton as the result of a penalty against Boyle, which Abbott converted. United also ought to have had a like concession, but the referee ruled the infringement took place outside the line. United had the major portion of play, but could not score.
Result; Everton 2 Sheffield United 0.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Settle and Bell, forwards.
Sheffield United.- Foulke, goal; Thickett, and Boyle, backs; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham (Captain), half-backs; Bennett, Common, Chapman, Priest, and Lipsham, forwards.
Referee, Mr. J.W. Bailey.

SHEFFIELD UNITED v.  EVERTON
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 06 October 1902
THE HOME TEAM BEATEN
Last season’s result;- Sheffield United 0 goal, Everton 0 goals
The meeting of these teams, at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon attracted a good gate, the crowd numbering 13,998, and the receipts amounting to £384 Is. 3d. The home team was the same as had figured against Sunderland and Stoke in the two previous matches, whilst Everton had a better team up than had been expected, Bell and Settle both being included. The weather was perfect and the ground in good order, though a little greasy on the top. United won the toss and kicked towards the Shoreham Street goal with a wind blowing across the ground and the sun shining brightly from behind the Bramell Lane goal. The opening play was all in favour of Everton, the ball being very lively and difficult to control. After a while, however, the home team got away, largely due to excellent work by Wilkinson, and Common tried a fast clever shot, which was prettily dealt with by Kitchen close to the post.  Then Everton sailed away to the other end again on their right, where Sharp was prominent, and bothBoyle and Thickett were called into action, clearing cleverly on a decidedly treacherous ground. Bennett was pulled up for off-side as Common pushed the ball out to him, though it was a very near thing, whilst at the other end a high punt by Boyle hung in the wind and made little ground. At the end of five minutes Common andJohnson brought the ball along, and Bennett spinning back closein front, the finishing touch to a pretty movement was made by Chapman, who easily beat Kitchen, only to be adjudged off-side. Still, however, the Sheffielders held their own, and again came up to the attack on their right, where a lot of good work was being done. They were driven back well at last, and a fine swinging centre by Bell might have caused a world of trouble but for a superb clearance by Ernest Needham as, with hisface to his own goal, he hooked the ball clear, and Sharp placed it over the line. The Everton men still pressed spasmodically, and at end of ten minutes a pot shot by Booth clean beat Foulkes, and entering the far corner of the goal put on thefirst point of the day. Straight from theresumption the United men bore down on their opponents' goal, where Chapman headed over the line from Johnson's centre. Then, in staying the progress of Bell, Thickett gave a corner, from which Common cleared with infinite pluck, and Bennett set off on a dashingdribble to the other end, only to be overborne by press of numbers. The wind had veered round, and was actually in Everton's favour, though United had gained toss. and the attacks of the visitors grow again persistent. But one fine effort by United looked like bringing the equaliser, but Kitchen practicallytook the ball off Chapman's foot, and cleared very well indeed. This only led up to another Evertonian onslaught, wherein all members of the Sheffield defence were called upon, and whereof Sharp was an interested spectator and nothing more. At last he got going, and twice forced Wilkinson to clear ere he upset Needham in an improper charge, and was pulled up. Therelief did the home team very little good, for the breeze was pronounced, now blowing diagonally across the ground, and freekick to the visitors for foul right in front of the Sheffield goal gave Settle a chance, of which he did not avail himself.  A moment later Bell was very wide with a fair chance. As the players became more used to the greasy surface of the ground the quality of the game showed improvement, and the crowd seconded the home team's efforts to get on terms in sonorous fashion. A corner was forced by one the Everton defenders heading over the bar, but Johnson's shot was charged down, and with half an hour gone Everton were still a goal to the good. Boyle took matters into his own hands at last, and beating Brearley hopelessly for speed went on and got in grand oblique shot, which Kitchen was fain to hand behind and concede a corner. The effort was a fine one, and though the flag kick was again cleared Boyle was cheered to the echo. A couple of fine returns by Balmer checked good runs by the Sheffield right, whilst a dropping centre by Common bounced too high for Chapman, who was well up, and Kitchen thumped the ball away. Fine defensive work by Needham alone saved the Sheffield goal after this, and a splendid shot along the face of thebar was handed over by Foulkes, for Settle to finish up the corner by shooting wide. More good work on the part of Wilkinson cleared subsequent pressure from Everton, who were both clever and fast in their movements, and it was left to Johnson to fairly set his right, wing going. Even this advance was checked, and with the interval approaching, the pace grew greater with the Sheffielders making haste to score. The goal should have come at the other end, however, but for a bad blunder on the part of Brearley, whose left-foot shot was a fiasco. A pretty pass by Lipsham came to nothing, andJohnson unwittingly gave a corner as he raced up to stay Bell's progress, and at the opposite end Common should have done better with a good opening than to shoot wide with all his fellow forwards waiting. A free kick against Young for impeding Wilkinson again set the home team  going, but generally speaking the visitors were the more dangerous side in attack and combined very well.  Then came, determined pressure from United, opened out by Needham, and from this, and a finely dropped free kick, by United's captain, came a tremendous bully right in front of Kitchen, the ball being eventually forced over the line just the wrong sideof the post, and a corner resulting. Again was Kitchen hotly assailed, and only undue interference with his duties by the home forwards kept thehoped for goal away. This was a couple of minutes from the interval, and, again busy, Lipsham tried a hot shot from Bennett's centre which cannoned out.  Then play settled in midfield up to half-time, when the score stood:—Everton, 1 goal: Sheffield United. 0 goal.
In the second half, the sun in their faces, but with the breeze at their backs, the home side pressed  at the opening, and Chapman dribbled up the centre,finishing with fast 20 yards shot just over the angle of the goal. The free kick set Everton going, but Sharp ran the ball out. The power of the wind was seen when Foulkes began to take free kicks, for he reached the halfway line with ease, and from one of these Kitchen had to kick away, with Chapman close upon him. A gem of centre from Needham was finely cleared by the Everton custodian under the bar. Again United swept down, a succession of long shots all being disposed of, whilst yet another advance was closed by Chapman heading well over the bar. Twice Young was pulled up for fouling his opponents in midfield, and from the second of these free kicks only quickness of Balmer prevented the equaliser, whilst Priest pulled a shot over his head which barely missed the mark. Off-side against Priest ended another attack initiated through a very taking dribble Needham, and the Sheffielders had all the best of the play at this part of the game, showing fine dash, yet never quite looking like goal-getters. A breakaway along the Everton right followed, in the course which, after getting a fine centre across, Sharp put in a fine low shot which was beautifully cleared by Foulkes in thecorner of the goal. But the visitors were not easily dispossessed of their hold in the home ground now that they had gained it, and Boyle had to head away a pretty kick from theleft, where a foul had taken place. A like favour to the Sheffielders found no good result, so well were the visiting backs playing, and with a quarter of this half gone the visitors still held their lead, though heavily pressed. A very pretty pass by Chapman deserved a goal, but Lipsham was weak. Still the danger was not at once cleared, and Bennett and Common each had shots before Balmer, who was very strong, got the ball clear. All this worked the crowd up to rare excitement, at the attack was ended at length, and Settle Bell went away, for the latter to be upset within the fatal area as he prepared to shoot, and for an appeal for a penalty only nullified after the referee had consulted one of his linesmen. A minute later a palpable case of handling the ball occurred on the part of Boyle as the ball was put across, and from the penalty kick Abbott put on the second goal, the first such kick that has taken place at Brammell Lane since the alteration in the laws. This was after 20 minutes' play, and after United had gone down a hot attack they were again driven back, the issue of the game being virtually in the hands of the visitors. But the United deserved a penalty for one of the Everton defenders clearly handled to stop Bennett's progress, but Mr. Bailey signalling a free kick placed the ball just outside the penalty area. No position on the ground gives so clear a chance as the elevated Press-box of seeing where a foul takes place at Bramall Lane, and the offence was a full two feet within the area. However, protests were no good, and the free kick was useless. Still the home team pressed, though in desultory fashion, gaining an easily cleaned corner and generally giving the visiting defence plenty of work. Once Bennett worked through, and gave Johnson the chance of a long shot, which was kicked out with perfect sangfroid by Kitchen as Chapman rushed in. Another free kick against Bell, this time on Thickett, saw Wilkinson a long way wide when dead in front, and United could do nothing right, whilst after a shot from Common had been half parred Lipsham made a sad mess of a chance from which he should certainly have scored. A succession of sharp attacks by Everton culminated in Brearley giving Foulkes a handful, whilst from a corner Needham saved on the line, after his custodian had clean missed the ball—a wonderful escape, granted that the ball had touched any other player on its progress from the flag. Again in a break to the other end did Common trouble Kitchen, but to no good purpose, and a free kick to the same side close in goal to after Bennett had hooked the bail well forward. A corner to Everton also  proved good, whilst to the tune of loud cries of a "off-side," Bell sped on towards the home goal, finishing with a weak shot the wrong side of the post.  However, the better effort came in front of  Kitchen, where Bennett slung the ball well over, and only the inevitable Balmer staved off disaster. This was five minutes from the close, and though Needham again gave his forwards a chance with a delightful dribble, it was all no purpose. Result Everton 2 goals. Sheffield United 0 goal
Sheffield United.- Foulke, goal; Thickett and Boyle, backs; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham (Captain), half-backs; Bennett, Common, Chapman, Priest, and Lipsham, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Referee. Mr. J.W. Bailey, of Leicester.

SHEFFIELD UNITED v.  EVERTON
Sheffield Independent - Monday 06 October 1902
SUCCESS OF THE VISITORS
The visit of the Everton team to Bramell lane ground to play the English Cup holders, attracted a good gate on Saturday, the full attendance numbering 13,998 people, and the receipts amounting to £384 1s 3d. the game proved an interesting one, though attended by a result very disappointing to the home team who, despite the fact that they did considerably more attacking than the Evertonians, suffered defeat in a somewhat unfortunate manner by 2 goals to 0. Credit, however, must be given to the visiting team for what was undoubtedly a fine performance for, while they certainly had the worst of the game so far as the amount of pressing was concerned, they played smarter and more effective football than the United, who spoiled many good advances by inaccuracy near goal. Needham winning the toss United had the advantage of choice of goals. They defended that at the Bramell lane end of the ground, with a bright sun shining in the faces of their opponents at the start, thoughthe Sheffielders had the worst of the somewhat gusty breeze. After an advance by Evertonhad been driven back United went ahead, and Common called upon Kitchen with a capital shot. The Sheffielders continued on the aggressive, and a bit of nice, combined play by Chapman, Johnson, and Bennett ended in the last-named centring into the goal-mouth, where Chapman, close in front of Kitchen and clearly off-side, turned the ball into the net, no goal being allowed to count. Everton attacked with spirit, and Bell got in a long shot at Foulke, who saved all right. Strong United defence checked other advances by the visitors, though once Needham made a risky kick in clearing after a well-combined movement as the ball came across from Bell, Sharp putting it out. TheEverton front rank soon returned to the assault by well-combined movement, and Booth trying a long shot at over 20 yards’ range saw the ball sail into the corner of the goal, Foulke apparently thinking it was going out, making no effort to stop it. Thus, at the end of ten minutes’ play, Everton succeeded in scoring. Subsequently, from a good pass, Bell forced a corner for Everton, but the United defence prevailed. The Sheffielders’ right wing then worked their way to the other end skilfully, but from Bennett's pass Balmer cleared in timely fashion. At the other end Boyle, by a big return, checked an Evertonian advance. Other attacks by the visitors were spoiled by the infringement of the off-side rule.  Play was even, and the game well contested. Balmer checked a dangerous rush by the United right, but a pass out by Chapman soon set Bennett going again, and there was some lively work near the Everton goal, which ended in Kitchen saving a header from Bennett The "Toffeemen” then took up the attack, but a free-kick against Sharp drove them back. A free-kick to the visitors for a trip by Wilkinson 30 in front kept play in the Sheffielders quarters until Bell kicked over the goal line. Then came some midfield play, followed by the forcing and well placing of a corner by Bennett. This was followed by a second corner to the home team, who could not, however, force their way through the phalanx of Everton defenders. The sun continued to shine brilliantly in the face of the visitors, and United were now having rather the better of the play. Boyle took a run on his own account from mid-field. and sent in a magnificent long screw shot for goal, which gained and deserved loud cheers Kitchen just managed to turn the ball aside at the expense of a corner, from which the Everton defence prevailed. A clever hook over his head by Priest gave Kitchen some trouble to save a bouncing ball, the custodian beating it, just over the head of the on-rushing Common. Then the Everton men set to work with determination and combination, and gave the home defence a busy time.  Bell, from near the goal line, gave Foulke a grand shot to save under the bar. Brearley looked like working through, and seemed to have the goal well-nigh at his mercy when Boyle just in time charged him down, thus turning his shot wide. Bell forced a corner off Johnson, and then placed the ball on the top net. United had a turn then, and Lipsham passing over to the right Bennett gave the ball to Common, who, however, shot very wide. With half-time drawing near the play of the United increased in dash and determination, and during one fierce attack the Everton goal had a narrow and lucky escape, for after Kitchen had gone out to clear in a melee in front the ball was returned only a few inches wide of an open goal. Just afterwards Needham put in a good left-footed screw kick, which Kitchen managed to save in spite of being illegally charged, and the free kick took the ball to mid-field. At half-time Everton still led by a goal to nothing.
When ends were changed United, in face of a still brilliant sun, advanced, but Common sent wide. Chapman subsequently ran ahead himself and tried a long fast shot, but the ball passed across the goal and out. Johnson did some good work in keeping the ball mainly in the visitors’ half, where after a time Needham, from near the goal line on the left, made a beautifully judged shot, which gave Kitchen some trouble to prevent going under the bar. The United exerted considerable pressure in a desperate effort to equalize, and from a free kick Chapman put the ball just over the bar. United had another free kick for Johnson being "middled,” and Priest with a clever overhead kick sent the ball across the goalmouth and only just wide. Boyle being penalised for jumping at Booth, the free kick transferred play for a time to the other end. Back, however, came the ball soon, and only a big effort by Balmer, who snatched a chance from the advancing right, saved Everton. Then was seen a very smart bit of combination by the Everton attack, which ended by Sharp firing a low, fast shot from the wing, which Foulke saved, amidst cheers, just inside the post, in brilliant style. After mid-field play Johnson started the United vanguard, and a corner forced, but Kitchen easily cleared a long shot. Then came a pretty bit of passing by Bell and Settle on the Everton left, and only a timely charge by Boyle prevented Settle going through. Smart forward play followed a free-kick to the visitors, and the ball being swung over from the left, Boyle, half a dozen yards from goal, handled the ball, which would otherwise have passed out. Abbott took the penalty kick awarded, and giving Foulke no chance with a fast rising shot, scored a second goal for Everton, 20 minutes from the finish.  United replied with a dash, and there was claim for hands against Evertonian, apparently just inside the 18 yards. The referee, however, very confidently decided that the foul had taken place just outside the limit, and allowed only a free-kick, from which a hot attack ended in Johnson shooting across.  Maintaining the pressure, the Sheffielders kept the opposing defence busy from free-kick and a corner, but Kitchen skilfully kicked away a shot from Johnson. Lipsham running in at top speed, had a fine chance of scoring from a pass to the left, only to lift the ball over the bar.  The Sheffielders continued to make great exertions to score, and play went on almost entirely in their favour. They, however, lacked steadiness in front of goal and strong and cool defence on the part of Everton, aided by some luck, kept them out. The visitors, for their part, occasionally attacked, and there was almost always danger in their advances, but for the most part they were content to hold fast to the lead they enjoyed. This succeeded in doing, and ran out victorious by the following score;-
Everton 2 goals, Sheffield United 0 goals.
Sheffield United.- Foulke, goal; Thickett and Boyle, backs; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham (Captain), half-backs; Bennett, Common, Chapman, Priest, and Lipsham, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Referee. Mr. J.W. Bailey, of Leicester.

FOOTBALL NOTES
Sheffield Independent - Monday 06 October 1902
By Centre forward
Sheffield United’ failure to defeat Everton was a big disappointment to the friends of the Bramail lane brigade, and leaves the name of the club in mediocre position in the league table results, instead of sending it up to within one point of the three leaders. In being beaten it seemed to me that the United were distinctly unfortunate. The balance of play was distinctly in their favour, especially in the second half. Yet they were beaten by two goals. One of these goals scored from a penalty, owing to Boyle unnecessarily handling within half-dozen yards of goal. Then a minute or two later, when it seemed to many that a case of handling by an opponent had taken place just inside the illegal area, the official ruling was that the foul took place just outside, and the Sheffielders had to be satisfied with an unproductive free kick. It was certainly a near thing, but I think the referee made a mistake. Moreover, Everton’s first goal was a trifle lucky, for Foulke might almost certainly have saved Booth's long shot had he made an effort in time, instead of apparently taking it for granted that the ball was going out. As for the goal which United had disallowed in the first few minutes, the referee’s decision was correct, Chapman being clearly offside. For judging points such as these the view from the elevated Press-box at Bramail Lane is an excellent one.
The weakness of the United consisted of the two blunders at one end which enabled Everton to score twice and a number of failures at the other end to utilise chances of scoring which presented themselves. Excellent half-back play enabled the United forwards to press the visitors’ defence greatly, but they seem quite to have lost the art of getting goals, and against an adept custodian such as Kitchen the long shots they sent in were of no avail, while many others went wide of the mark. Lipsham, who played a particularly disappointing game, missed one very fine chance in the second half, and the whole United vanguard, though making many more attacks than their opponents, compared unfavourably with the Everton front rank in accuracy of passing and shooting and in general combination. The Goodison Park quintette were almost always dangerous when they came along with their smart and speedy if somewhat spasmodic attacks. The visitors’ half-back play was also good and so was that of the back. Balmer, on the left, giving a particularly fine display. Although the Evertonians were lucky to win in the manner they did they certainly played the better football as a team, and credit must in all fairness be given to them for well-earned victory.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 06 October 1902
One of the best performances in the League tourney on Saturday was the victory of Everton over United at Sheffield. Once more the Goodison Park players are to be congratulated on the quality of their work, for they not only beat the Sheffielders pointless (2-0), but gave them their first defeat on their own ground, and went one point better than they did last season, when the same game resulted in a draw. The Evertonians have improved their position tremendously in the space of a week, for prior to meeting Liverpool they had only booked one point, now they show six, beside which they have sent up their goal average with a bound. Notwithstanding this, however, their record looks none too good in the table, as they only show six points out of a possible fourteen. Still, as the players appear to be in a winning mood just now, we may expect that this sort of thing will correct itself as times hoes on. At any rate, it will be safe to say that a couple more points are awaiting them next Saturday, when Grimsby visit Goodison. With regard to Saturday’s game, Everton deserved their victory, although there was always an element of good fortune about it; for instance, the United pack repeatedly got through as far as the Everton defence, where they were always checked. Kitchen, Balmer, and Wolstenholme played a grand game for the winners. The last-named, it may be remarked, is gradually settling down into a fine back, and as long as he and Balmer reman “sound in wind and limb,” as they saying goes, and work as they have done recently the Everton managers need not trouble themselves much about their defence. Kitchen too, causes little anxiety just now in his capacity as goalkeeper, some of his clearances on Saturday were not only brilliant, but marvellous. This was noticeable in the second half of the game, when the United forwards swooped down on the Everton charge and Lipsham banged in a shot what nine times out of ten would have resulted in a goal. Kitchen, however, as alert as a cat would have done it, got the ball clear. The Everton forwards also maintained the good form they showed against Liverpool. Some of their work completely took the Sheffielders by surprise. The left wing and centre combined with the same smartness that distinguished them a week previously, and it is quite a pleasure to write that Everton is, like Richard of old was, “once more itself.” Although the United played a fairly good game forward and at half back, the defence might be improved. This could easily be done by the players themselves giving more attention to their work on the field, instead of needlessly fouling their opponents. In this respect there was occasionally unnecessary roughness shown, and a referee’s duty is promptly to put a stop to it. Needham is still the Needham of old. He did splendid work on Saturday, and without him the United team would practically have been “all at sea.”

EVERTON v.  SHEFFIELD UNITED
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 06 October 1902
After their draw with the Forest on Thursday the Everton team journeyed on to Sheffield, where Friday was quietly spent. The United played their full strength, and prompt to time the teams faced each other as follows;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Sheffield United.- Foulke, goal; Thickett and Boyle, backs; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham (Captain), half-backs; Bennett, Common, Chapman, Priest, and Lipsham, forwards. Referee. Mr. J.W. Bailey.

The home team won the toss, and Everton started in the face of the sun. the opening exchanges were in favour of the visitors, who began strongly, Young just failing to meet an excellent centre on the part of Bell. The pressure was relieved by Boyle, and a break away by Bennett and Common led to Kitchen being tested twice in rapid succession. The Everton custodian, however, dealt with both shots very cleverly, and after a spell of midfield work Lipsham moved down and passed to Chapman, who, in turn, gave to Bennett, and the latter driving hard across the goalmouth, Chapman netted the ball, but he was justly ruled off-side. From the goal-kick the visitors got down, and Bell shot in to Foulke, which the latter cleared cleverly. The United forwards now pressed for a time, but Balmer cleared his lines, and following upon this, Sharp and Brearley ran down. They gave the ball to the other wing, who in turn passed back to Booth, and the latter sent in a long shot, which found the corner of the net high up and quite out of Foulke’s reach. This success came after the game had been in progress ten minutes. Some neat half-back work on the part of Everton put the forwards in possession, but Boyle checked, and the United advanced on the right, where a corner was forced off Balmer. This led to an exciting struggle in the Everton goal mouth, and to a second corner, but this also was safely disposed of. The game was now opening out considerably, and both ends were visited in rapid succession. At length Boyle, the United left back, broke brilliantly away on the wing, and racing to within shooting range, he sent in a beautiful oblique shot, which Kitchen saved magnificent at the expense of a fruitless corner. Loose play in midfield followed, and then Thickett, with a huge punt, transferred the scene of operations to the Everton goal, but Taylor and Wolstenholme between them managed to effect a clearance. The ball was passed on to Bell, who shot in strongly, but the leather was met and headed away by Thickett. The Everton left wing were soon busy again, but the movement was spoiled by Needham, who seemed to be everywhere, running across and spoiling the pair with great cleverness. A determined breakaway by Common and Bennett was intercepted by Abbott, but the United came down again, and Booth handled the ball. The home team were given a free kick close in. this led to a tremendous bully in front of goal, and a corner was forced. This was followed by a tremendous bombardment on Kitchen’s charge, but the custodian fisted out finely, and the Everton half-backs attempted to relieve the pressure. The home team were determined to get a point if possible, and they came down again in great fashion, Priest sending a long shot that tested Kitchen severely. The latter, however, was well up to his work, and try as they would, the home team could not get on level terms, a very hard forty-five minutes ending in Everton holding the lead by one goal to nothing.
On resuming after the interval the home forwards at once went away with great dash, and for some time the Evertonians were put strictly on the defensive. Lipsham and Bennett were especially clever and pertinacious in their attentions to Kitchen, and on one occasion the Everton custodian brought off a marvellous save right from under the bar, the shot having been sent in by Lipsham. Several corners accrued to the United in rapid succession, and it was mote by good luck than anything else that Everton managed to keep the invaders at bay after being practically penned in their own half for a considerable time. At length Settle managed to work his way through, and, passing the ball to Sharp, the latter centred splendidly, but Thickett cleared before Bell could get up to put on a finishing touch. The Evertonians came down again, and from a pass by Booth, Sharp put in another fine shot, which Foulke only just managed to throw away. Play continued in the Everton territory, but at length Bell and Settle got away, but the latter’s shot was finely intercepted at the crucial moment by Needham. Following upon this Sharp had another go at Foulke, but without success, and then Boyle handled the leather within the 12-yards line. The referee, of course, had no option but to grant a penalty, and the kick being taken by Abbott, the latter easily netted the ball. This second reverse coming as it did after the United had so much of the play was deeply disappointing to the home supporters, but the Sheffielders nevertheless continued to play up manfully, and they tried desperately hard to make up some of the leeway. Shortly before the close they several times came within an ace of scoring, but the visitors’ defence played with confidence, and the game ended in a splendid victory for Everton by 2 goals to nil.

JACK BELL
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 08 October 1902
It is said of Bell Everton that he cannot last the game, which, if true, is not surprising, looking to the years he has been [laying. Bell figured against England so long ago as 1892.

A Departing Rovers
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 11 October 1902
another old Rovers is departing in the Person of W.H. Ball, the half-back, who has played for the following clubs; Notts County, Liverpool South End, Rock Ferry, and Everton. Owing to an injury he received at the commencement of last season he has since been able to take part in only a few matches. Ball now states he has completely recovered, but the Rovers did not care to re-arrange him for any lengthy played for a month trail. after that a misunderstanding arsce, and negoiations were broken off, and he was transferred to Manchester United.

EVERTON'S MASCOTTE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 11 October 1902
The Everton secretary used to be called “Unlucky Cuff;” he is now called “Lucky Cuff.” He was called unlucky because he was caught “poaching," and suspended for six months; his attempt was not condemned by the Everton moralists, was blamed for being found out, and when, at the beginning of the season, Everton went all wrong, on his shoulders the blame' was laid again. His return to office on October Ist, coinciding with Everton'a wonderful victory at Sheffield, there is now entire revulsion of public feeling. Secretary Cuff is looked upon as sort of male Mascotte, the lodestar of Everton s success; he is praised where he used to be Blamed, and instead of the scapegoat of the team and the spectators, be promises to become their idol. As the Ark of the Covenant was to the Israelites, so is “Lucky Cuff” to the “Toffies;” he is to be taken with them wherever they go into battle. Mr. Cuff attributes the change in Everton's fortunes to something else. He tells me, says Tom Tiddler,'' the team badly wanted “ looking after.” What that may mean I do not precisely know; whether they have been neglected while the secretary was suspended or have taken liberties, or both, as a consequence of each other; but in future thev are to be strictly, though kindly, looked after ” by Secretary Cuff, who will shepherd them to each match away, in the familiar style his predecessor. Trainer Elliott is also the job, and they are entitled to take credit to themselves, not mere chance, but as the result of their skill and attention that their return to office, after a long suspension, has been signalised Everton's return to their best form.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 11 October 1902
Everton v. Grimsby. At Goodison Park; Kick-off 3,30.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme, and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Clark, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Everton v Manchester United. At Clayton, Manchester; Lime-street 1 o’clock. Kick-off 3.30.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Crelly, backs; Clayton, T. Chadwick, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, McDonald, Monks, Dixon, and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON v.  TOWN
Saturday Telegraph (Grimsby) - Saturday 11 October 1902
GRIMSBY PLAY A HARD UP-HILL GAME
LONG INJURED AND HAS TO RETIRE
Specially Telegraphed by Our Owen Reporter
Grimsby Town’s sixth League match, and the third away, was with Everton to-day, at Goodison Park, Liverpool. This ground was one which Grimsby had cause to remember visiting last season, for they unexpectedly picked up a couple of points there which came in very useful at the season end. It was all the more satisfactory on account of the fact that Everton beat the Town at Grimsby, and therefore revenge was very sweet. It was not considered, however, very likely that the Town would meet with any success to-day. On last week’s form the team was weak, Everton on the contrary having effected a wonderful improvement and got into a regular winning vein. They secured a good victory over Liverpool, and there last week actually beat Sheffield United at Bramell-lane. In this state of affairs it did not look very healthy for Grimsby. There was one thing which might decrease the effectiveness of the Everton team, which was that their clever centre-half Booth had been selected for duty at Belfast in the English team against the Irish League, and therefore could not turn out for Evertonians. But then Grimsby had an even more serious loss to report, as owing to the death of his mother, Whittaker was not able to take his place in the team to-day, and the position in goal had to be taken by Spendiff. Hemingfield was brought back into the half-way line, whilst Long resumed at inside left. On the right wing,. However, Ronaldson was dropped and Harper took his place. On the Everton side the only alteration besides the substitution of Clark for Booth, was that Bowman took Young’s place at centre-forward. The teams therefore faced each other as follows;-
Grimsby Town.- Spendiff, goal; Mountain and Gardner, backs; Hemingfield, Gray, and Nelmes, half-backs; Fletcher, Appleyard, Long, and Singleton, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme, and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Clark, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
A LATE START
There was a late start owing to Earl Roberts and Lord Kitchener being in the city. Sheridan played vice Settle. From the kick-off, Grimsby made one or two nice movements, but Everton soon settled down, and had one through after the first five minutes’ play. Appleyard tested Kitchen, and then Spendiff saved very finely from Bell. After sixteen minutes Abbott scored with a low shot, giving Spendiff.
NO CHANCE
After this goal of Abbotts’ Grimsby played up, and looked like scoring, but their shooting was a bit wild. The Grimsby halves were working hard, and frequently pulled up the home forwards. There was nothing of the runaway order about the game, but it was hard lines for Grimsby when Long had to retire hurt. Naturally this put Grimsby on the defensive. Sharp being very smart, but Rodge Mountain stopped him. A corner to Everton was futile. Mr. Referee Stott was hooted badly for stopping Everton’s questionable tactics against Appleyard. The Grimsby backs played the right game, and cleared their lines anywhere when the ball got in the danger zone. Grimsby did not make the best use of their chances when they got in front, though Balmer and Co were very agile. Everton were dangerous when near goal, and Bowman scored with a glorious shot, Bowman was a bit of a denied, and no one seemed able to pull him up. After a short incursion into the home quarters, Everton got down again, and Bowman again beat Spendiff. The Grimsby front rank was quite disorganised through Long’s absence, and though they made some very plucky efforts to lower the margin, they could not make much headway. No one could expect much combination, and there was little. The light which was bad at the start now improved, the sun shining brightly. there had been nothing in the wind, and the ground was on the soft side. All round, up to now, Everton had a big slice of the game, and seemed likely to increase their lead. Grimsby stuck to their guns. They were game, despite the loss of Long, and Appleyard tried a run. The Grimsby work, though sustained, and plucky against odds was nevertheless hardly of the sort of tell against such a sturdy lot of defenders as Everton are able to put in the field, and though Singleton once made a game try, the ball was far too m idly put in to be of very much use. Appleyard was playing inside to Singleton, so there was not much centre play. Still, it was the right game to play under the circumstances, for the goals, if they could not be scored, must be kept down, and hence with a four to nil lead there was little to hope for but to play on the defence. Considering the big lead, however, Grimsby never gave up, and play was getting a bit more even as the interval approached. Bodge Mountain had a lot to do to keep out the Everton men, and he and Gardner worked very hard.
Half-time;- Everton 4 Grimsby Town 0.
There would be twelve thousand present when with a lead of four goals Everton started to try and increase their total and Grimsby to open their score. The opening moments were decidedly sensational, as Everton went down and Bowman and Sheridan shot, the latter striking the cross bar. Spendiff, however, brought off a very clever save, and was applauded. Grimsby were after this doing better, though still shockingly handicapped through Long’s absence. All the same it only seemed to spur the Town on, and they showed some very smart work indeed. It was gratifying, too, to see that this was rewarded, for drawing off the Everton men from the right the ball came to Harper who easily beat Kitchen, who was at the other end of the goal. This was a bit more encouraging to the Town, and the goal was received with a good deal of cheering, which was very sportsmanlike. Everton were not slackening their pace as might be imagined, but were bent upon getting more goals if that were possible. Fletcher and Harper were doing nice work hereabouts, and Appleyard was also always ready for the ball, but naturally the forward play was a bit raggy with only four men, the quartette played ripping football Grimsby were certainly showing very much better combination with their crippled team than seemed possible, and Harper been a bit less selfish more pressing might have been seen. Still there was not much to grumble at. Bell got going with a flying start, but as he was about to shoot a certain goal Gardner coolly robbed him, -a very fine piece of back play. The remainder of the game was well contested, and Grimsby had the satisfaction of adding to their score, through the instrumentality of Nelmes. This was after singleton had missed. No further scoring took place. Everton 4 Grimsby Town 2.
COMMENTS ON THE GAME
The Grimsby team did remarkably well during the second half, and the fact that they scored two goals with only ten men on the field shows how pluckily they stuck to their work. Grimsby’s right wing was an eye opener in the second half, and Harper combined admirably with Fletcher, who was on song this afternoon. The half-backs had a good deal to do with the scoring in the second half; they backed up in admirable style, and Nelmes was responsible for scoring the second goal as a result of fine judgement. A similar remark applies to the first goal by Harper. The Liverpool crowd described both the goals as the softest they had seen this season, but as a matter of fact they were scored simply because Grimsby looked where they were putting the ball, and in consequence Kitchen had no earthly chance with either of them. Grimsby with weakened ranks gave the home side a pretty good deal to do in the second half and they certainly took all their chances. Considering the lop-sided nature of the Grimsby attack, through Long’s absence they did excellently. In the back division, Spendiff could hardly be blamed for the goals. Bowman and Bell were regular terrors, and shot with great precision. Mountain was a big improvement on last Saturday’s form, and Gardner was sound all the afternoon, saving one certain goal from the foot of Bell, in a remarkable fashion.
The half-backs, without being brilliant, were not at all weak, and in the front rank, Singleton was the only poor forward of the afternoon. Cackles was naturally handicapped, through having to play on the left, and leaving no one to adequately cover the centre. Grimsby may be said, all things considered, to have done fair. They had a weak team up, and before the game was twenty minutes old, lost Long. That was enough to send the shivers to a team, and no mistake, but they rolled up their sleeves and prepared to do their best. The gate was a poor one, owing to Lords Roberts and Kitchener being in the City. The roads and vehicular traffic was stopped, and the crowd dropped by eight thousand in consequence. Things went bad for the Town in the very first few minutes, and two goals were rushed past Spendiff before you could hardly realise it. Then Long went off; he was literally carried off, too, so it was a case of ten men. The Town played on the defence a bit, and did right, but the forwards were always trying. Continuing his specially telegraphed comments, our reporter says that the Town deserve credit to-day, if nothing else, that they stuck so gamely to their doughty opponents. Everton are the strong men of the League, and they were met by Grimsby with a reserve custodian, and later with only a lopsided forward line. Yet they never gave up, but in the second half gave a remarkably good show. This was largely due to the able work of the halves, Nelmes scoring after Singleton had mulled a nice chance. Everton did not appreciate this pressure from the ten man side, but they had to stomach it. Some left the field to have a drink with Bobs, as they said, but was not at all uncertain that Grimsby would not get a third. To use a song phrase, “Fitch was banging on the garden gate waiting to take possession,” and a free kick at the close went just over the bar. The difference between the scores at time and interval shows how well Grimsby played in the second half. Individual comments must be cautiously indulged in as regards the forwards. Singleton was the weakest, lacking judgment. Fletcher combined well with Harper, doing between them some neat work. Mountain was better than last week, Gardner very safe, and the halves were fair.

EVERTON v  GRIMSBY TOWN
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, October 11, 1902
BREARLEY SOON OPENS THE SCORE FOR EVERTON
EVERTON FORWARDS IN FORM
FOUR GOALS TO NIL AT HALF-TIME
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
This match was played at Goodison Park. There were numerous changes in the Everton team, as will be seen from the following list of players;-
Everton,- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Clark, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Grimsby Town.- Spendiff, goal; Mountain and Gardner, backs; Hemingfield, Gray, and Nelmes, half-backs; Fletcher, Harper, Appleyard, Long and Singleton, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Stott.
Everton having lost the toss, Bowman, who played in place of Young, commenced operations from the Stanley Park end, before about 12,000 spectators. Sharp put in some useful work, but the home contingent were soon forced back on their own lines, Appleyard at the finish of a bright move shooting into Perkins’s hands. Shortly afterwards Fletcher beat Blamer, and gave a fine centre, Wolstenholme came to the rescue and cleared. Clark passed out to his left, and Bell took up the running, but he was fouled close in, and from the free kick Grimsby cleared from the goalmouth. Taylor was penalised in midfield, but the Everton soon came back to the attack, and a palpable chance was missed by Brearley. Soon afterwards, however, some excellent work was put in by Everton, and at the finish Bowman passed to Brealey, who scored a very brilliant goal for Everton five minutes after the commencement of the game. From the centre the visitors came along on the left and right, Appleyard finishing with a fine shot. Sharp and Sheridan then ran down, but at the finish Mountain hampered the last named, and nothing came of the effort. The other wing made headway, but had no better luck, Brearley being cleverly checked by Gardner who just afterwards put an end to a splendid run which was being made by Bowman. Subsequently, Singleton and Long made a dangerous raid along the Grimsby left wing, but Wolstenholme presented a stern front, the attack being beaten off. The Everton forwards had now got fairly well settled in their opponents’ territory, and their tactics in front of Spendiff promised to have a good result. Bowman passed out to the left, and Bell, who with excellent judgement sent in a really beautiful shot, which the Grimsby custodian forced over the bar. It was a masterly effort, as Bell’s drive must have proved successful nine times out of ten. The corner was cleverly taken, and the leather arrived right in the middle of the pack, and it was quite evident that the “fishermen” were all at sea. Abbott was lying a couple of yards outside and the moment the ball came out he was on it like a flash and beat Spendiff cleverly. Grimsby commenced a rather long attack by means of their left wing, which got well up, but when Long tried a shot he was confronted by Balmer, who beat him all to pieces. A free kick against Grimsby failed to clear them out, as they came back on their right, and after some clever moves Harper shot wide. The visitors were further assisted by a free kick against Everton, and this led up to a corner which was forced by the left wingers. The corner yielded nothing tangible, but as the ball was being carried down the field Mountain met it and sent in a long, which sailed right over the top of Everton’s goal.
The Evertonians’ front rank came away in unison, and although the movement was not dangerous, Long came into collision with Wolstenholme, and reposed in his back for several minutes, and ultimately he was assisted to the hoardings where the doctor attended to his leg, which was evidently rather badly damaged. As soon as play was resumed the Evertonians took flight in business-like fashion, and meeting with little opposition in their progress, Brearley was soon within shooting distance and tested Spendiff smartly. The Grimsby custodian saved the situation, but the attack was maintained with vigour on the left wing, and once more Spendiff received a stiff handful from Sheridan, with the result that the ball was cleared away. A free-kick against Wolstenholme gave the visitors an opportunity to make headway, but the advantage was almost immediately nullified on account of one of the Grimsby players making a foul charge. Everton made off along the right, but when they got within measurable distance of goal, Gardner thought it was judicious to kick out. The ball was captured by the Evertonians immediately after the throw in, and again the right wingers made headway, and as it turned out success awaited the Evertonians at the end of this move. The defence was rather shaky for a moment, and the ball coming in from the right, the goal was at once in danger, Bowman putting on the finishing touch and scoring No.3 for Everton. Everton were soon on the move as soon as the restart took place, and the leather was manipulated cleverly on the right. Gardner and Mountain were quite unable to hold the home front rank in check when they came to close quarters, and a couple of good shots by Sharp and Brealey were well nigh successful. At last Sharp got the leather at his toe, and centred it with mathematical accuracy, so that Spendiff was quite unable to resist Bowman’s drive, and the fourth goal was scored for Everton. The fishermen now paid Kitchen a visit, but there was very little strength in their attack, which was conducted on the left. After a few exchanges, Clark stepped in and checked, but Kitchen had to fist out from Appleyard a little before the whistle sounded. Half-time; Everton 4, Grimsby nil.
The brilliant success of the home exponents in the first half was chiefly due to the front line, who went about their business with great coolness and determination. At no time did the Grimsby defence place serious difficulties in their way, and it may truly be said that the visitors were decidedly out-classed. Bell played a fine speedy game, and Bowman was in his very best form in the centre. Sharp in the outside right position, was always too clever for Gardner and Mountain, and, in fact, the Grimsby backs went very rocky from the moment the first goal was scored by Brealey. Long’s absence did not make much difference to the final issue. None of the Grimsby forwards were dangerous, and their efforts were of an erratic character. Appleyard commenced the second half, and for a minute or two the visitors looked like getting through, but at length Balmer cleared them out, and the ball went from the half backs to the left wing. Bell passed inside again, and the sphere was taken up to within shooting distance of the Grimsby goal, when Bowman sent in a terrific shot, which struck the crossbar, and as the ball was curling in Spendiff caught it and cleared. The effort of each player was cheered to the echo, but before the other players had time to effect a thorough clearance Sheridan came into possession and sent by the side of the Grimsby goalpost. After this lucky escape Kitchen received one from Mountain with long range, which he accounted for easily enough, and this was preceded by a rather smart effort from Singleton on the left, which was neutralised by prompt attention from Wolstenholme, who played a very steady game all through. Then the Evertonians made off under full sail, but Mountain darted out and repelled under great pressure. Singleton and Appleyard took the leather up to Wolstenholme, who promptly but he was never in serious jeopardy, although sent them in the direction of their own territory. Spendiff was visited by the Everton left, but he was never in serious jeopardy, although Gardner was hard pressed before a good kick afforded relief. Another dangerous move by Everton came after Clark had tipped the ball forward. Bowman took possession and passed outside to Sharp, who raced up and tried to get in his shot, but was hampered to such an extent that he failed to get command over the ball, which passed over the goal-line. The first success attended the East Coast men in a particularly simple manner. Singleton, Long, and Appleyard came away together in pretty fashion, and, evading all opposition, the outside man sent the leather in to Perkins at a really difficult angle. The Everton custodian proved quite equal to the occasion, and brought off a particularly smart save with both hands. Long, however, had the situation weighed up, and being close into goal received the ball in a most advantageous position, and beat Perkins without the slightest difficulty. The operations leading up to this goal, and the final act of scoring were so clean and simple that it was difficult to anticipate that they would be ultimately crowned with success. From one of a very few breakaways made by Grimsby they gained a corner on the right, from which, after a tussle at the goalmouth, Helmes scored a second goal.
Final Result; Everton 4 goals, Grimsby Town 2 goals.

MANCHESTER UNITED v.  EVERTON COMBINATION
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday October 11 1902
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
At Clayton before 6000 spectators. The home team included five new men. Play commenced in Everton’s favour, Dilly scoring in the first few minutes. Half-time; United 2, Everton 1.

EAST LANCASHIRE TEAMS.
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 13 October 1902
Accrington used to play very nice football in those days. What fine half-back George Howarth was. Eastham was good footballer too. and so was J. Yates. And Church had some good men, too; a young forward named Hartley Gregson and R. Horrocks were the best men in the team so far as my memory serves me. Then Burnley in the days Sandy Lang, McFetteridge, and Dan Briel were a strong eleven; Jack Keenan was one of the smartest halves I have ever seen. Of the early days of Everton I need not speak; McGill is the oldest player I recall. Everton were admitted to the League with the idea that gate pooling would be instituted. They were not then one of the 10 leading clubs, but they were drawing very big crowds.

EVERTON NEWS
Athletic News - Monday 13 October 1902
By their success over Grimsby, Everton gained their seventh point out of four games decided within a couple of weeks, which is an astonishing reversal of form compared with the results of the first three weeks of the season.  It was a somewhat curious team that took the field against the “Fishermen,” and despite the unlooked for reverse of last season, the directors no doubt felt every confidence in the side they selected being able to register the full quota of points.  For this reason, Young was given a rest in view of the more exacting engagement next week at Birmingham, and Bowman, who is a fine strapping youth, led the van.  Since leaving Scotland this summer Young has been in indifferent health, and it was with the hope of getting him thoroughly fit that he was allowed to act as a spectator on Saturday.  Clark is a useful half-back, though he has not developed to the extent that was originally anticipated, but he made a fairly good substitute for Booth. 
Settle is under special treatment, owing to a kick received below the knee, and he will most probably be out of the team for another three weeks at least.  Sheridan, however, is a promising recruit, end up to the present has played like a useful partner for Bell.  Another full back would be heartily welcomed at Goodison Park, for Wolstenholme, though an improvement upon others that have been tried in this position, is evidently not quite at home in his role of right back.  The most favourable part of the matter remains, however, that the defence is preserving a fairly stubborn opposition. 

MANCHESTER UNITED STILL AT TOP
Athletic News - Monday 13 October 1902
Seven thousand spectators assembled at Clayton to witness the match with Everton, who had hitherto escaped defeat, and a capital game was the outcome.  The United had five of their new men on view, and Everton, who were strongly represented, immediately forced the game.  Dilly opening the scoring for them with a splendid hot, but at half-time the United led.  The second half opened at the same pace, and Fred Williams with a magnificent single-handed effort, put on United’s third goal, whilst before the finish the same player obtained number four, and United ran out winners of a fast and very enjoyable game by four goals to one.  The United’s new men, and indeed the whole team gave a creditable display, Rothwell in particular distinguishing himself at full back play.  Everton were best represented by the backs, Henderson and Crelley, whilst McDonald and Dilly were the pick of a capital forward line. 

EASY VICTORY FOR EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 13 October 1902
By Junius.
Taking into consideration the fact that there was an unusual counter attraction in Liverpool, to wit, the visit of Lords Roberts and Kitchener, an attendance of 12,000 people at Goodison Park must be deemed entirely satisfactory. Such a gathering simply proves what a hold the "Socker” game has on the masses in this city, and although we were not treated to a very entertaining sort contest, still the fact that Everton won by a fairly substantial margin served to overwhelm all other feelings. With Young, Settle, and Booth away, Everton could scarcely be described as at full strength, but reliable substitutes were forthcoming, and as after events proved the team was quite capable accounting for the men from the East Coast. These visitors had likewise to make a trio of alterations from the advertised side, but without going into further detail in this matter, I would call attention to the subjoined players given at the end of this article.  The game itself calls for few details of description, for Everton always had their opponents pretty well in hand, and never looked like losing the match. I Fighting an uphill battle all the time, Grimsby were doubly handicapped by an  injury to Long, which resulted after twenty minutes’ play, and the inside left took no further part the game.  Everton had scored two goals prior to this occurrence, and were simply walking away with their opponents, when Long and Wolstenholme went for the ball.  The Everton full-back kicked the leather away cleanly enough, but Long came in contact with his opponent’s limb, and lay prone on the turf, in evident pain. Thus for the rest the afternoon Grimsby had only four forwards, and as they succeeded in securing as many goals after this incident as the home side did they must be awarded some decree of praise. As a matter of form it would perhaps be acceptable at this juncture to relate how the six goals were secured. Everton scored their four before the interval, whilst Grimsby took theirs afterwards, but as far as actual play was concerned, the visitors were as much inferior in the second half as in the previous moiety.
THE GETTING OF THE GOALS
Six minutes only had elapsed when Everton opened their account via Brearley, the inside right receiving from Bowman, and finding the net with a rare stirring shot. Although a weak clearance by Wolstenholme gave the visitors a chance they were seldom dangerous, and Everton forging ahead, chiefly through the instrumentality of Bell, kept the Grimsby defence in a constant state of anxiety. Eventually from one of these raids, the ball came out to Abbott, who is expected by a great many people to score a goal every time he obtains the leather. On this occasion he promptly obliged, for after tricking a couple of opponents he sent in a shot which Spendiff never got a glimpse of, and the crowd whispered uproariously. Then Long was injured, and Everton exerting pressure continuously, Brearley by a determined effort got past Gardner, centred, and Bowman finished the performance in rare style, whilst a moment later he repeated an almost similar feat, though the cross came from Sharp on this occasion, and Everton were four goals ahead. Grimsby's turn came after breathing time, but before they reduced the adverse margin they had many a fright, Bowman with his raking stride swept aside all opposition in the first minute, and whizzed the ball against the cross-bar, from which it dropped almost vertically, and Spendiff fisting away to the foot of Sheridan the latter skied it into the stands. Everton then look matters easily, and Fletcher, who all along had been the most prominent forward, whipped along touch, and centred to the left, where Singleton placed to Appleyard, who shot but Kitchen cleared only to find Harper, who was close up, simply hook the ball into the net. The succeeding play was very ragged, Everton not being over anxious to increase their score, though the Grimsby goal got some rare peppering at intervals, and Clarke had hard lines with a tremendous drive which struck the upright. Then came a second surprise, for after a regular bombardment Fletcher again broke away, and forced a corner, which brought about a bully near goal, terminated by Nelmes adding another simple point. And I have no doubt that in the matter of astonishment at these two successes the visitors were more taken aback at their accomplishment than anyone else on the field. Still, there they were, and they served to put quite a respectable appearance on the final figures, though they couldn’t alter the fact of Grimsby being easily beaten.
A FEW GENERALISATIONS
The game was more one-sided than the score demonstrates an opinion which will no doubt have been already formed by a perusal of the foregoing account. There was little of an attractive character about the play, though interest was kept alive when Everton were adding goals at fairly average rate, but after they had ceased, evidently satisfied with their lead, it can easily be  imagined what the subsequent proceedings were like. The Everton directors were experimenting with their eleven, though, of course. Booth's absence was a necessity, and to a certain degree also was that of Young, whilst Settle was not even sufficiently fit to be chosen. It, therefore, speaks well for the resources of the club when the executive can fill so many vacancies, and bring about such a ready victory with the signal success they did against Grimsby. Bowman, who occupied the centre-forward position, is still in the rough state, but he is being gradually polished to the required standard, and the two goals he obtained were the result of excellent efforts. He scarcely feeds his wings with the judicious touches of Young, but when under full pressure he dashes headlong into goal, and when within reasonable shooting distance gives the custodian little chance of clearing. Sheridan gave a promising display, whilst at centre-half, Clarke did many clever things, but he would do well to keep more in touch with his forwards, and leave the opposing full-backs more severely alone.  After what has been said of Wolstenholme, as a full-back, I expected something far superior to what was exhibited by the quondam right-half in this match, and unless he was completely off-color, I fail to see that Everton have secured a reliable partner for Balmer in him. This was his first appearance with the League eleven at Goodison Park, and it was not by any means a success. I have no wish to dilate upon the weaknesses of the visiting side. They were most unfortunate in having to struggle with ten players for the greater part the game, and there is always the consolation to be gained by imagining that they might have fared better with a full side. The best part of the team was the defence, Mountain, Gardner, and Nelmes rendering excellent service at full-back and left-half respectively, whilst of a disjointed forward line, Fetcher was the most conspicuous figure, though Harper worked hard throughout. But Grimsby are not, on this form, anything near so capable a side as that which created such consternation in the camp last season. Everton; Kitchen; Wolstenholme, and Balmer; Taylor, Clark, and Abbott; Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sherdian, and Bell.  Grimsby;- Spendiff; Mountain, and Gardner; Hemmingfield, Gray, and Nelmes; Fletcher, Harper, Appleyard, Long and Singleton.  Referee; J. Stott, Rawtenstall. 

EVERTON 4 GRIMSBY TOWN 2
October 13, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Everton were at home on Saturday, their opponents bring Grimsby Town, who, it will be remembered, last year at Goodison-park administered an unexpected defeat to the Evertonians. If present form was anything to go by, however, it was not expected that they would repeat the performance. There were three changes in the Everton eleven compared with the previous Saturday. Tom Booth was assistaining the Inter-League match at Belfast, and Clark filled the vacancy. Sheridan appeared vice Settle at inside left, whilst Young, who it was stated has been in rather bad health for some time, was given a rest, Bowman filling the centre position. Grimsby brought a strong team. The teams were: -
Everton: - Kitchen,goals, Wolstenholme, and Balmer (w) (captain), backs Taylor, Clark, and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards. Grimsby Town: - Spendiff, goal, Gardner, and Mountain backs, Holmes, Gray and Henningham, half-backs, Singleton, Long, Appleyard, Harper, and Fletcher, forwards. Considering the important civic function, which was, taking place in the city there was a very good attendance, there being about 12,000 present at the kick off. Everton won the toss, and Appleyard started for the visitors. There was hardly a semblance of wind. The first item was a run by the home right, but Dave Gardner relieved to the centre, where Sheridan and Bell were prominent, but they did not manage to get past Hemingfield, who made a nice opening for Long, who tested Kitchen early on, Sharp started a nice movement on the right, and the Grimsby goal was in jeopardy for a minute or two. Bell put in a beautiful centre, which however, Mountain got at the opportune moment. The ball was soon back again, however, and good work on the part of Sharp, Brearley, and Bowman ended in Brearley opening the score six minutes from the start with a beauty. Another burst away by Everton looked ominous for the visitors, and Sheridan receiving a pass had a clear opening, but came into collision with Mountain in front of goal, and lost possession. Up to the present there was not very much “fire” in the play, though Everton had the best of matters. Balmer next had to clear his lines, and Everton came away in fine style, Sheridan being prominent in this move. Bell put in a lighting shot, which the goalkeeper had the greatest difficulty in keeping out, Sheridan having the hardest of luck in not scoring. Everton maintained a warm attack, as the result of which, Abbott popped goal number two through. The home forwards were combining nicely together at this point, and Bell next had a chance, but sent the ball over the crossbar, after which the fishermen had a look in, but Wolstenholme cleared in fine style, and once more placed Everton on the offensive. Gardner cleared effectively for the visitors, but Everton were hard to shake off. At this point, Long, the Grimsby inside right, was hurt and left the field, the visitors playing with ten minute. They were thus at a disadvantage, and it was no wonder that Everton maintained the upper hand. Harper and Fletcher operating on the right worked the ball nicely down, only to be met with the safe Balmer, who kicked to centre. Everton had a free kick, which served to place them in a favorable position. Brearley and Sharp made the most of their opportunity, and Bowman receiving shot at express speed and registered another goal for Everton. There was no question as to the one-sided character of the game, and Everton were constantly in front of the Grimsby goal, Bowman was not long in increasing Everton's lead, sending in a fine shot, which scored. Spendiff in his effort to clear throwing himself full length on the ground. By way of a change, the fishermen were the attacking party, but they could not do much against the very powerful defence, although, on one occasion Kitchen had to fist out a shot from Singleton. Half-time Everton 4, Grimsby Town nil.
Hardly had the second half been started, than almost looked as if Grimsby had done the trick, but Kitchen just managed to save by the skin of his teeth. At length, after persistent efforts the visitors were rewarded with a goal, for which, Appleyard was responsible. After this the home team took up the running, and Sheridan had terribly hard lines with a shot. Everton were again pressing, the play of the halves being very commendable, and they were constantly making play for those in front. Brearley again tested Spendiff with a lofty shot, which he easily cleared, and the next point of interest was smart play on the part of Taylor, who beat Singleton near the touchline. Some nice passing was witnessed by Sharp and Brearley, the outside left, however, eventually being robbed by Dave Gardner, only, however, to regain possession by smart play and attempt unsuccessfully to screw in. the Grimsby goal had a marvellous escape at this point, Brearley attempting to head through, whilst after the ball was charged down by Wolstenholme, pretty close up it looked dangerous for the visitors. The Fishermen were now to the fore, and Helmes scored a clever goal. Final result Everton 4, Grimsby Town 2.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 4 EVERTON RESERVES 1
October 13 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination (Game 5)
At Manchester before 6,000 spectators. Early on Dilly scored, for Everton, but Morgan equalised from a penalty kick, while Turner give Manchester United the lead. In the second half the home side had the best of matters, and finally won by 4 goals to 1. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson and Crelly, backs, Clayton, Chadwick (Tc), and Makepeace, half-backs Rankin McDonald Monk, Dixon, and Dilly forwards.

BOOTH INTER LEAGUE HONOURS
At Solitude Belfast, on Saturday, before 10,000 spectators, against the Ireland League, English winning by three goals too two.

EVERTON REVIEW
October 13, 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
Grimsby experienced a vastly different stroke of fortune at Goodison Park from that which they enjoyed in March last, when they astonished most people by gaining a victory over Everton. On that occasion the latter were fully represented, but on Saturday they had to find substitutes for Young, Booth, and Settle, these changes however, giving the home side an easy triumph after a somewhat featureless display. Throughout the game Everton had their opportunents under complete subjection and visions of tall scoring were confidently anticipant when they led at the interval by four goals. The five minutes breathing time proved signally fatal to the scoring propensities, though splendid shots from Bowman and Clark struck the woodwork when the visitors custodian was beaten hopelessly. With ten players only, owing to Long being injured and carried off the field, Grimsby had the satisfaction of putting on a couple of goals, and thus placed a respectable complexion of the final figures, which they play scarcely warranted. Undeed, had the two shots above mentioned found the net, and the visitors been unsuccessful in their efforts, the score would have been a more accurate representation of the general run of the game. The bulk of the play was carried on in the Grimsby half, but their defence acted in a very determined fashion, and had the front rank shown the same efficiency a rare tussle would have been witnessed. Considering the recent form displayed by Everton, the Fishermen could have entertained little hope of equallising last season result, but when they had to dispense with the services of one of their forwards, they must have felt more than ordinarily despondent. That this state of affairs had its influence on the working of the home team, a matter which can hardly be contradicted, and the visitors, plodding monotonously along, awaited the opportunity of spying a looseness in the Everton defence, and then to their credit be it said, took advantage to get the ball twice into the net. But such play could not rouse the real feeling of interest, and whilst giving Grimsby every encouragement for this achievement, the crowd knew thoroughly that there was only one possible ending to the game. Throughout the proceedings it was clearly apparent that Grimsby were a beaten team, and it was only a question as to what degree the extent of the reverse would be inflicted. Under such conditions, chief interest was felt in the movements of the latest recruits to Everton League eleven, for all the regular members of the side acquitted themselves in a satisfactory fashion. Turning than to the newcomers Bowman can be complimented upon a creditable appearance, and the two goals he gained were very cleverly accomplished, the result of determined effort to reach a centre from the right in each instance, and a rousing shot to complete the operations. Given half a chance anywhere near goal this deally built centre make the most of it, the chief weakness being a lack of ability, to control the ball when receiving a pass, which allows the opposition defence time to nip in, and clear. Still, Everton need not bemoan a temporary absence of their regular centre with such as understudy to fill the breach, and Bowman would be a rare catch for many League clubs in the first division. Sheridan shaped well, though there was a tenancy to roam which somewhat upset the notions of his partner Bell, but much of this is probably due to an over anxiety and desire to be doing. Clark played a very fair game at centre half, but Wolstenholme was not a striking success, further behind, though he might possible have been inclined to take matters so easily by noticing that the calibre of the Grimsby attack was not exactly of the cleverest character. Everton, however, won so easily that their performance must to a considerable extent disarm any unfavorable criticism.
Grimsby did not display very attractive football, and only at rare intervals did their forwards get along in fairly concerted fashion. Fletcher was the most conspicuous figure in the front rank, and further behind Nelmes rendered useful services. The defenders however, was the strongest past of this side, for Mountain and Gardner kicked vigorously and gave nothing away whilst Spendiff could scarcely be blamed for any of the shots that took effect. The goalkeeper that can check attempts like these which Abbott and Bowman put in, to say nothing of the capital effort of Brearley, has yet to be discovered.

ENGLAND IN IRELAND
Athletic News - Monday 13 October 1902
VICTORY OF THE SASSENACH
FINE STRUGGLE BY THE HIBERNIANS
By Tityrus
We shall tread on the neck of the Sassenach yet." Such was the prophetic observation of Mr. Sam Monroe, a gentleman who spoke in the name the Irish League at a dinner given by that organisation in Belfast on Saturday night after the Leaguers of England had vanquished their Hibernian brethren by the narrow margin of three goals to two. The struggle was admittedly the sternest, themost strenuous, and, in short, the most superlative which the Irishmen have ever shown in this series of matches. Speaking generally, The Leaguers have been so easily the masters of the situation that with the exception of one match, at Stoke in 1895, they have smitten the elevens of Erin hip and thigh, and in that battle the visitors to the Potteries surprised both themselves and their friends. But even that brave show was eclipsed on Saturday at the Cliftonville ground, despite the fact that the IrishLeaguers were defeated. In the jargon of the athletic track they were beaten on the post, and that by the captain of the Englishmen—Stephen Bloomer—who shot the winning point in the last minute. Of course, it may be urged that the referee, Mr. Tom Robertson, of Glasgow, ought to have allowed two goals to England—goals which he declared illegitimate, but this is argument is in argument in a circle. We cannot alter his ruling, though we may not see eye to eye with him, and so, therefore, it appears useless to insist upon that point. Ireland had plenty of chances to tread on the neck of the Sassenach, but they failed to take them at the crucial moment. England were deprived of a valuable forward for the greater part of the game, and yet they notched the more points. Therefore they are the victors, and entitled to all the spoils. Small profit can accrue from discussing the "ifs” and the "ans,” for, as the old proverb saith, if “ifs” and “ans” were pots and pans, there would be no trade for the tinkers.
JOTTINGS ON THE JAUNT
But I have overrun MY story, and had best turn back. On Preston platform last Thursday night one met groups of football diplomats and players who were all bound to Belfast by the stout ship Duke of Cornwall. When we had discovered each other, and sorted ourselves out at Fleetwood, I found that my fellow travellers included Mr. J. J. Bentley, Mr. T. H. Sidney, Mr. H. S. Radford. Mr. W. McGregor, Mr. J. McKenna, Mr. H. Keys, Mr. Albert Duckworth, all representative of League football, and Mr. Tom Charnley, the new secretary of the body. There were all the players who were chosen, and one who was called in on emergency, Tom Crawshaw, Sheffield Wednesday, the reserve man, instead of Fred Forman, of Nottingham Forest. The Duke of Cornwall ploughed her way through the waves, but the obedience she paid to Father Neptune did not conduce to the comfort of some the players who had never travelled further than across the Mersey ferry at Liverpool. If professional footballers they were amateur sailors, but the tossing of the crossing was treated lightly next day when our feet were on “terracotta," as Mrs. Malaprop would say, once again. When within Belfast Lough there was much interest even landsmen, for this stretch of water was crowded with craft. As we steamed gently along, not more than five knots an hour here, we passed the Cedric, now on the stocks. She will be the largest vessel afloat, and this White Star liner looked a huge monster with her immense bulk all in view. The riveters, who were hammering for dear life on her top deck, looked mere midgets, and fine liner, the Keemun, which has been built for the China trade, with a carrying capacity of over 11,000 tons, and a length of over 480 ft., appeared comparatively small as she glided over the water for the adjustment of her compasses. All these incidents were of interest to the football folk, who enjoyed a walk round Belfast ere departing to Newcastle, in Co. Down, where the Slieve Donard Hotel was made the headquarters. This beautiful resort, situated on a pleasant bay, commands a clear view of the rugged and forbidding looking Mourne mountains. It was intended to enjoy a drive amid the scenery, but the weather was so damp, so disappointing, and so drenching that coaching was out of the question. The delights of the mountains had to give way to the charms of the ping-pong table, and the seductions of billiards. The cleverest cueists proved to be Tom Booth, of Everton, and Tom Crawshaw, of Sheffield Wednesday: indeed, they eclipsed all others. But the Everton captain has such a dainty touch, and yet such power of cue. that hetwice made breaks over 70. Betimes on Saturday the Belfast and County Down Railway carried us back to the capital Ulster, where the match was the one topic of interest among footballers.
ALL SQUARE AT BREATHING TIME.
Fortunately, the weather was glorious, and the arena of the Cliftonville, the oldest and the premier club in Ireland, was in excellent condition, although the grass is worn in places. This, the second home of the Cliftonville, is beautifully situated, nestling as it does in the valley below Cave Hill. With the additional accommodation recently erected, the enclosure easily accommodated modated 12000 people, the gate being the largest ever seen at Inter-League game in Belfast. When Bloomer led the Englishmen, they were received with encouraging cheers, but an ovation was reserved for the men in green, with the shamrock leaves on their breasts. John Darling, the Irish captain, named the coin, and with such dash did his men throw themselves into the tray that the visitors were promptly placed on the defensive. Still the opportunities made were lost by the irresolution McKelvey, Pratt, and Kirkwood in point of goals. The Hibernians seemed to overwhelm their opponents at first, and Iremonger being guilty of hesitation he failed to clear his lines. James Campbell beat him and shot grandly, but Baddeley kicked the ball away at the expense of a corner. That was all he had time to do, but the corner was not productive, for Calvey made tracks and looked like going full steam ahead until near the centre line, when Wattieintervenedin the argument and checked his progress. But this same Wattie, the Glentoran half-back, was penalised for a slight infringement, and from the free-kick Calvey frozeon to the ball and scored the very first time the Englishmen attacked in a body. Perhaps the goal was trifle lucky, for Calvey’s shot at one time seemed likely to travel outside the goal, but the leather came in contact with the insideof the post, and its bounce dodged Lewis, who, however, did not seen too spry for the emergency. Thus England led at the end of six minutes, and they maintained their attack, Lipsham. Bloomer, and Hogg all co-operating nicely. The forwards advanced in line, and Calvey again shot into the net, but the referee held that he was of side. To me it seemed that he was always behind the other forwards and took a side pass and dashed clean between the backs. But the Irishmen rallied, and Kirkwood missed a grand chance of equalising, for he had a beautiful opening. Again the game veered round, and Sagar tested Lewis with a ground shot. From the throw-out the Irish forwards combined in excellent style. They swung along at a thrilling pace, and their onslaught seemed to bode ill. This movement was commenced by Buckle beating Glover, and was excellently carried out until the crisis came. Then Campbell forced the concession of a corner, but it was a corner and nothing more. Again the home forces advanced, and I admired their pace and workmanship. Dan Nurse, however, was guilty of a foul, and Clay took the free kick. The ball went sailing along, and was actually going over the line, but yards from the goal, when Iremonger fouled Pratt by pushing him down. There was no necessity to do such a foolish thing, and the referee at once gave a penalty kick, from which Darling scored amid cheers. Thus encouraged the Irishmen put forth heroic efforts, and Buckle forced a corner, which he dropped nicely in front of goal. Baddeley tried to parry the danger, but there were many heads all bobbing at the ball at the same time. McKelvey bobbed the most accurately and he bobbed the ball into the net. Ireland led 2—l when thirty minutes had progressed, and the crowd was very pleased with the prospect, the players, themselves, and the world generally. The visitors tried desperately to get on terms, but they often marred their play by infringing the off-side law, and apparently did not notice that one of Irish backs often lay well forward. But when there were about five minutes to go Sagar tried to head a ball, and missing both it and McCracken by the fraction of a second he fell with all his weight on his left shoulder. It was easily seen that he was hurt, and on leaving the field for medical examination it was found that he had dislocated his collarbone. Even with four forwards England stuck manfully to their task, and two minutes before the interval Bloomer, accepting a pass, inside the post with a straight swift ball, which one might be pardoned for describing as one of his Derby patents. These give goalkeepers no quarter. And so the scores remained level at lemon time.
BLOOMER’S CROWNING GLORY.
The second half was just as valiantly fought, but was not quite fruitful of incident. England had still to worry along without the services of Sagar, and taking this fact into consideration, their attack left nothing to be desired. Calvey at once opened with a rare sprint which boded danger, but there was nothing more deadly than a barren corner. The Hibs retaliated on the right, when McKelvey bustled Iremonger, and that, requires a good deal of accomplishment. The Irish centre ought to have scored, but he shot indifferently on the ground. An excellent piece of play was shown by the left pair, for Buckle going inside, passed to Kirkwood, who went on the wing. Travelling at a nice turn of speed he rounded Glover, who hung on to him. Despite this, hemade an attempt to score, a fast flying shot which Baddley kept out. The left wing of the visitors retaliated, and Lipsham several times made single-handed efforts, greatly to his credit, and Hogg followed suit, while between the pair Calvey and Bloomer were showing some masterly football. But persevering and smart as the English leading quartette were, they found the home half-backs just as tenacious. From a pass by Morton, James Campbell rushed along and got in lovely centre, which Buckle ought easily to have turned to account. A gentle push withthe side of his foot would have done his team a great turn, but he lifted the ball on to the crossbar. It seemed strange that such a thing was possible. The English defence was severely tested, but it stood the strain, and Hogg dashed away across to the left, where Calvey took the ball and drew out the goalkeeper. He transferred to Bloomer, who had a clear course, even though one of the backs had gone into goal, but his effort was outside on the netting. Shortly after, McCracken badly wrenched his right ankle, which was so painful, and swelling so fast, that he had to take his boot off and be assisted to the dressing rooms. The English eleven were very busy again, but they had the mortification of seeing a goal apparently valid negatived. Lipsham ran on and centred nearly off the line, the ball being shot through, but off-side was given—a decision most could not understand, as the leather had touched Darling, who had gone right-back when McCracken retired before being played by the Sheffield United forward. There were many spirited raids by both sides, but minutes were ebbing away so fast it that a draw seemed almost inevitable, when Bloomer took a forward pass by Calvey, and although seriously troubled by the attentions of Clay, shot a beautiful winning goal, which gave Lewis no chance whatever —and so England won by 3—2 after a rare struggle.
AN IMPRESSION OF THE GAME.
On the whole the game was very even and well worth closely watching, as the movements were always fast. I am not so sure that the Irishmen were not quicker on the ball, and when once in their swing the forwards rushed along in well-nigh irresistible style. But they were assisted by the wing half-backs of England, for they gave them too much room scope. When once either Norse or McDonald were circumvented they swept onwards in a style which meant trouble for the backs. Of this fault in the wing half-backs the Irish were not slow to take advantage, while they had three capital men themselves in the intermediate line. Why Chorley should allow a centre half of the usefulness of Morton to play for the Belfast Distillery passes one’s comprehension. Save for their tendency to balloon the ball, the home backs were very good, but Lewis in goal never inspired confidence. In all he was beaten five times, and I think he might have diverted Calvey’s first shot which took effect. Beyond the weakness at half-back, the English Leaguers were not seriously to be blamed, and as a whole the eleven was nicely balanced.
THE ENGLISH ELEVEN.
In goal Baddeley acquitted himself well, but he was not given the opportunity he was probably yearning for, as the Irish forwards excelled everywhere but in front of goal. I am sorry to say that I have seldom seen Glover to so little advantage. Often he missed both the man and the ball, and was left with a stern chase against such a fast outside left as Buckle. His mistiming was awkward for his side, but he improved in the second half. Despite the penalty given against Iremonger for a comparatively trivial offence, over which he was very annoyed, the Nottingham Forester was a long way the best back on the field, and yet he was prone to hesitation near goal. The only half-back of initiation was booth, who played like a schemer, making nicethoughtful little touches. Nurse and McDonald did not give their club form, for they seemed strangely at sea, although the former was towards the close useful in defence. All the visiting forwards were excellent, but I should give the palm to Bloomer, for apart from the glorious goals he got, he was ever seeking opportunity and doing his full share of the fighting his deft, quick passes along the ground being us useful as his shots. Tom Robertson told me after the that he had often been disappointed in Bloomer, and that he never saw him play so fine a game. Always useful Hogg seems to have contracted one curious habit, for he at first rushes hard for the opposing back, but putting the brake on five or six yards away gives his adversary ample time to clear his lines. In passing out to his wings, and in crashing at goal, was Calvey was a capital centre; a big, busting and busy man. Up to the time of his accident Sagar was playing well, but he will require rest now. Lipsham did a lot of work, and did it well, though he is a forward somewhat lacking in resource.
CONCERNING THE IRISHMEN.
Of the Irishmen, the left wing was the more consistent and the cleverer, for Buckle and Kirkwood were a fine pair, full of life and enthusiasm, backed by speed and a fair measure of science. Buckle, who is only a youth of 18, was the “baby” of the team, but he is very promising infant, and acquitted himself well, despite the goal he did not get. Campbell and Pratt were both short of practice. The former seemed to lack control of the ball in the first half, but after the interval he was quite a changed man, dribbling and middling in approved style. Pratt, who hurt his foot against Belfast Distillery, intended to have a special training, but he had to nurse himself from the previous Saturday, and I heard that he had only played twice or thrice this season. Some things he did were clever, and others indifferent. But there is plenty of football in this young man, and he is likely to develop, as he has every physical advantage allied with a natural aptitude. But he, like McKelvey and all the Irish forwards, were poor marksmen. Perhaps they lacked headpiece and confidence near goal. I am sure they did most of their shooting with their toe’s instead of their instep. That is the place to get the ball and flush it into the haven. Darling was the best half-back in a hard-working if unpolished line, and perhaps luckless McCracken was the better of the backs, although Clay was useful.
England;- Baddley (Wolverhampton Wanderers); Glover (Liverpool), Iremonger (Nottingham Forest); Nurse (West Bromwich Albion), Booth (Everton), McDonald (Notts); Hogg (Sunderland), Bloomer (Derby County), Calvey (Nottingham Forest), Sagar (Bury), and Lipsham (Sheffield Wednesday).
Ireland- Lewis (Glentoran); McCracken (Distillery), Clay (Belfast Celtic); Darling (Linfield), Morton (Distillery), Wattie (Glentoran); Campbell (Cliftonville), Pratt (Bohemians), McKelvey (Glentoran), Kirkwood (Belfast Celtic), and Buckle (Cliftonville).  Referee, T. Robertson, Glasgow. 

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 13 October 1902
MR. A.J. BARKER
If there is a referee who covers ground quicker than any other, he is Mr. A.J. Barker. This is his own oft-expressed opinion, and he should knew. Then too, he has an idea that he has covered as much ground as any other official by iron steed- at any rate, during the past seven years. Last month we find that to fulfil his engagements at Portsmouth, Reading, Bristol, Blackburn, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Bolton, and Derby he reached a total mileage approaching 1,700. His fleetness of foot is accounted for by the fact that he is in possession of 50 prizes gained on the track, most of them over the quarter, though he has also met with success at 100 yards, quarter hurdle, and a mile flat, so that, unlike most runners, he was fit for any race in the days of his youth.
A native of Hanley, he is still a resident of that town, and is thorough “Potter.” It is scarcely necessary to add that he is an earnest football enthusiast. He was one of the organisers of the Newcastle Swifts, and for eight seasons wielded the secretarial pen. He was one of the leaders of the First League formed in Staffordshire-which, alas, enjoyed the existence of one season only- but he then founded the South Stafford and District League, and by acting as secretary for five seasons may be said to have launched it successfully. He established the North Staffordshire Referees’ Club, and has been the secretary for the past six years. He was also the first junior representative on the Staffordshire Football Association, and since his election in 1890 has only missed two meetings -once owing to the summons being miscarried, and again through a misunderstanding. Other honorary appointments held by him locally are;- Treasurer of the North Staffordshire Half-Holiday League, vice-president of the Hanley and District Association and assistant hon, secretary of the Sentinel Charity Competition, so that it may fairly be said he is a good friend to Staffordshire football. He has never played International, ‘tis true, but he has rubbed shoulders with them, and one of his earliest club colleagues was W. Rowley, and later Alf Underwood, while one of his Newcastle protegee was Joe Turner, of Southampton. It is mainly as a referee that he is known to the public during the last decade. He has controlled most of the fiercest local battles-such as Liverpool and Everton, Sunderland and Newcastle, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton and Bury, Manchester City and Newton Heath, Bristol City and Bristol Rovers, Portsmouth and Southampton, Tottenham and Southampton, Aston Villa and Small heath, Aston Villa and West Bromwich, and Stoke and Burslem, a list which forms conclusive evidence of the faith reposed in him by the controllers of the highest club football. We trust he will long retain that confidence, for good referees are scarce.

EVERTON v.  GRIMSBY TOWN
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 13 October 1902
This match was played at Goodison Park. There were numerous changes in the Everton team, as will be seen from the following list of players;-
Everton,- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Clark, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Grimsby Town.- Spendiff, goal; Mountain and Gardner, backs; Hemingfield, Gray, and Nelmes, half-backs; Fletcher, Harper, Appleyard, Long and Singleton, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Stott.
Everton having lost the toss, Bowman, who played in place of Young, commenced operations from the Stanley Park end, before about 12,000 spectators. Sharp put in some useful work, but the home contingent were soon forced back on their own lines. Taylor was penalised in midfield, but Everton soon came back to the attack, and a palpable chance as missed by Brearley. Soon afterwards, however, some excellent work was put in by the homesters, and at the finish Bowman passed to Brearley, who scored a very brilliant goal five minutes after the commencement of the game. From the centre the visitors came along on the left and right, Appleyard finishing with a fine shot. Subsequently Singleton and Long made a dangerous raid along the Grimsby left wing, but Wolstenholme presented a stern front, the attack being beaten off. The Everton forwards had now got fairly well settled in their opponents’ territory, and their tactics in front of Spendiff to have a good result. Bowman passed out to the left, and Bell sent in a really beautiful shot, which the Grimsby custodian forced over the bar. It was a masterly effort, as Bell’s drive must have proved successful nine times out of ten. Grimsby commenced a rather long attack by means of their left wing, which got well up, but when Long tried a shot he was confronted by Balmer, who beat him all to pieces. A free kick against Grimsby failed to clear them out, as they came back on their right, and after some clever moves Harper shot wide. The visitors were further assisted by a free kick against Everton, and this led up to a corner which was forced by the left wingers. The corner yielded nothing tangible, but as the ball was being carried down the field Mountain met it and sent in a long shot, which sailed right over the top of Everton’s goal. The Evertonians’ front rank came away in unison, although the movement was not dangerous. Long came into collision with Wolstenholme, and respond on his back for several minutes, and ultimately he was assisted to the hoardings, where the doctor attended to his leg, which was evidently rather badly damaged. As soon as play was resumed the Evertonians took flight in business-like fashion, and meeting with little opposition in their progress, Brearley was soon within shooting distance and tested Spendiff smartly. A free kick against Wolstenholme gave the visitors an opportunity to make headway, but the advantage was almost immediately nullified on account of one of the Grimsby players making a foul charge. The ball was captured by the Evertonians immediately after the throw in, and again the right wingers made headway, and as it turned out success awaited the Evertonians at the end of this move. The defence was rather shaky for a moment, and the ball coming in from the right, the goal was at once in danger, Bowman putting on the finishing touch and scoring No.3 for Everton. Everton was soon on the move as soon as the restart took place, and the leather was manipulated cleverly on the right. Gardner and Mountain were quite unable to hold the home front rank in check when they came to close quarters, and a couple of good shots by Sharp and Brealey were well nigh successful. At last Sharp got the leather at his toe, and centred it with mathematical accuracy, so that Spendiff was quite unable to resist Bowman’s drive, and the fourth goal was scored for Everton. The fishermen now paid Kitchen a visit, but there was very little strength in their attack, which was conducted on the left. After a few exchanges, Clark stepped in and checked, but Kitchen had to fist out from Appleyard a little before the whistle sounded. Half-time; Everton 4, Grimsby nil.
Appleyard commenced the second half, and for a minute or two the visitors looked like getting through, but at length Balmer cleared them out, and the ball went from the half backs to the left wing. Bell passed inside again, and the sphere was taken up to within shooting distance of the Grimsby goal, when Bowman sent in a terrific shot, which struck the crossbar, and as the ball was curling in Spendiff caught it and cleared. The effort of each player was cheered to the echo, but before the other players had time to effect a thorough clearance Sheridan came into possession and sent the side of the Grimsby goalpost. Another dangerous move by Everton came after Clark had tipped the ball forward. Bowman took possession and passed outside to Sharp who raced up and tried to get in his shot, but was hampered to such an extent that he failed to get command over the ball, which passed over the goal-line. The first success attended the East Coast men in a particularly simple manner. Singleton, Long, and Appleyard came away together in pretty fashion, and, evading all opposition, the outside man sent the leather in to Kitchen at a really difficult angle. The Everton custodian proved quite equal to the occasion, and brought off a particularly smart save with both hands. Harper, however, had the situation weighed up, and being close into goal received the ball in a most advantageous position, and beat Kitchen without the slightest difficulty. The operations leading up to this goal, and the final act of scoring were sop clean and simple that it was difficult to anticipate that they would be ultimately crowned with success. Nelmes scored a second goal.
Final; Everton 4 goals, Grimsby Town 2 goals.

EVERTON v  GRIMSBY TOWN
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 13 October 1902
At Goodison Park, before 12,000 spectators. From the start Everton pressed hard, and Brearley scored the first goal. Abbott followed in a few minutes with a second, and Bowman scored twice in a brief period, making four goals to nil at half-time. On changing ends it was seen that Grimsby were playing an improved game, and, after smart tactics, Harper scored for them. Everton then attacked vigorously, and the Grimsby goal had several marrow shaves, Clark and Bowman sending in terrific shots. Nelmes scored again for Grimsby before the finish. Result- Everton 4 Grimsby Town 2.
Everton,- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Clark, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Grimsby Town.- Spendiff, goal; Mountain and Gardner, backs; Hemingfield, Gray, and Nelmes, half-backs; Fletcher, Harper, Appleyard, Long and Singleton, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Stott.

EAST LANCASHIRE TEAMS.
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 13 October 1902
By William McGregor
Accrington used to play very nice football in those days. What a fine half-back George Howarth was. Eastham was a good footballer too, and so was J. Yates. And Church had some good men, too; a young forward named Hartley Gregson and R. Horrocks were the best men in the team so far as my memory serves me. Then Burnley in the days Sandy Lang, McFetteridge, and Dan Friel were a strong eleven; Jack Keenan was one of the smartest halves I have ever seen. Of the early days of Everton I need not speak; McGill is the oldest player I recall. Everton were admitted to the League with the idea that gate pooling would be instituted. They were not then one of the 10 leading clubs, but they were drawing very big crowds.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 18 October 1902
Everton v. Manchester City (Lancashire Cup)
The above match, which was anticipated to be played on Monday next, we believe is postponed till Monday, October 27.
Everton v. Aston Villa, At Birmingham; Lime-street Station 12; kick-off 3,30.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan and Bell, forwards.
Everton Combination v. Heywood United
At Goodison Park; kick-off 3.15
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Smith and Bucknall, backs; Clark, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Dixon, Monks, Olive, and Dilly, forwards.

ASTON VILLA v.  EVERTON
Sports Argus - Saturday 18 October 1902
MIDLANDERS WIN THEIR FIRST HOME MATCH
BUT EVERTON SHOW RATHER THE BETTER FORM
By “Argus Junior.”
Aston Villa played the part of hosts today, their guests being Everton - particularly welcome visitors because of the presence of two players who at one time did yeoman service for Birmingham football, and who are now doing ditto for the game in Liverpool—namely Sharp and Abbott. The Northern team was not quite up to full strength, Settle being unable to turn out after his temporary " knock out." Sheridan took his place. On the Villa side yet another alteration was seen. Wilkes, who got slightly injured last Saturday, having to stand down,and the right half-back position being taken by Noon. Notwithstanding its incapacity at Stoke the same front line formation was tried again.
The teams were:—
Villa;- George; Spencer, Evans; Noon, Wood, Leake; Clarke, Garratty, McLuckie, Bache, Niblo.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme, Balmer; Taylor, Booth (Captain), Abbott; Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, Bell.Referee; Mr. R.S. Carr (London).
A miserable morning was followed by a fine but dull afternoon. There were about 15,000 spectators present when the Villa, losing the toes, set the ball rolling from the Hall end. The Villa started in a very pretty way indeed, a capital burst of passing, chiefly on the right wing. leading their supporters to applaud,Leake, however, ended the effort with a shot which dropped over the bar. Everton were soon on the move, and first Spencer and then Evans averted danger in fine style. In fact, the smart and clever football by the visitors promised the crowd, which shortly attar the start had increased to 19,000 or 20,000, an anxious afternoon. The Villa, through Niblo, forced a fruitless corner. Away came Everton and Brearley missed by inches. Back went the Villa, and Clarke dropped the ball into goal, but Wolstenholme smartly kicked away the ball as it felt. It was then sent on to the top of the net by a Villa player, and after Clarke had another good try Everton were in the Villa goal month again. These rapid movements from end to end made the play, highly interesting. The Villa goal had a narrow escape from Bowman, and soon after, from Sharp, who, after cleverly dodging Evans, shot low and George was only just able to scoop the ball away. Playing with perfect understanding the Everton men worked in again, and a fine shot from Sheridan just skimmed the opposite upright. The Villa were not idle, but the visitors were playing the most effective football. The home lot went into it with a will, and shots were rained at the visitors' goal without taking effect. After Wood had dropped the ball on the top of the net Garratty tested Kitchen with a beauty following a corner. The custodian got it away, and another corner came to nothing, The Villa were stronger in attack than they were against Stoke, and for some moments they kept their opponents on the tiptoe of expectation by the way in which they were attacking. Fouls were gives against Wolstenholme and Taylor, the first for tripping, and the second for pushing. Another corner fell to the Villa, after several good tries at goal, and the reward at length come. Noon, with a curious, curling shot from over the eight yards' line, beat Kitchen thirty-seven minutes from the start to the huge delight of the crowd. Pressure by Everton gave Evans the chance of showing his skill, and then the Villa had hard luck in not scoring through Niblo and Wood. A hotly-contested half had been witnessed.
Half-time: Villa 1, Everton 0.
There was a disappointed "Oh" from the spectators, as within a couple of minute, of the restart the Villa, from a sharp scramble in the Everton goal-mouth. failed to get the ball through, the leather eventually going behind the posts. The home team immediately secured a corner, but this they could not improve upon. Everton made a big effort to get away, but the Villa defence were on the alert. Working their way along with vigour Garratty, with a grand shot, struck the upright as the whistle blew. Twice Garrett, shot afterwards, but the position was saved. Spencer cleared grandly and then the Villa came again, and Kitchen saved his charge in miraculous fashion from two close shots by Niblo, following the placing of the ball by Clarks. Everton sailed away, and there was a misunderstanding between Leake and Evans. Bell worked in and, shooting at an acute angle, beat George, the custodian just getting the tips of his fingers on the ball in its flight into the net. The equalled came twelve minutes after the restart. Everton strove hard for some minutes to take the lead, but the Villa resisted the attack, and once more bore hotly upon Everton defence. Clarke, Garratty, and McLuckie being particularly active. Niblo and Bache forced a corner, but the latter, taking the kick, placed the ball in the side of the net. The Villa had more of the play than their opponents, but failed to improve their clever midfield work, whereas when Everton got away they shot hard, and the Villa goal was in jeopardy. George punched away nasty shots from Taylor and Sharp, and then fell full length in trying to get at one which was sent across the goal by Bowman. After a strenuous attack Leake lifted the ball into the centre, and Garretty headed It past Kitchen from the rush—thirty-five minutes atter the resumption. The game was full of excitement now right up to the finish. The Villa quite deserved to win, and though Everton played clever for the ball the Villa showed a determined and vigorous front, and every man was a trier.
Final— Aston Villa 2 Everton 1 A
A LITTLE GOSSIP ON THE GAME
Considering that rain had fallen, the ground was in first-rate playing trim. This was due to the splendid barrage which had grown during the summer months. Indeed there will have to be some rough weather before the turf gets sloppy and cut-up. So far as the going is concerned, the Aston Park enclosure will readily compare with any football ground in the country-at present at ant rate.
The game was one of the best we have had at Aston this campaign. There was plenty of swing about the work. The ball was kept going merrily, and much of the football was of quite a delightful character. And it must be confessed that the Everton men quite held their own in the matter of pretty and effective work. The respective lines worked together excellently well, and not only was their footwork very clean and crisp, but their attacks were generally most effectively carried out.
In fact, in the essentially important point of cohesion and an ability to pull all one way, the Everton men came out of the trial splendidly. The forwards indulged in some capital work, and they gave some fine object lessons in the art of man-to-man passing, what time they sent the ball skimming over the blades of grass, Bowman, a big-boned Scottish player, was a good centre, and initiated many dangerous rushes, but Settle was missed. On the right wing, however, Sharp and Brearley were very prominent. The ex-Villa player has thickened out considerably, and he ran and centred very smartly, but though he often got the better of Leake, he paid a very great respect to Evans, albeit the old cronies played a scrupulously fair game against each other, and often chatted pleasantly together when the ball was away down at the other end.
The Everton defence was good, and there was not much to chose between the three half-backs. Still, everybody was delighted to see the way Abbott went about his business. He did many fine bits of work, and this notwithstanding that he had the most effective Villa wing to tackle. The visiting backs were very steady indeed.
Turning to the Villa, it is satisfactory to be able to say that there was again an improvement. Nay, in view of some of the exhibitions we have seen, both at home and away, there was a most decided improvement. The forward line were more effective than they have been in any other match this season. And this not because they did not register a plethora of goals. But there was more fire and dash about the line. McLuckie was not a flier as a “pivot”- he was more than once woefully out of his position, on one occasion being actually on the touch-line-but at times he made some judicious passes to the wings. Niblo and Bache did not work together as effectively as they might have done, the first-named being robbed of the ball when there was not the slightest occasion for it.
The left wing pair, Clarke and Garratty, were certainly the more effective couple, and the outside man ran and centred in something like the old Villa style. He was the best of the five, especially in the first half. Still, although there was a lot of determined, vigorous effort, there was a lack of effective line combination. It was gratifying, however, to see the manner in which any one of the five popped for goal whenever they had a likely chance. It was their pertinacity in this respect which saw Kitchen’s charge have some marvellously narrow escape. The home defence did not open any too well, but it showed up better in the second half. The halves were not above the average. Noon was inclined to get out of his place, and Spencer had often to go to his assistance. The line As a whole, too, lay too far behind their forwards at  times, and so did not give the first line the proper support. Behind, Spencer played a beautiful game. On one occasion in the first half Geoge was again guilty of leaving his goal very badly, and it was more by good luck than anything else that the home side had not a point scored against them. The Villa win, it is true, but the team generally will have to be more solidified if the big stretch of lost ground is to be made up.

ASTON VILLA v. EVERTON.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 20 October 1902
Played at Aston Villa before 25,000 spectators. Playing with more dash and cohesion than usual the Villa were frequently dangerous in the early stages, but Sharp troubled the home defence. Noon scored for the Villa who well deserved to lead at the interval by 1 goal. Recommencing in business like style, the Villa occasioned their opponents much anxiety, McLuckie and Bache nearly getting through. Twelve minutes from the restart the home backs blundered,, and Bell equallised. After Abbott had unlucky failed to give Everton the lead, the Villa played brilliantly and Garratty managed to put the Villa ahead and give them a victory by 2 goals to 1.

Villa v Everton
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 20 October 1902
Prior to Saturday Aston Villa had gone a goodish spell at home without winning a League match. That the Villa deserved their aucoess cannot be denied. They played a much smarter game than had hitherto characterised their efforts this season. There was a very gratifying improvement in the work of the forwards, and McLuckie led the attack, while Garratty was a tremendous worker, and his second goal was splendid effort. The Villa halves were not up to the usual standard. The Villa defence, usual, was magnificent. Everton played pretty football, Jack Sharp in particular giving fine show. He was yards too fast for Leake, and his centres were always dangerous. Bowman in the centre missed one or two chances. Booth and Abbott were fine in the halfback line, but Alee Taylor was hanging out signals of distress long before the finish. Balmer kicked well, and Wolstcnholme, apart from one blunder, was a success at back.

THE TURN OF THE TIDE.
Athletic News - Monday 20 October 1902
By Brum
Many weeks have the Villa patrons waited for victory. Lurk has been against them, and all seemed lost, but suddenly the tide has turned, and we shall see more victories yet. Twenty thousand people saw the Villa victory, and most of these went away glad. It was seen pretty early in the game that the Villa meant business, for the forwards whipped the ball about in a way that quite won the heart of the crowd. There was nothing tangible from the first minutes play, but everyone could see that they meant putting more energy into their operations. So much earnestness was apparent, indeed, that any less stalwart defender than Balmer must have put the Everton side in tight place many time. The way in which the Everton back came out neck or nothing struck everyone; it was plucky, clean, and intelligent. Would that more of our backs would take pattern from men of the Balmer, Spencer, and Crompton stamp.
POINTS OF PLAY
During the first half the Villa fairly earned three goals. These goals should have accrued from sheer pertinacity, for there was no mistaking the Villa's play. Anyhow, the Villa went off with a goal lead and everyone was pleased with the events so far as they had gone. It is no bluster when one says that they ought to have been three in front. But for Jack Sharp’s sprints the Everton side would have been well behind. Albert Evans and Jack Sharp know each other fairly well, and with all their keenness it was a real pleasure to old followers to see them tuck in good humoredly and honestly. I did not think too kindly of some of the referee’s pronouncements. The second half ran through on much the same lines as the first “forty-five’ for the workmanlike tactics of the home side came as a surprise to the opposition. The lethargy of the Villa in previous struggles may have had something to do with it, but there was no getting away from the Villa's push. It was unusual and somewhat unlooked for, but very welcome. The outside wings got clear time and again, but while Clarke tried for a centre to the farther post, Niblo let go blindly with a shot that might have scored once in a thousand times. Booth, in the meantime, played a masterly game, and twice in succession kept out dangerous centres from Clarke. Despite Abbott’s yeoman work, Garratty broke through again. By sheer hard play, the forwards kept the ball going to the Everton goal, and the result of long pressure was that Clarke headed across a shot from the opposite wing right into the goalmouth, and Garratty bobbed up at the right moment, and put it into the net. The concluding stages were all in favour of the Villa people, and they met with their just reward when they claimed a victory by two goals to one.
THE VICTORIOUS  “VILLANS."
There was more vigour and go about the Villa’s play than there has been for many a long day, and it was owing purely to energy that they won. The ball was kept going better, and there was a semblance of combination. George did some splendid things, and Spencer like the Spencer of old. Evans was a hit rushed by the right wing, but fairly held his own. The half-backs were more reliable. Noon coming out really well on the right. Leake was better in attack than defence, and made good centres when the Villa were pressing, but a singular lapse must be counted against him, inasmuch as he was responsible for the right wing breaking away and leaving an open space too big for Evans to cope with. Wood worked all through with rare energy, but be was so hard pressed with work that he had little chance to excel in feeding. The forward line as a whole showed vast improvement. Garratty being responsible for much of the dash infused into the work. He was always on the go, always eager, and always had a rasping shot whenever he got within range.  Clarke did some good things, and made his shots and centres with infinitely more discretion than Niblo, of the opposite wing. M'Luckie was as unfortunate as ever. It was not bad play that led to his breakdown more often than not but bad luck. They seemed to know McLukie’s tactics, so that he had little room in front of goal to display his clever footwork. Bache and Niblo made two fairly good individualists on the left-wing, but both hung on the ball too long, forgetful of the new idea of sweeping it across goal as often as possible. Their hard work entitled the Villa to the victory.
IMPRESSIONS OF EVERTON
Kitchen made several wonderfully good saves, especially when Bache and Niblo were dangerous. Balmer worked magnificently, and appeared quite anxious to throw his leg to the farthest goal. Booth and Abbott were splendid in defence, the old “Heathen” getting in one or two of his old-time returns in the hope of scoring. Bell lay off-side a good deal, and was lucky in being legitimately placed when he scored. Most of the forward work, however, was done by the others, and Jack Sharp played a big part. Both Brearley and Sheridan did well, but I doubt if Bowman is as good as their usual centre, Young. Naturally, the Villa patrons were elated, and they cheered their loudest as the teams went off the field. Aston Villa;- George; Spencer, and Evansl Noon, Wood, Leake; Clarke, Gareritty, McLuckie, Bache, and Niblo.  Everton; Kitchen; Wolstenholme, Balmer; Taylor, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, and Bell.  Referee; Mr. R.S. Carr, London. 

EVERTON RESERVE WIN EASILY
Athletic News - Monday 20 October 1902
By Junius
There was a capital crowd present at Goodison Park to welcome Heywood United, the best gate of the season so far as Combination matches are concerned.  The game provided some fairly interesting football, though Everton had matters pretty well under their control throughout.  Rankin and Clive scored before the interval, and afterwards Dilly added a couple, whilst Rankin finished with a fifth and the visitors being beaten pointless.  Had the Everton forwards displayed more judgement near goal the result must have been more decisive in their favour.  Rankin was a great sinner in this respect, despite the excellent manner in which he was attended to by Clive, who played a capital game.  Russell also was a distinct success at centre half, hard-working and effective withal, and Everton appear to possess a very useful recruit in this player.  For the visitors Thorpe gave a good display at left-half, whilst Hallows, the Lancashire County cricketer, shaped well in the opening half, but fell away after the interval.  The Heywood defence was extremely sound, and in this respect the team deserves much credit.  But the front rank acted in very ragged fashion and it was in this department that Everton showed a decided superiority. 

ASTON VILLA 2 EVERTON 1
October 20, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Everton have been so conspicuously successful of late that their supporters did not view with anything like alarm the outcome of their visit to Birmingham on Saturday. The game possibly was more serious for the Villa than it was for Everton, because the far famed Birmingham organisation are at the present time sadly in need of points. Everton had again the advantage of the service of Booth, while on the Villa side there was but one change, Noon coming into the team vice Wilkes. The teams lined up as follows : - Everton: - Kitchen, goal Wolstenholme, and Balmer, backs, Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Brearley, Bowman Sheridan and Bell, forwards. Aston Villa: - George, goal, Spencer, and Evans, backs, Noon Wood, and Lecke, half-backs, Clark, Garrity, McLuckie, Bache, and Niblo, forwards. Referee R.F.Carr Capital work by Taylor put the Everton forwards in possession, and the Villa backs were kept busily employed. Sharp eventually got in a smart centre, to which, Spencer applied his head, and returning again George, had to save from a charge down by Taylor from Wood. The pace was exceptionally well strung, and slowly but surely the Everton forwards appeared to be getting the measure of the opposition half-backs. After a lengthly pressure the Villa left wing again made some progress, and following a wide pass out from Garraty to Niblo the latter was about to centre, when Wolstenholme just reached the ball, and put it outside. In a twinkling the ball was at the other end of the field, but George was not troubled. During the next two minutes it was quite evident that Everton defenders had trouble in store for them, from the Villa right wing. On one occasion Clark put in a brilliant shot which, Wolstenholme kneed out of the goal mouth. Immediately following a magnificent effort from Niblo just skimmed the bar at terrific speed. The attack however, was not sustained, and racing along the left Bell looked like slipping through, when Spencer tripped him up a couple of yards from the penalty line. Abbott placed the free kick well, but Evans headed away, and a moment later Brearley put the ball to Bowman, and it was only to be sheer luck that Evans met his man and enabled George to clear. Then McLuckie had practically an open goal, but got his toe too much wide of the ball and scooped it on the right side of the net. Some very fine passing on the part of the Everton forwards followed. Sharp finished up exceptionally tricky run by shooting hard at George, who only partially cleared. The ball went to Abbott, and the custodian was again called upon. Hereabout the Villa put forward one of the old time efforts. Persistent pressure was experienced at the Everton citadel. With a crowd of players in front of the goalmouth Noon displayed splendid judgement, putting the ball clean into the net. This success came after play had been in progress thirty-five minutes, and the supporters of the Villa gave full vent to their enthusiasm. Every inch of the ground was now contested, and conspicuous among the Everton forwards was Brearley, who on one occasion nearly scored. Following the clearance Niblo, got several times round Wolstenholme, and as once before during the game, Balmer managed to get his knee to the ball and looked like beating Kitchen all the way. A breakaway by Bell and Sheridan resulted is nothing but a fitful shot for George. Play was in midfield when the whistle blew for the interval. Half time Aston Villa 1; Everton nil.
The game was resumed in the presence of 20,000 spectators, and play opened somewhat quietly. The Villa were the first to attack by an aggressive movement. Play was taken up by Clark and Garraty. Abbott was penalised, and a free kick brought about a melee in front of Kitchen. McLuckie while on the ground almost diverted the ball into the net, and after Everton had paid a useless visit to the other end, Niblo was pulled up for offside, when in a favourable positions, and afterwards Bell put in a couple of fine centre, but they were not turned to account. Then a stoppage was occasioned owing to an injury to Wood. After a splendid run by McLuckie, Garraty, with a beautiful shot, struck the upright, and the decision of the referee in ruling him offside was not relished by the crowd. The Everton goal was now hotly assailed and it was wonderful how it missed capture on several occasions. The Villa at this period were playing for all they were worth. Kitchen twice saving marvellously when yards from the goal mouth. Suddenly the Everton right took the ball down in fine fashion, and from a misunderstanding between Leake and Evans as to who should clear Sharp dashed in and put the ball across to Bell, who judged it well, and gave George no chance with the equalising goal. Garrarty scored a second goal for the Villa tem minutes from the finish. Final result Aston Villa 2, Everton 1.

EVERTON RESERVES 5 HEYWOOD UNITED 0
October 20, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination
At Goodison Park. Everton were the better side throughout. Rankin opened the scoring late on in the first half, Clive adding another before crossing over. After the interval Dilly (2) and Rankin added to the score, and Everton won by 5 goals to nil. Everton: - Whitley goal, Smith, and Bucknall, backs, Clark, Russell, and Makepeace half-backs Rankin, Dixon, Monks Clive and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
October 20, 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton on Saturday somewhat be smirched their proud record, which they had been building the last few weeks. Since they started to acquire points on the 20 th September they have played such brilliant football that as the outcome of five matches, three of which were from home they scored eight out of a possible ten points. Their visit to Birmingham however, put an end to this sequence of success for Aston Villa managed to emerge from a well-contested game by the narrow margin of two goals to one. The victory was particularly gratifying to the Villa supporters seeing that it was the first that the team had gained at home this season. One has heard more than once since the season started about the decline in the ability of the team, which now does duty in the famous Birmingham club. Last Saturday's performance, however, must to a great extent rehabilitate the side in the good opinions of their still enthusiastic followers. At times their display recalled the best days of the Villa. There might not have been quite the same science in their movements, but the old-time fire and dash of the forwards were asserted in almost irresistible fashion.
The Villa deserved their victory, as the run of the play for the most parts was in their favour. At the same time it would not have been surprising had the game resulted in an equal division of points. One of those overpowering rushes which was indulged in about a quarter of an hour before the game closed produced a clever goal for which Garrity was in the main responsible. This point was as acceptable to the twenty thousand Birmingham spectators as it was disappointing to the few hundred Liverpool football enthusiasts who had made the journey to the Midland city. Although beaten, Everton made a brave show, and they had this consolation that they participated in one of the most interesting displays which have been seen at Aston Park this season. By reason of his former association with the Villa, the crowd watched the movements of Jack Sharp with especial interest and the clever and speedy Everton outside right certainly gave them every reason to admire his deft and dexterous flashes along the wing. No members of the Everton team appeared to greater advantage than did Sharp. Time after time his wonderful turn of speed, apart from his smart command of the ball, extorted the applause of the great throng of spectators and it was no fault of his that several admirable chances were not turned to account. Rather was the non-success of Everton due to the wonderfully fine back play of Spencer and Evans, the former of whom kicked and tackled in his best international style. The Villa half-backs too, lost very few opportunities of breaking up what were on occasions undoubtedly clever combined movements on the part of the Everton forwards, and in addition, were not slow in testing the opposing custodian with shots of exceptional merit. One in particular from Noon was very smart, and it was only by adopting the method he did that a point could possibly have been scored. The ball had been bobbing about the goalmouth, which was numerically well defended, and in putting in a dropping shot over the heads of his opponents, he contributed one of the many passages in which play fell outside the stereotyped groove. The Villa front line also excelled themselves, especially in comparison to previous exhibition they have recently given. This however, is scarcely surprising, seeing that for years past the Villa have invariably been on the top of their form when meeting their old and exteemed Everton opponents. Clark in particular gave a brilliant performance at outside right, and if he could be relied upon to always reproduce his form of Saturday last he would be one of the smartest outside men in the country. Well, as Balmer played, and more than once his judicious kicking saved his side, Clark troubled him very severely.
In view of the dangerous movements which the Villa wing men executed, it must be said that the Everton defenders did well in not allowing the Villa to score more than two goals. It was through no fault on the part of Kitchen that his side were beaten. He had a lot of work to do, and he discharged his task in a highly creditable manner. Wolstenholme however, hardly suggests that right back is his real position. To J.Bell fell the distinction of registering Everton's only goal, which was well worked for, but still this old servant of the Everton Club is beginning to realise that his turn of speed is not what it used to be. The result of this was seen in his tendency to lie as neat off-side as possible. Taking the game all through it was most enjoyable, and although Everton were the losing side, there is no reason why they of their followers should be disheartened with a reverse which even the best team in the country might easily have experienced.

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 20 October 1902
JOHN ADAMS
Like many of our prominent referees, Mr. John Adams is by profession a school-master, being in charge of the Birmingham City-road Board School, Upper Department. He has ever been a football enthusiast, first serving his apprenticeship as a player. For a matter of eleven years he figured chiefly as a centre forward, and was captain of his college team before throwing in is lot with Walsall Town, when they were playing the best clubs in the country. He is a native of Walsall, by the way, though of Salopian stock. In 1880 he gained a county badge by leading Birmingham forwards against the Scotch Counties, no mean honour in those days. Like the genuine enthusiast he is, the termination of his playing career did not sever his active participation in our national winter pastime, for he has been a member of the Birmingham Association for period of twenty-two years, during the last sixteen of which he has acted hon. treasurer. He is also chairman of the Finance and Referees’ Committees, and, what with examining candidates and giving lectures, his spare time is precious little. In appreciation of his services the Association presented him with gold medal in 1893. All this work, both as a player and Association representative, has been prompted by pure love of sport.
At close of his playing career in 1885 he turned his attention to refereeing, and ever since the inception the Junior Cup, seventeen years ago, he has refereed the final-tie. We wonder if any other holder of the whistle can claim anything like a similar record. For twelve years has refereed in matches under the auspices of the Football League, had the North v. South match at the Palace in 1901, theAmateur Cup final in I898, and will have reached the height of his ambition in this direction if he is fortunate to handle the Final before he retires. His name has been suggested more than once ere to-day. Like footballers he loves cricket, and had eighteen years’ experience of the game, and was a member of the Warwickshire County Committee when the club was first established in Birmingham. During the past five years he has thrown himself heart and soul into athletics. He was always inclined that way, however, and was secretary of the Walsall sports for five years in his younger days, when he gained some distinction on the path as a walker, while as cyclist he has toured the Rhineland and Norway. Nowadays he is in demand as a judge, but, as ever, secretarial work is his forte. He helped to form the Birmingham Athletic Institute, and has been the scribe ever since. The work entailed in connection with the Athletic Institute alone must be stupendous, for the syllabus and annual report necessitates a book of 39 pages, while the income of the club is the not inconsiderable sum of £1,689. To schoolboys, as well as adults, every inducement is made that they may become perfect in body and mind. Apart from his profession he is an advocate for physical culture, and practices what he preaches. Reverting to his refereeing, Mr. Adams is proud of the fact that during his career he has never had trouble with players, or bene mobbed by unruly spectators. He is the very acme of firmness, and doubtless players readily recognise that they cannot take liberties in his presence. His stentorian voice proclaiming “Play on” in dismissing mere technical appeals is pretty well known on most grounds in England, and we trust that he will continue to act for years to come-and that Mr. Adams will referee the English Cup final of 1903. The more exciting the game the more he likes it.

ASTON VILLA VICTORIOUS
Birmingham Mail - Monday 20 October 1902
There are, as I have pointed out before, a few so-called sportsmen in Birmingham who, when Aston Villa are carrying everything before them, indulge in the most fulsome flattery, but as soon as ever the tide of adversity sets in, instead of doing their utmost to encourage and support the players and the directors, metaphorically turn and rend them. These are the men who have been declaring for the last few weeks that the famous old club would be figuring in the Second Division. That the displays given by the players have been very disappointing indeed everyone admits, and the weeks have gone by without that longed for improvement, but the bitterness and abuse introduced by some self-constituted critics into their effusions have been uncalled for. It would not be surprising to be told by these same gentlemen now, that the Villa team is the finest in the land, and that they are going on from victory to victory until they head the League. This is the sort of thing that your club manager had to submit to, but if he is wise he takes but little notice of such outbursts. There is no need to become hysterical over a single victory or even the succession of failures we have witnessed. The Villa won on Saturday; it was their first home victory, and they have a long way to go yet. The struggle in the League is going to one of the keenest this season. Still Aston Villa's victory was a triumph thoroughly deserved. At one time it really looked as if Everton would succeed in dividing the points, but then rare “Billy" Garratty gave his aide the lead, and his colleagues saw that they maintained it. Two goals to one sufficed, but if it had been four to one if would not have been more than the victors deserved, and in saying so, do not Iet it be imagined that Everton were so much inferior.  Nothing of the kind; they played a splendid game, but their goal escaped marvellously on two or three occasions. Once, on the other hand, it looked as if the Villa goal would fall, for George ran out and lost the ball, but Evans cleared, while how Kitchen saved his charge I do not suppose even he could tell. It was a fine game from start to finish, right down good football was shown by sides, in fact it was the sort of play that one might expect when Aston Villa and Everton meet. When these clubs were in the zenith of their fame none played such scientific football, and there was at times on Saturday something to remind one of those days. Ido not mean to say it equalled the displays either side gave when at their best, but it the prettiest and most splendidly-contested game seen at Villa Park this season. I have on several occasions complained of the Villa half-backs not supporting the forwards sufficiently; in this match it was by giving that support that the Villa got the lead. The Everton defence checked the forward rush of their opponents, but Noon was followed up, pounced on the ball, and lifted it prettily just out of the reach of Kitchen into the net, while the second goal came from a judicious pass by Leake. It was very gratifying to bestow praise upon the home forwards. McLuckie opened the game out splendidly, Garratty was at his best, but Clarke, Bache, and Niblo all performed remarkably well, and as a line were more effective than they have hitherto been this season. In the half-back line Leake struck me as the weakest and Wood the strongest of a serviceable trio, but Noon must not be overlooked. It should be borne in mind that Leake had the most dangerous wing to deal with. What a fine game Evana and Spencer played, and George, too, made but one mistake, and that when he left his goal and lost the ball. On the other hand, Kitchen performed splendidly for Everton, Wolstenholme and Balmer were a sound pair of backs, but the equals of the Villa’s famous pair. The half-back line was very strong, and Abbott’s play demonstrated what a good man Small Heath lost when he left them. In the forward rank Sharp and Bell were the most conspicuous, while Bowman kept the men well together. The Lancashire cricketer and ex-Villa player was always a source of danger, and all through the game his passes and centres never went awry. It was a capital match, and the 20,000 spectators had full value for their money.

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 20 October 1902
At Aston, before 25,000 spectators. Playing with more dash and cohesion than usual, the Villa were frequently dangerous in the early stages, but Sharp troubled the home defence more than a little. Sheridan failed after a fine effort, and Noon scored for the Villa, who deserved to lead at the interval by at least one goal. Half-time-Aston Villa, 1; Everton, nil.
Recommencing in business-like style, the Villa occasioned their opponents much anxiety, McLuckie and Bache nearly getting through. Twelve minute from the restart the home backs blundered, and Bell equalised. After Abbott had unlucky failed to give Everton the lead, the Villa played brilliantly, and Garratty managed to put the Villa ahead and gibe them victory. Result;- Aston Villa 2 Everton 1.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan and Bell, forwards.
Aston Villa.- George, goal; Spencer and Evans, backs; Noon, Wood, and Leake, half-backs; Clark, Garratty, McLuckie, Bach, and Niblo, forwards.
Referee; R.F. Carr.

ASTON VILLA SHOW IMPROVED FORM
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 20 October 1902
Honour to whom honour is due; Aston Villa many honestly be congratulated on the improved form they showed on Saturday, and they fully deserved the victory they gained over Everton. As the corresponding match last year was drawn this represents a gain of one point to the Birmingham club, and though they still remain four from the bottom they stand high and dry above the teams behind them. If the improvement be sustained they will very soon take a very much higher position. It is the more pleasurable to say this because it seems to have become the fashion in some quarters to belittle everything they do just now. We all know very well the team have not bene playing up to form, but, surely, there is no reason why they should not be congratulated when it can honestly and fairly be done-as was the case on Saturday. And yet I noticed in one of the papers a big headline announcing the Villa’s success qualified with this astounding statement, “But Everton show rather the better form.” Why! I venture to say that every unbiassed parson who saw the game will agree that on the run of the play the Villa would have had no more than their deserts had they won by one or two more goals. But ‘twas ever thus; there’s always someone ready to 2kick a man when he’s down,” though it is not a very edifying spectacle after all. I am not going to argue that the Villa play realised its highest standard-far from it- but at least we had ample evidence that the whole team was composed of genuine tryers, and the work of both half-backs and forwards was superior to anything we have seen this season. It may be premised that each club had up a representative side, and the Villa tried the experiment of playing Noon at half-back instead of Wilkes. The more was sufficiently successful to warrant a further trial. Everton went off at a rare pace, and at the start looked like making matters very warm for the Villa. And so they did for a time, but when once the home team settled down they had considerably the best of the exchanges, and it was only at intervals that they really threatened danger. Sharp on the right wing, and Bell on the left, were very smart on the ball, and being well served by the middle men they kept the Villa defence busy for the first quarter of an hour. On one occasion indeed the home goal had an exceedingly narrow escape, George, after effecting one smart save, coming out and leaving Bowman with an open shot. However, the later put the ball over the bar, and the Villa breathing freely once more, settled down to come genuine hard work. Garratty, McLuckie, and Bache all made excellent attempts, which with a little more luck must have met with success, but 37 minutes went by before the first goal came this being the result of a clever piece of play by Noon following upon a corner. The Villa held this lead until the interval, and for some time after this they were attacking the Everton goal most vigorously, though a steady defence, aided by not a little good fortune, kept then out, Garratty with a couple of beautiful shots missed only by inches, and Kitchen managed to intercept three volleys in quick succession from Niblo at short range. Everyone felt the Everton goal must succumb to this persistent pressure, when all of a sudden Sharp broke away, and Leake blundering, the Lancashire cricketer put the ball across to the other wing, where Bell, suspiciously like offside, met it, and with no one in front of him shot past George in the twinkling of an eye. This was rather disappointing to the home spectators, for it was the first breakaway Everton made in this half, whilst the Villa had made any number of attacks which quite deserved success. But they were not done with, and, buckling on their armour once, Garratty met a grand centre by Clarke, and amidst a ruck of players safely steered the ball into the net. It was a fine finish to a splendid effort, and was appreciated accordingly. The game all through was splendidly contested on both sides, and there is no denying the Villa fully deserved to win. It should do them a lot of good, and if one might venture a suggestion I should advise the committee to keep this team together a bit. They showed us they can play football. The defence, as usual, was sound as a nut, Evans and Spencer being quite on top of their form, and George clearing with all his well-known coolness and resource. The half-back line was all the better for the introduction of Noon, whose speed was of great value to his side. There were not such great gaps between the halves and forwards, and this had the effect of livening up the attack considerably. Wood in the centre was ubiquitous, his head-work being exceptionally fine. What I have said of the halves may be applied with equal force to the forwards. There was a crispness about their play, an earnestness, which have been sadly lacking of late, the shooting was better, and the men did not show such an inclination to hang on to the ball, though once now and again the old perverseness of spirit asserted itself. Still there was every indication of a desire to do their best, and this was encouraging if nothing else. Garratty played a fine game, and everyone was pleased when he crowned his efforts by scoring the winning goal. Everton have a finely-balanced side, a couple of extremely fast wing men, a smart centre in Bowman, and useful inside players in Brealey and Sheridan. Abbott and Booth were for a considerable time most conspicuous in a strong half-back line, and Balmer and Wolstenholme were a fine pair of backs. Kitchen had plenty of work to do, and he showed himself to be a clever custodian.

EVERTON v.  ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 20 October 1902
Played at Birmingham, before a crowd of about 25,000. Teams;-
Aston Villa.- George, goal; Spencer and Evans, backs; Noon, Wood, and Leake, half-backs; Clark, Garratty, McLuckie, Bach, and Niblo, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan and Bell, forwards. Referee; R.F. Carr.

Everton won the toss, and McLuckie prompt to time set the ball in motion. The home forwards at once rushed off on the right, and a splendid start by Clarke came within an ace of scoring, but Wolstenholme luckily intercepted it and kicked clear. The visitors then took up the running, Sharp and Brearley getting away in brilliant fashion, and the outside man looked certain of getting through when Evans, with supreme skill and judgement, rushed in and cleared again. However, the home players pulled themselves together, and from a breakaway on the right Clark shot in grandly, but Wolstenholme kicked clear. An attempt on the part of Taylor to break through was spoiled by Wood and the Villans again pressed, this time on the left, dangerous movements ending in Niblo sending in a shot that absolutely grazed the crossbar. The visitors after this again got down nicely on the left, and Bell sent in a shot which George kicked at rather riskily, but he managed to clear. This was only partially cleared by George, who was right out of his goal when Bowman got the ball, but the Everton centre, though within a few yards of the net, sent the ball spinning high over the bar. The visitors, who were playing really magnificent football, continued to have the best of the argument, and Bell sent in a nice shot, which passed right across the goal month. The Villa subsequently kept up a regular fusillade on Kitchen, and after the game had been in progress twenty-seven minutes, Noon sent in a glorious shot which completely beat the Everton custodian. This success was received with terrific cheers, and thus stimulated, the homesters continued to have matters all their own way. Both Wolstenholme and Balmer played up with rare pluck, and a dangerously placed corner was splendidly cleared. The Villa kept up the pressure with dogged persistence, and towards the interval they came several times in close proximity to Kitchen, Abbott on one occasion kicking out a dangerous shot from Garratty. The Birmingham players were still in front of the Everton goal when half-time came, and a regular ding-dong forty-five minutes terminated infavour of the Villa men by 1 goal to nil. There was a splendid attendance when the game was resumed, and the weather was brighter. After the usual exchanges the Villa got down, and from a free kick by Spencer, Garratty put in a dangerous shot, which Kitchen dealt with in masterly fashion. Balmer then served up well, and the visitors got down on the left, but Spencer cleared. The next movement of interest was a breakaway by the home left, but Niblo was obviously offside, when he attempted to shoot. The pace was not nearly so fast as in the first half, but there was nevertheless plenty of excitement, the Everton forwards making strenuous efforts to draw level. Some beautiful passing was witnessed, but both Spencer and Evans proved safe defenders, and time after time the invaders were sent out. An injury to Wood delayed the game some minutes, and when it was resumed Garratty rushed through at top speed and sent in a lightning shot, which shaved the upright. Everton played up strongly after this, and after some brilliant work Jack Bell was enabled to work his way through, and succeeded in planting the ball into the corner of the net, thus putting the Everton team on equal terms. Ten minutes before the finish Garratty, with a lovely shot, put his side ahead.
Result; Aston Villa 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.
SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Everton had hard lines in getting defeated on the Aston Villa ground on Saturday, as their play certainly deserved the recognition of a point at least. It was a hard-fought game, in which the players on both sides had to strain every effort, and one which brought out all the good qualities of forward play.

TOM ROBERTSON
Dundee Evening Post - Wednesday 22 October 1902
I overheard yesterday that Everton were anxious for the transfer of Tom Robertson, Dundee’s latest recruit. I am not yet in a position to say anything definite in the matters. It seems Everton know the equalities of Robertson. So do Hearts!

EVERTON V. NOTTS FOREST
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 25 October 1902
Last season; Everton 1, Forest 0
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 25 October 1902
At Goodison. The Forest got going first, but Balmer cleared splendidly, and the home left wing following up, Bell dropped the ball right in front of Linacre, but Brearley headed over. Frank Forman now got busy, being constantly fed, but he met his match in a Balmer, and when he centred Calvey missed a fine opening. An exciting scrimage under the Forest bar waqs the next feature. Linacre tipped the bar in trying to save; next moment he was sprawling on the ground and gave the first corner of the game to Everton. Nothing rewsulted, and the second corner off Iremonger also fell flat. Linacre, however, just after jumped again to a smart shot by Young and barel;y got the ball away with his finger-tips. The visitors were weak in front of goal. A penalty to Everton, Young being fouled by Warren, was saved by Linacre. At Lasty Young got through and scored. Half-time; Everton 1, Forest 0.
In the second half Everton showed great dash, and Linacre was kept particularly busy, one save while on the ground from Young being very fine. From a breakaway by the Forest Warren equalised. After this Everton pressed continuously, but could not pierce Forest's fine defence. Result; Everton 1, Forest 1.

Jack Robertson
Portsmouth Evening News - Saturday 25 October 1902
Robertson, the Glasgow Rangers' left halfback, and late of Southampton, has been approached for enlistment in tha Portsmouth ranks. Jack Robertson was born at Dumbarton in 1877. His height is 5ft. 8in., and weight list. 11st 71b. He is a polished player, most scientific in his methods, and has marvellous knack of doing the right thing at that right moment. He became the sixth forward in attacking game, a quality which doubtless comes from having played forward for Southampton. He lett Greenock Morton when 17 years old to to Everton, which club had his services when he got his first cap in 1898. Robertson has played four times for Scotland against England, in 1898. 1899, 1900, 1901; and against Wales and Ireland in 1901.

EVERTON 1 NOTTS FOREST 1
October 25, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Walter Abbott, penalty saved by Linacre.
Glorious weather prevailed on Saturday, when the return game between these teams took place at Goodison Park. Supporters of the Everton club were sanguine as to the result of the game, for the Foresters had the previous week been defeated at home by Stoke. Young reappeared in the Everton team, while the Forest made several changes. The teams were : - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Wolstenholme, and Balmer, backs, Taylor, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards. Notts Forest: - Linacre, goal, Iremonger, and White, backs, Henderson, Warren and Robinson, half-backs, Fred-Forman, Stevenson, Calvey, Morris and Spouncer, forwards. Referee Fred Kirkman. Everton won the toss, and had the advantage of playing with the sun, at their backs. Calvey kicked off and after midfield play, Booth effected a fine clearance from a centre by Forman. Then the Everton right went down only to be pulled up for an infringement of the rules, and fruitless visits were paid to both ends, the defence on both sides being equal to all demands. In a twinkling, however, Sheridan gave Bell an opportunity to centre, and this he did in good style, Brearley being unfortunate in heading just over the bar. The Reds again bore down on Everton's charge, and when close in Wolstenholme kicked away a dangerous shot from Stevenson. Again returning to the attack Henderson presented an opening to Calvey, who however, sent the ball high over the bar. This was too much for the Evertonians who swooped down upon the visitors goal in rare style. Sheridan made a desperate effort to get through, and then Linacre diverted a fine shot from Abbott at the expense of a corner, which came to nothing. Balmer beat Forman in a little trial of skill, but the Reds were very persistent, and a foul against Taylor looked ugly. As it turned out the free kick was easily disposed of, and the next item was a run down, and an unsuccessful centre by Bell. Smart work by Abbott and pretty touches by Sheridan were applauded, but nothing tangible resulted, Iremonger gave a corner, and from this, when almost under the bar, Brearley headed over. Bell got well away on his own, but his final effort was feeble. Everton were now attacking with greater persistency than before, but Iremonger was a strong strength to his side. On both sides the shooting of the forwards whenever opportunity presented itself was decidently weak. The play all round was not of a very high standard, but was relieved by occasional brilliant individual efforts. For some time neither side could claim rash shooting lost much advantage and chances. A corner which, was conceded to Abbott brought no result, and then Young was badly brought down by Warren within the penalty line. Abbott was entrusted with the penalty kick , which Linacre saved in grand style at the expense of a corner. This was a great disappointment to the crowd, who, however, applauded Linacre for his cleverness. This let off encouraged the Reds, who worked their way to the other end, without however causing Kitchen anxiety. Soon Everton returned to the attack, and from a centre by Sharp, Abbott had hard lines. The home team, however, quickly gained the reward of good work. The right wing were prominent, and the ball was flashed across to Bell, who after getting the goalkeeper off his guard, passed back to Young, who made no mistake with a shot which beat Linacre all the way. This success made matters livelier than ever, and the Foresters put in all they knew to gain an equalising point. They failed to profit by one or two free kicks, and then just before the interval grand work by Bell and Sheridan resulted in the former putting in a splendid shot, which just went over the bar. Half-time Everton 1; Notts Forest nil.
There would be fully 15,000 people present when the game was resumed. In the first minute the Evertonians dashed away, and Young was not far wide with lighting shot. The Forest quickly returned the compliment, and from a high shot by Forman Taylor conceded a corner, following which Kitchen was called upon to use his fists. This he did effectively, and play was removed to the other end, the bulk of the work, falling upon the left wing, pretty passing by the Notts front line carried hostilities into Everton's territory and was the prelude to a persistent attack, in the course of which the Everton goalkeeper had the luckiest possible escape, Stevenson from a cross by Forman, banging the ball against the upright, when Kitchen was completely beaten. Bell was getting nicely when White, who made no attempt to play the ball, brought him down. A moment later Iremonger handled, fortunately for his side just outside the penalty line, and for some time the Forest were kept strictly on the defensive. Sheridan was tumbled over when near the goal, but the referee disregarded the appeals for a penalty, and a free kick was of no advantage to the Evertonians. From a corner which came soon afterwards, the Forest goal was simply bombarded, and it was really marvellous how it escaped capture. Following severe pressure by Everton, the Forest pressed, and Warren succeeded in equalising. Everton attacked with great dash, but could not add to the score. Final result Everton 1; Notts Forest 1.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 25 October 1902
Everton v. Notts Forest. At Goodison Park; Kick-off 3.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Preston North End. At Preston; Exchange Station 1 p.m., kick-off 3,
Everton;- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Crelley, backs; Clark, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Monks, Bowman, Olive, and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON v.  NOTTS FOREST
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday October 25 1902
YOUNG SCORES FOR EVERTON
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
The Goodison Park brigade had for their visitors this afternoon the Notts Forest team, against whom a few weeks ago they effected a draw at Nottingham. Since then the Blues have tasted defeat at Birmingham, but, on the other hand, the Lacemen are far from an improving quantity, and their arrival here did not give rise to any such fearful apprehensions as the County would evoke. The corresponding fixture last season brought the Evertonians victory by the narrow margins of one goal to nil, but the Foresters had a much better record, as Everton returned from Nottingham humiliated by 4 goals to nil. Still Everton have shown strong evidence of improvement, and are undoubtedly in brilliant form just now. Young, who has been in retirement for a fortnight, reappeared at centre, and the team was identically the same as made such a bold show at Nottingham. The weather was dull but dry, and the absence of rain during the week left the turf in perfect condition, and this further enhanced the prospects of the home representatives, though good judges were by no means sanguine, and prognosticated a very tough struggle.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme, and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Notts Forest.- Linacre, goal; White and Iremonger, backs; Robinson, Warner, and Henderson, half-backs; Fred Forman, Stephenson, Calvey, Morris, and Spouncer, forwards. Referee. Mr. F. Kirkham.
The Everton eleven was the same as advertised, but the Forest team was altogether different and was understood to be of an experimental nature. Booth won the toss, and Calvey started the game in presence of about 10,000 spectators. The opening touches showed great keenness, and some time elapsed before either had even a chance of moving forward. Sharp tried hard, but was soon checked, and Balmer put a stop to one Forest rush before Fred Forman passed along the right and centred. Booth sent his opponents to the right about and the home right wing tried their hand once more, and after some nice passing between Brearley, Sharp, and Young, they had nearly established a foothold when an infringement of rule caused Mr. Kirkham to give a foul against them. The first really dangerous move came from Sharp, but Iremonger worried him off the ball, though the Evertonian stuck to the Notts back like glue, and forced him to kick out. As soon as the ball came into play again, bell had a beautiful chance but miscalculated the drift of the ball. He made amends, however, by tricking White, and centringvery accurately. Brearley responded with a capital bit of head work, but the leather just topped the bar a foot too high. Notts paid a visit to the home territory, and clever play on the right resulted in an abortive corner. Now came the most sensational features which had so far happened, and from which Linacre emerged scathless, but decidedly lucky. Bell took the leather up his wing with his usual neatness and speed, neither White nor Robinson offering effective opposition. Bell wound up with a very swift shot at a difficult angle, which Linacre just disposed of. Abbott dashed into the fray at close quarters and looked certain to find an opening, but the ball caught Iremonger’s heel and bounded off. Its direction appeared for the net, which it just missed. A corner resulted and Notts failed to get the leather clear for some little time during which the Blues made frantic efforts to pierce the defence, and, though hard pressed, Linacre wound up by saving at full length. Everton were certainly out of luck in not reaping the reward of their pertinacity. Advances on the right and left by the Foresters were well attended to respectively by Balmer and Wolstenholme, and on the Notts men coming back along the centre Booth cleared, after which the Forest had a free kick close to the Everton quarter line, this also being cleared by Booth. The ball was next found at Sharp’s feet, and sooner than give the right winger a chance Henderson kicked out. Then Bell forged ahead on the opposite wing, and after a tussle with White the ball went out, vain claims being made for a corner. However, the sphere was quickly brought back to the front of the Forest goal, and Booth shot hard, after which Everton gained a corner. This was cleared, but brilliant passing by the Evertonians again placed the Notts goal in danger. Young looked to have a chance, but ere he could get in his shot he was hampered and Brearley brought a lively move to a conclusion by heading over the crossbar. Half-time score; Everton 1 goal, Notts Forest nil. After the Forest had paid a brief visit to home ground, Calvey tried an ineffective long shot after a throw-in. away dashed the Blues on the right, and both White and Iremonger were fairly puzzled as they dared not rush on to meet the attack. The leather travelled over to Sheridan, but White’s attentions were, however, too persistent to allow the outside man to take aim, though he was almost in the goalmouth. White finally got the best of the argument, and cleared, and once more the home front rank had lost a favourable opportunity of opening the account. After this several desultory shots came from Sheridan and Bell, but they were not rammed home. After some skirmishing about half-way, Clavey got hold and passed out to Spouncer, but on a swinging centre coming in Abbott effected a vigorous clearance. Then the home contingent raced away, and finally Bell pursue the ball along the left but was not in time to get at the leather before White cleared, Sheridan and Young passed to the front, and after further play Booth shot wildly over the cross-bar. The Foresters by dint of real hard work gradually made their way into Everton’s territory, and after being once checked by Wolstenholme, Spouncer got in his best shot, but it proved to be of no class. A little later on Everton missed some chances and the Foresters bounced back again on the left, and after some idling about Spouncer again essayed to lower Everton’s colours, but once more the ball went nowhere in proximity of the intended mark. The Everton forwards were dancing about Linacre in merry style, and Iremonger had just got the ball away when Warren deliberately kicked Young, and brought him down inside the penalty line. It seemed an unnecessary attack, as Young was not in possession. Mr. Kirkham at once awarded a penalty, the kick, which was entrusted to Abbott, who is usually very deadly. The half back steadied himself and sent the ball with terrific force straight before him. Linacre put out his right hand, which fortunately met the ball, and the custodian was successful in.
EFFECTING A BEAUTIFUL SAVE
Linacre’s clubmates gathered round him and nearly pulled his arm out, so enthusiastic were they in escaping what promised to be a certain goal. The Everton players continued to keep their opponents well employed, and penned the Foresters in their own half. The home left wing were very busy, and finally the ball was put in close proximity to the Forest goal, where after a possible chance had been missed Bell passed from line to Young, who, without hesitation swung the sphere in and scored a lovely goal for Everton some thirty-five minutes from the commencement of the game. From this point to the interval each side played a hard game, attacking in turn, but gaining no real advantage, the most noteworthy incident perhaps being a very fine oblique shot from Bell, which all but added to Everton’s total. Half-time;- Everton 1 goal, Notts Forest nil.
The attendance had increased to upwards of 15,000 when Young restarted for Everton. The Evertonians at once made the best of their way forward and Booth raced up, and made an opening for Young, who shot wide. The Foresters were not slow to return the compliment as they were quickly in front of Kitchen, who fisted away from Fred Forman. Again the visitors clustered around the Everton goal, and from the thick of a little crowd of Foresters the ball was again shot in, Kitchen once more fisting away. Then the Notts men gained a corner, from which they derived no advantage and subsequently play was transferred to midfield, from which point the Foresters made their way to close quarters. Balmer took a huge punt, and the leather landed between Sheridan and Bell neither of whom exhibited any inclination to get away, so that White soon removed the venue nearer to Kitchen, who with Wolstenholme had an anxious five minutes so much in earnest were Morris and Spouncer. Finally Wolstenholme prevailed and Morris put behind. This was a very anxious time for Kitchen, and he was lucky to escape. Everton were now slow in exchanging for safer quarters and Sharp put in such excellent work that Iremonger had to concede a corner. The ball was kept close in for a minute or two, before Warren got at it and relieved the pressure. A bad clearance by Wolstenholme gave the Foresters a chance, and they were further helped by misjudgement on the part of Brearley and Sharp, who made bad use of passes with which they were presented. The Notts men took advantage of these lapses and went to the front in fine style, each wing taking up their attack in turn. After numerous disappointments, owing to the cleverness of the Everton defence, they at last got in, and Stevenson, with a fine header, nearly scored. Brearley, Young, and Booth were now in the thick of the fray, and the gallant captain was playing with all the energy of a forward in his endeavour to get on shooting terms. Warren assisted his backs well, and the Evertonians efforts were thwarted directly owing to the worrying tactics of the defence. The Blues continued to attack, with method and determination, and after Iremonger had been penalised for handling Linacre had to fist out from Brearley. After a throw in adjacent to Linacre the ball went behind. Sharp was next in possession, but Iremonger stalled him off. Then Sheridan was fouled mighty near to the penalty line. A nice sequence of persistent passing came from all the Forest forwards, and Fred Forman wound up by placing the ball from long range on the corner of the post. Really the consequence from a free kick against taylor, the Foresters rushed through, and eventually Warre equalised with a long shot.
Final Result; Everton 1 goal, Notts Forest 1 goal
Everton had the best of last season’s match by 3 goals to nil.

PRESTON NORTH END RES v.  EVERTON COMBIANTION
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, October 25, 1902
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
At Preston, before a good attendance. Play was fairly even, both teams showing good football. The Prestonians got down from a free kick, and after Whitley had saved a shot by Bradshaw, the latter got another in, and beat him. The home team had far the best of matters. After this Whitley had his work cut out to keep them from scoring again. Everton were only occasionally dangerous.
Half-time North end 1 goal, Everton nil.
Final; North End Reserve 3 goals, Everton Reserves 1 goal.

FOREST CAPTURE A POINT FROM EVERTON
Football News (Nottingham) - Saturday 25 October 1902
THE RE-ARRNAGED TEAMS PLAY A CAPITAL GAME
LINACRE IN FINE FORM
WARREN SCORES THE EQUALSING GOAL
Today’s match was big with the fate of Forest in the League tourney this season. So many changes had been made in the composition of the team, more than half its personnel being entirely altered from last week’s, that the most sanguine supporters of the club must have left a lurking doubt as to the team’s ability to win at Goodison Park. Full of evil bodement was the fact that during the Goose Fair holidays, when Everton visited the City Ground, the “Reds” were extremely lucky to make a draw. At that juncture, too, the Mersey men had only managed to capture three points out of five games, but since the match on October 2nd, they have improved strikingly, and during the present month, they have only lost three points out of a possible eight, while only disporting at home once in that time. Contrasting this record with that of the Forest, who, in their last six matches have only won three points, and scored only eight goals against 13, it required no exercise of mental arithmetic to reveal; the overwhelming chances of Everton gaining another two points at the expenses of the “Reds.” To sum up the changes in the visiting team, White reappeared at back for the first time this season, partnering Iremonger again, and Warren was seen at centre half, Frank Forman’s health not being particularly good just now. Calvey went centre-forward, and James Stevenson, who was acquired from Greenock Morton at the beginning of the season, makes his debut with the senior eleven, forming, with Fred Forman, a new right wing. Spouncer, it was pleasant to see, came back to outside left. On 29 occasions have to-day’s rivals met, and Everton have had the advantage on 14 of these, against nine victories credited to Forest. The latter have scored 41 times, against Everton’s record of 62.
Notts Forrest; J.H. Linacre, goal; J.W. White and J. Iremonger, backs; G.H. Robinson, F. Warren, and G. Henderson, half-backs; Fred Forman, and J. Stevenson, right wing; J. Calvey, centre; A.G. Morris, and W.A. Spouncer, left wing.
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme, and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, right wing; Young, centre; Sheridan, and Bell, left wing.
Referee; Mr. Fred Kirkham (Preston). Linesmen; Messrs A.H. Downs and T. While.
In glorious weather, and before ten thousand spectators, Forest made a reappearance at Goodison Park to-day. They were the first to appear, and were warmly greeted. Booth won the toss, and sent the “reds” to play with the sun in their eyes, though there was no wind to disturb the exchanges. From Calvey’s kick-off, the visiting forwards burst away, but were checked by Balmer, and for a few unexciting minutes play went on in neutral territory. Then Everton paid Linacre a visit, and Sheridan headed past. The “reds” made an incursion, which promised good results, but Calvey made poor use of a pass from Robinson, and sent absurdly wide. The Everton forwards, by some excellent and machine-like passing, worked it way past the halves and abcks, and things looked very ominous for Linacre’s goal, but almost miraculously he saved from Bell, and was impartially cheered for his effort. Fred Forman distinguished himself by a nice solo run, but was upset by Balmer. White upset Bell when the latter was going strong for the Forest goal and seemed to be at his disposal. Everton claimed a foul, but Mr. Kirkham decided against them. Everton continued to press, and Iremonger successfully charged Young off the ball, but Sheridan got possession and shot, though he sent well out of danger. Some nice wing play by Morris and Spouncer worked the sphere down the touch-line, but Wolstenholme kicked out to clear his lines. The same wing, however, returned to the attack, and Spouncer essayed a shot which was anything but deadly. Some amusement was caused when Calvey rushed up a minute later to tackle Kitchen, who, however, was too quick for him. The home team next had a spell of attacking, and White had to give a corner to stave off the pressure. Warren got the ball out of a melee and passed to Morris, who, being pressed, whipped the ball across to the opposite wing, where Fred Forman took a shot. However, Balmer interposed himself and the sphere rebounded from him over the goal line. From the corner Forest were enabled to pester Kitchen for some minutes, but could not beat down the defence. A reversal of the scene of play ended in Bell seriously menacing White, who had to pass to Linacre to keep the invaders at bay. The “reds” custodian was all there, and kicked well away before Bell could get on terms with him. Stevenson, the new man, who was playing with plenty of energy, was prominent for a good piece of work, and by some nice combination Forest worked their way gradually down to Kicthen’s end. Here Spouncer had a good opportunity, but shot well over the stand. Everton got down again, and Young was fouled, apparently by Warren, just within the penalty line. Mr. Kirkham gave his decision in favour of Everton, and the players lined up. Abbott took the kick, and sent the ball in with deadly aim, but Linacre saved grandly, being heartily congratulated by his colleagues. Young scored soon after, and half-time arrived- Everton 1 Nottingham Forest 0.
While the first half had been in progress the crowd had increased largely until there would be 15,000. From Young’s restart, the second half opened quietly, and the home supporters called on their team to smarten up their play. Iremonger cleared grandly at a critical moment, and helped the visitors to break away, but they could do nothing at Kitchen’s charge, and Everton bore down, and very soon Linacre’s goal was the centre of attraction. Iremonger had to concede a corner to avert the downfall of his goal, and the resultant scrimmage was full of danger for Linacre’s charge. Ultimately Henderson cleared, and Morris and Spouncer broke through the Everton halves and pursed the ball between them until the remainder of the line had got up. The home backs repulsed them twice, but Forest returned to the attack, and Kitchen’s colours were nearly lowered by Fred Forman. He had just got the ball from Stevenson, and crashed in a shot which had the hardest of lines, for it rattled against the upright. Forest continued to press, and Forman was given off-side, though it seemed a mistake decision. It enabled Everton to regain their advantage, however, and very soon Linacre had a very hot time of it. He tipped out a shot from Brearley just under the crossbar, and saved from Young, falling in attempting. Them Sharp sent over and afforded the harassed Forest defence some relief. Young was fouled not far off the penalty line, but Abbott’s kick sent the ball into the net unimpeded, and failed to count. Young ran up on his own, attended by the visiting backs, and White dispossessed the Everton centre when he was going very strongly for goal. Linacre continued to have his work cut out, and saved grandly time after time, one effort from Sheridan being a beauty. There had been a lengthy interval, and the light was now none too good. Play slackened down at this point, and both teams took it most easily. Then Forest put on a spurt, and Kitchen, who had been having something like a sinecure, had to look alert. One or two shots were anything but goal-getting, but Warren took a long-range shot, which beat Kitchen and went slick into the net, and the small section of “reds” supporters present cheered lustily at this almost unexpected success, Everton were simultaneously stung into actively by the reverse, and came away bearing down all opposition. Linacre was in brilliant form, and saved in fine style from Abbott. Bell and Sharp also delivered stingers which tested the Forest custodian, but he was equal to every emergency, and was as safe as a church. Morris and Spouncer eluded the home halves, and transferred the theatre of play to Kitchen’s end once more, and Fred Forman, getting hold of a centre from Morris, was within an ace of scoring, but sent wide. Forest were thrust back, and Everton attacked with redoubled vigour. Iremonger saved well with a ponderous kick from Taylor, and White disposed of Sheridan with some tricky play. As time drew nearer Everton tried all they knew to get ahead again, but the Forest defence was too staunch for them, and when the whistle blew, play had bene transferred to the region of the meridian line, with Forest playing very strongly.
Final result; Nottingham Forest 1 Everton 1.
A CRISP CRITICAL COMMENTARY.
Though we felt Nottingham just a little despondent this morning, we are returning with a point that, to tell the truth, we did not expert in view of the performance against Stoke, and the fact that more than half of the team had undergone a change. It seemed absurd to look for anything else but defeat away from home, yet events have justified the executive in their experiment. Stevenson played decidedly well, and Warren scored the equalising goal. Linacre probably never played a better game. He saved what looked like a sure penalty, and dozens of real hall-marked shots. Iremonger and White were both excellent, the halves generally good, and the forward rank, considering its fresh composition, have a most creditable show. Fred Forman, Calvey, and Morris were perhaps the pick, but Spouncer did nice work, and Stevenson will improve with more chances. Altogether to-day’s exhibition gives hope for better things.

POINTS SHARED AT EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 27 October 1902
By Harricus
When Everton visited Nottingham, on Goose Fair Thursday, they made a draw with the Forest, and as the Reds were beaten at home a week ago the Evertonians naturally anticipated making an improvement on their Nottingham performance in the return game.  They however, had to be satisfied with another draw, a result which might easily have been turned into a victory for the Foresters in the very last minute of the game.  The result could but have been disappointing to the 16,000 or so spectators, for Everton were enabled to rely on almost their very best eleven.  Settle being the only absentee, while on the other hand, their opponents’ side was of an experimental order.  When I state that form the advertised official team no fewer than nine alterations had to be made on the card, the uncertain mind of the Forest managers can be imagined.  From the very commencement the game was of the ding-dong order, first one side and then the other gaining an advantage.
LINACRE SAVES A PENALTY
Play had been in progress about half-an-hour when a foul on Young gave Everton an opportunity of placing themselves ahead from a penalty.  Abbott was the “executioner” but Lanacre met the ball with the flat of his hand and there was no more damage done than the gain of what turned out to be a fruitless corner.  The home team were, however, intent on scoring and with thirty-seven minutes gone by Young, with a splendid shot, gave his side the lead which they retained up to the interval.  Of course during the opening half, the Reds had been playing against a very powerful sun, and as this faded away in the second half the winning of the toss was a decided advantage to Everton.  On resuming the Forest went off as though they were bent on equalizing, but a full half-hour elapsed ere their intentions were realized, and then the goal itself was not of very classy order.  Warren was allowed to make himself a clear opening, and shot in.  Kitchen seemed unable to move across the goal, and though he just got his out-stretched hand to the ball it was only to have it brushed on one side, the ball proceeding to the net.  Neither team gave up hope of putting on the winning goal, and once Everton claimed a penalty kick, but as the foul took place over a yard on the wrong side of the line an ordinary free kick was only granted.  As the end drew near Everton made some splendid efforts to beat Linacre, but that worthy was at his best, whilst just before the whistle blew the Forest looked very like scoring, but it was not to be, and the result was therefore, that the points were divided.
A HARD GAME
The spectators, though disappointed, could not grumble at their six-penny-worth, for both elevens worked with a will for victory, and in my opinion, neither club has cause for complaint at the draw.  The remodeled Forest side gave a good account of themselves, and possibly Everton people may claim that but for Linacre they would have won.  Then their own goalkeeper might have stopped.  Warren’s shot- but he didn’t, Wolstenholme is not, I am afraid a full back, I would sooner see Taylor behind and Wolstenholme in front for the Farnworthian is a good feeder, while on Saturday at any rate, his play was of an uncertain order.  For one thing he is not looking in the very best of health.  He had a determined partner, however, and very often Taylor fell aback also.  Abbott was the pick of the middle line, and if not so neat, say, as Booth, he imparts a vigour into the game which is good for his side.  Young was back again in the centre, but I am afraid that his lack of physique loses him many openings.  He plays good football, though and so does Brearley, but a good forcing forward, like Settle is missed in the Everton attack.  Therefore Settle must hurry up and get back into the team for the good of the club.  Sheridan, whom I have not seen before, struck me favaourably of the Young and Brearley order.  He certainly played a lot to his partner, which enabled Bell to move along in Nottingham quarters.  Sharp, too made headway, and is improving.  The Everton forwards on the whole though, could do with a little more rushing and a little less passing.  Cleverness alone will not get goals.
SUCCESSFUL DEBUTANTS.
So far as my recollection goes there were two new faces on the Forest side.  These were Warren, a centre half from Derby Ivanhoe but not of the County pair of Warrens, and Stevenson, an inside right from Greenock Morton.  Warren scored the goal which brought a point to his side, so that his debut was certainly an auspicious one.  He is a well-built youth, and will, I think be an acquisition to the team.  At present he has no idea where he is heading the ball to, and is buffled by the trickiness of an opposing forward and is rather overawed when passed.  Then it is sometimes to a player’s advantage to charge an opponent, which he does not appear to realize.  This is, perhaps, queer sort of praise, but it is for his own benefit.  He possesses the latent ability of a class man.  Stevenson reminded me somewhat of the little Derby man of that name.  He is very tricky, and, like Sheridan, plays to his partner a lot.  On the play of the pair of them, neither Warren nor Stevenson can be left out of the team.  Surely, the Forest half-backs will be settled before the end of the season.  Linacre was their star on Saturday.  He is indeed, a fine goalkeeper, and had a couple of determined backs in front of him in White and Iremonger.  White is improving and is a better man than Craig, in my opinion.  He is rather slow, ‘tis true, but he did not play badly.  I though Calvey did as well as any one forward.  When I saw him at Bury I thought his power was wanting, but against Everton his work was effective apart from his usual forcefulness.  Everton; Kitchen; Wolsteholme and Balmer; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sherdian, and Bell.  Notts Forest;- Linacre; White and Iremonger; Robinson, Warren and Henderson; Fred Forman, Stevenson, Calvey, Morris and Spenncer.  Referee; Mr. F. Kirkham, Preston. 

ANOTHER SCALP FOR NOTTINGHAM
Athletic News - Monday 27 October 1902
By Junius
Nottingham Forest were decidedly fortunate in being able to carry away a point from Goodison Park, for Everton were the superior team in everything except scoring.  For once, the Everton forwards were not seen to advantage near goal, whilst in addition the deadly Abbott actually missed a penalty kick.  The reintroduction of Young was not accompanied by any distinct measure of success, though he had the felicity of gaining the only goal scored by his side, but there was lacking the dash that characterized his play last season.  Still, now that an improvement has set in as regards his general health, it is only natural to suppose that his play on the field will show an equal advance.  Everton are fortunate in possessing such a reliable half-back line as that which now does duty for the club, and this in itself would be a tower of strength to any side.  Everton have now three successive away matches to play, and if they can succeeded in gaining a point or two out of these fixtures they will have negotiated the most difficulty portion of their programme.  By securing a point at Bolton the Anfielders had partially atoned for last week’s reverse and checked their downward course in the table of results.  Middlesbrough may be assured of a warm welcome next week when they met Liverpool for the first time in League warfare.
Next Friday evening the referees of the Liverpool district assemble at the Bee Hotel to hear a lecture by Mr. John Lewis (Blackburn).  This should prove interesting and instructive. 

PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
October 27, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination.
At Deepdale. Everton played ten men the greater part of the opening half, and Preston had the best of the game. Rankin showed good form for the visitors, but was badly supported, scoring Everton goal and at the interval the score was one goal each. In the second half the home side had the best of the play, and put on a couple of goal, and won by 3 goals to 1 . Everton: -Whitley, goal, Henderson and Crelly, backs, Clark, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs Rankin, Monk, Bowman, Clive, and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
October 27, 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton's return fixture with Nottingham Forest ended in similar fashion to the first meeting of the team-in a distribution of the honours, though in both cases the Goodison Park eleven should have annexed full points, had the final figures panned out in accordance with the general run of the play. Saturday's game was not great exhibition of the code for there was any amount of straggling work witnessed which seemed to have no definite object in view, and even the clever midfield efforts fizzled out most unceremoniously when it came to the question of applying neccassary final touches near goal. Everton were at full strength, with Young once more in the centre-the pivot of the attack-but the Foresters made some sweeping changes in the constitution of their sides, the result presumably of the unexpected defeat inflicted on them the previous week, at Nottingham by the Potters. Under these circumstances, therefore the visitors would be highly pleased with their performance in dividing the points with Everton-a felling which demonstrated itself by the hearty greeting showed on Warren; their new centre-half, when he succeeded in equalising. Everton, however, deserved to win, for they were the superior team, but this is about all the satisfaction that can be gleaned from their exhibition.
Their display could not by any means be designated feeble, but there was lacking a certain amount of cohesion and unanimity in the movements which often nullified many well-meant efforts and kept the issue in doubt right up to the finish. They were more dangerous than their opponents, and created the impression that they were a bit above them in ability, without, however, clinching the matter by piling on the coveted goals. Thus there was always present a prevailing idea that the Foresters might rush away and either equlise or win outright, and to the watchful observer little surprise was occasioned when the visitors did manage to put the ball past Kitchen. Just prior to the incident a capital centre from Spouncer had been headed against the foot of the upright when the Everton custodian would have had no chance of saving; though to balance this there was the unusual experience witnessed of Abbott failing to convert a penalty kick. Nevertheless, it was one of those games when the inferior side often brings off an unexpected coup, satisfield with only a moderate share of the play, and more than their fair meed of goals. But Everton were not to be overthrown though they had to rest content with only a portion of the spoils. The inclusion of Young into the front rank was not the success anticipated, for the home centre was still somewhat cumbersome in his movements, and failed to utilise many openings through inertness. He certainly performed a few smart feats, but he is not yet the Young of a season ago, and there will have to be a great development and this condition be attained. There is no reason why he should not regain pristine excellence, and as a matter of fact, this desirable consummation may be awaited with some degree of confidence, despite present weakness. Sheridan is also a promising player, but he requires the long headedness gained only by experience. He could not be blamed for lack of earnestness of purpose, and gave some beautiful passes to the men on either side of him, drawing the defence and then parting opportunely. But he is apt to overrun himself by his roaming tendencies, the result being that when a favourable position is worked out, and the goal precincts reached, he is unable to flash in that stinging shot, which will cause uneasiness to the opposing custodian. He is possessed of the right materials, but a dash of Settle would decidedly improve his efficiency. All this, however without any desire to disparage much cleverness in midfield, which the Camsbuslang youth exhibited. The meteoric flashes of Sharp were always a source of danger to the Notts defence, a remark which applies with sequel force to the intermittent efforts of Bell, whilst Brearley could not be accused as a non trier. The half backs line was in splendid trim, and Abbott just about beat Booth in a close race for supremacy, with Taylor following slightly in the rear. They were the backbone of the team, with Balmer again in capital form further behind, but the more one sees of Wolstenholme, as a full back the less does he appear as likely to fulfil the pressing requirements of the Everton club in the rear division.
Regarding the visitors, they can be complimented upon possessing a clever and reliable custodian in Linacre, who has by common report, quite a marked partiality for dealing with penalty kicks and his clearance from Abbott was decidedly smart, denoting a quick eye and readiness of action. Iremonger played a sound game at full back, and Robertson proved a capable half whilst of the forwards, Calvey was the most conspicuous figure, and when under weight required some checking. He was not so fortunate in his shooting as usual, but had this been so the Everton, records must have been badly tarnished. Everton have now three successive away matches, at Bolton, Blackburn, and Sunderland respectively, which is sufficient to test the capabilities of any team. To-day they journey to Manchester, where they will oppose the much improved City eleven in the second round of the Lancashire senior cup tie, and the opportunity will be taken of affording some of their capable reverse players the chance to distinguish themselves.
Note, Laurie Bell, the Ex-Evertonian missed a penalty for Bolton against Liverpool at Burden park after converting one in first half.

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 27 October 1902
MR. FRED BYE
Like many of our prominent referees, Mr. Fred Bye, of Sheffield, is a member of the scholastic profession, and is a thorough Yorkshireman. As with the majority of his county men, too, he is an enthusiastic lover of sport. He has been an active participant in most outdoor games, and though football is usually referred to as rough he advises those who would have it that football is the most “vigorous” pastime to try water polo. Cricket and rowing have claimed his attention, and we have a distinct recollection of his chuckling over the last downfall of Lancashire at Bramall-lane, last summer. He was secretary, and afterwards president, of the Sharrow Cycling Club, one of the most important in England, and a member of the South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire Branch of the N.C.C. He is now secretary and one of the leading players of the Audrey Lawn Tennis Club, which has several times won the Sheffield Tennis Challenge Cup. Latterly he has developed a fondness for golf, with a view to settling down to “an old man’s game.” He is yet fit enough for a bout with the gloves, at which he is also an expert. As a football player Mr. Bye took part in his first match for Sheffield Wednesday when but 17 years of age, and that against a team like Darwen, then in the heyday of their power. He captain St. Mark’s Colleague, London-by the way, what a lot of football men have passed through St Mark’s-and during the season of 1886 the club never lost a match. Later his side was beaten in the semi-final of the London Cup at the Oval by Upon Park, and before he completed his college term he was selected to play for London, no mean honour in those days. He rejoined the Wednesday, but when playing against Staveley in the final for the Sheffield Cup he received a nasty kick on an already injured knee, and this closed his playing career. He was most unfortunate, by the way, in his participation in final ties, for he figured in five of them and was never on the winning side. He was still a Wednesday man, however, and for ten years he served on the committee. As a referee during the past twelve years he has been all over the country, and last season he officiated in the International between Ireland and Scotland. Of course he is fired with the fashionable ambition to referee in the English Cup final. Despite his great love of sport, he places his profession first. He was, by the way, the first secretary of the Sheffield School’s Athletic and Football Association, an organisation which has handed over £1,600 to charity.
There is a new rule on the book this season giving a referee power to order a linesman off the field of play. We never contemplated that it would be necessary to enforce such an extreme penalty, but such a case occurred on Saturday in the course of a Lancashire Alliance match between Southport Central Reserve and Atherton Church House, at Southport. All the hubbub arose when Gillett, late of Blackpool, drove in a ball which the referee decided that the goalkeeper, Partington, had carried over the line in his effort to save a goal. The linesman incurred the ire of Mr. Latham, of Ormskirk, who reluctantly ordered his retirement. This official demurred, but in the end he became a more or less graceful; spectator. Of course, this is very minor football, and in first-class circles no half-guinea linesman would allow his angry passions to assert themselves. He could not do it at the price. Still, it is well to remind all and sundry that the referee has such power.

EVERTON v  NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Nottingham Journal - Monday 27 October 1902
The result of this match at Goodison Park on Saturday, instead of turning out a bad defeat for Forest, as all but the most sanguine of the “reds” supporters anticipated, gave them a most useful point. As compared with the corresponding encounter of last season, on the City Ground, Forest sacrificed one of the two points they gained then, but the meeting at Everton saw them defeated by a goal to nothing. In view of this fact, and the dispiriting performance of the “reds” against Stoke on the previous Saturday, there can be nothing but congratulation for their latest achievement. The team which turned out was largely in the nature of an experiment and it proved a very successful one. Two of the eleven made their first appearance in the team, though they had participated in Reserve matches.  These were James Stevenson, who played inside right in place of Calvey, who went centre once more, and Fred Warren, of Derby, the substitute for Frank Forman, unfortunately not in the pink of condition. Both made a very promising debut, and places will likely be found for them in the regular eleven. Stevenson is full of energy, end through on the small side is sturdy and well made. He can centre well, and did good individual work.  Warren not only played a fine centre-half game, but scored Forest’s equalising goal; certainly an excellent send-off for a young footballer in his first League match. Linacre kept goal grandly, and it was one of his best days. It looked all over for the welfare of his charge when White, in trying to clear, upset the Everton centre within the fateful penalty line, and Abbott, whose speciality is this kind of work, sent the ball in so swift and true that the spectators were actually cheering the effort as a goal when Linacre stopped it by giving a corner. White also made his appearance in this season’s League team, though of course, unlike Stevenson and Warren, he is an old favourite. The episode above mentioned was the only one that detracted from a first-class exhibition, and Iremonger was more at home with his aftertime colleague than with Craig. Warren and Henderson were the best of the halves, and the forward line was very praiseworthy. Calvey did so well in the centre position that the executive would well be advised not to shift him again so long as they have only their present material to work on. Everton, it is interesting to notice, played the same team that drew with Forest on the City Ground on the 2nd of October, Young coming back to centre forward. Their forward line was undoubtedly smart, and Bell, Sheridan, and Sharp are a wonderful trio; but taking the exhibitions of both sides as a whole, the score was a very fair reflex of the play, and gives one hope that the Forest may obtain a couple of points from Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. The following were the teams and officials:— Nottingham Forest; J. H. Linacre goal; J. W. White and J. Iremonger. backs; G. H. Robinson. F. Waren, and G. Henderson, half-backs; Fred Forman and J. Stevenson, right wing; J. Calveycentre; A. G. Morris and W. A. Spouncer, left wing.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp and Brearley, right wing; Young, centre; Sheridan and Bell, left wing.
Referee; Mr. Fred Kirkham (Preston). Linesmen; Messrs. A.H. Downs and T. While.
In glorious weather, and before ben thousand spectators, Forest made a reappearance at Goodison Park on Saturday. They were the first to appear, and were warmly greeted. Booth won the toss, and sent the “reds” to play with the sun in their eyes, though there was no wind to disturb the exchanges. From Calvey’s kick-off, the visiting forwards burst away, but were checked by Balmer, and for a few unexciting minutes play went on in neutral territory. The Everton paid Linacre a visit, and Sheridan headed past. The “reds” made an incursion which promised good results but Clavey made poor use of a pass from Robertson, and sent absurdly wide. The Everton forwards by some excellent and machine-like passing, worked their way past the halves and backs, and things looked very ominous for Linacre’s goal, but almost miraculously he saved from Bell, and was impartially cheered for his effort, Fred Forman distinguished himself by a nice solo run, but was dispossessed by Balmer. White upset Bell when the latter was going strong for the Forest goal, which seemed to be at his disposal. Everton claimed a foul, but Mr. Kirkham decided against them. Everton continued to press, and Iremonger successfully charged Young off the ball, but Sheridan got possession and shot, though he sent well out of danger. Some nice wing play by Morris and Spouncer worked the sphere down the touch-line, but Wolstenholme kicked out to clear his lines. The same wing, however, returned to the attack, and Spouncer essayed a shot which was anything but deadly.
Some amusement was caused when Calvey rushed up a minute later to tackle Kitchen, who, however, was too quick for him. The home team next had a spell of attacking, and Whitehad to give a corner stave off the pressure. Warren got the ball out of a melee and passed to Morris, who, being pressed, whipped the ball across the opposite wing, where Fred Forman took a shot. However, Balmer interposed himself, and the sphere rebounded from him over the goal line. From the corner Forest were enabled to pester Kitchen for some minutes, but could not beat down the defence. A reversal of the scene of play ended in bell seriously menacing White, who had to pass to Linacre to keep the invader at bay. The “reds” custodian was all there, and kicked well away before Bell could get on terms with him. Stevenson, the new man, who was playing with plenty of energy, was prominent for a good piece of work, and by some nice combination Forest worked their way gradually down to Kitchen’s end. Here Spouncer had a good opportunity, but shot well over the stand. Everton got down again, and Young was fouled by White, just within the penalty line. Mr. Kirkham gave his decision in favour of Everton, and the players lined up. Abbott took the kick, and sent the ball in with deadly aim, but Linacre saved grandly, being heartily congratulated by his colleagues. Young scored soon after, giving Linacre little chance. In the five remaining minutes Forest strove hard to equalise, and had the better of the play, but Kitchen was too safe, and half-time arrived;- Everton 1 Nottingham Forest 0
While thew first half had been in progress the crowd had increased largely until there would be 15,000 present. From Young’s restart, the second half opened quietly, and the home supporters called on their team to smarten up their play. Iremonger cleared grandly at a critical moment, and helped the visitors to break away, but they could do nothing at the other end, and Everton bore down, and very soon Linacre’s goal was the centre of attraction. Iremonger had to concede a corner to evert the downfall of his goal, and the resultant scrimmage was full of danger for Linacre’s charge. Ultimately Henderson cleared, and Morris and Spouncer broke through the Everton halves and nurse the ball between them until the remainder of the line had got up. The home backs repulsed them twice, but Forest returned to the attack, and Kitchen’s colours were nearly lowered by Fred Forman. He had just got the ball from Stevenson, and crashed in a shot which had the hardest of lines, for it rattled against the upright. Forest continued to press, and Forman was given off-side though it seemed a mistaken decision. It enabled Everton to regain their advantage, however, and very soon Linacre had a very hot time of it. He tipped out a shot from Brearley just under the cross-bar, and saved from Young, falling in the attempt. Then Sharp sent over and afforded the harassed Forest defence some relief. Young was fouled not far off the penalty line, but Abbott’s kick sent the ball into the net unimpeded, and it failed to count. Young ran up on his own, attended by the visiting backs, and White dispossessed the Everton centre when he was going very strongly for goal. Linacre continued to have his work cut out, and saved grandly time after time, one effort from Sheridan being a beauty. There had been a lengthy interval, and the light was now none too good. Play slackened down at this point, and both teams took it more easily. Then Forest put on a spurt, and Kitchen, who had been having something like a sinecure, had to look alert. One or two shots were anything but goal-getters, but Warren took a long-range shot, which beat Kitchen and went slick into the net, and the small selection of “reds” supporters present cheered lustily at this almost unexpected success. Everton were simultaneously stung into activity by the reverse, and came away bearing down all opposition. Linacre was in brilliant form, and saved in fine style from Abbott. Belland Sharp also delivered stingers which tested the Forest custodian, but he was equal to every emergency, and was as safe as a church. Morris and Spouncer eluded the home halves, and transferred the theatre of play to Kicthen’s end once more, and Fred Forman, getting hold of a centre from Morris, was within an ace of scoring, but sent wide. Forest were thrust back, and Everton attacked with redoubled vigour. Iremonger saved well with a ponderous kick from Taylor, and White disposed of Sheridan with some tricky play. As time drew nearer Everton tried all they knew to get ahead again, but the Forest defence was too staunch for them, and when the whistle blew play had been transferred to the region of the meridian line, with Forest playing very strongly.
Final; result;- Nottingham Forest 1 Everton 1.

EVERTON v.  NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 27 October 1902
The League match was played in beautiful weather, at Goodison Park, before 15,000 spectators. Forest had several reserves, while Young reappeared for Everton. Even play was witnessed for some time, but after 30 minutes Everton obtained a penalty, Linacre saving. Shortly afterwards Bell received, and passing to Young, the latter scored, Linacre having no chance. Everton pressed up to the interval, when they led by a goal to nil. In the second half Everton showed great dash, and Linacre was kept particularly busy, one save while on the ground from Young being very fine. From a breakaway by the Forest, Warren equalised. After this Everton pressed continuously, but could not pierce the Forest’s line defence. Result; Everton 1 Notts Forest 1.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan and Bell, forwards.
Notts Forest.- Linacre, goal; White and Iremonger, backs; Robinson, Warner and Henderson, half-backs; Fred Forman, Stephenson, Calvey, Morris, and Spouncer, forwards. Referee; Mr. F. Kirkham.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 27 October 1902
Liverpool football enthusiasts will soon be forced to admit a kind of fatality about the visits of the Notts teams to these shores. Perhaps the innate knowledge of their good luck may have spurred the Foresters on to supreme efforts against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. The Forest’s custodian, Linacre, was very ably covered by White and Iremonger, particularly the latter, and on many occasions Warren became back No. 3. During the first quarter of an hour Linacre had frequent opportunities of showing his skill. He had to respond mainly to long shots rather than an attack at close quarters keenly pressed home. The Notts attack was never dangerous, as in the first half Kitchen only handled about twice. Booth and Abbott were mainly instrumental in breaking up what combination there was, but Wolstenholme hardly displayed the same ability at back which he did in the half-back line. It looked any odds on the Blues winning handsomely, as in every department, except in goal, they eclipsed their opponents. The football student is, however, familiar with that unaccountable element of luck, which frequently assists the inferior side and neutralises the well-laid schemes of their antagonists. So it was on Saturday with Everton. Brearley commenced by heading over when he should have scored, and then Abbott failed to get the leather past Linacre from a penalty; he shot well enough, but the ball met the extended hand of the Notts custodian, and glanced off and behind the post. Young put in two of three tremendous drives at close quarters, but Linacre’s body invariably blocked the way until ten minutes from the interval, when the home centre did manage to lower his colours. The Forest showed much more determination in the later stages of the game, and Kitchen was hard pressed at times; and it was on one such occasion that Warren equalised by rushing in after a feeble clearance by the Everton goalkeeper. Had Everton made their attack closer, they must have won handsomely. As it was, they indulged in brilliant but fruitless shooting from all parts of the field. It looked as if the Forest Executive had changed Iremonger’s position purposely in order that he might checkmate Sharp, and if such was the experiment, it proved eminently successful.

EVERTON v.  NOTTS FOREST
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 27 October 1902
At Goodison Park, about 15,000 spectators present. Teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Wolstenholme and Balmer, backs; Taylor, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Sheridan and Bell, forwards.
Notts Forest.- Linacre, goal; White and Iremonger, backs; Robinson, Warner and Henderson, half-backs; Fred Forman, Stephenson, Calvey, Morris, and Spouncer, forwards. Referee; Mr. F. Kirkham.
The Everton eleven was the same as advertised, but the Forest team was altogether different, and was understood to be of an experimental nature. Booth won the toss, and Calvey started. The opening touches showed great keenness, and some time elapsed before either had even a chance of moving forward. Sharp tried hard, but was soon checked, and Balmer put a stop to one Forest rush before Fred Forman passed along the right and centred. Booth sent his opponents to the right about, and the home right wing tried their hand once more, and after some nice passing between Brearley, Sharp, and Young, they had nearly established a foothold when an infringement of rule caused Mr. Kirkham to give a foul against them. Notts paid a visit to the home territory, and clever play on the right resulted in an abortive corner. Now came the most sensational features which has so far happened, and from which Linacre emerged scathless, but decidedly lucky. Bell took the leather up his wing with his usual neatness and speed, neither White nor Robinson offering effective opposition. Bell wound up with a very swift shot at a difficult angle, which Linacre just disposed of. Abbott dashed into the fray at close quarters, and looked certain to find an opening, but the ball caught Iremonger’s heel and bounded off. Its direction appeared for the net, which it just missed. A corner resulted, and Notts failed to get the leather clear for some little time, during which the Blues made frantic efforts to pierce the defence, and, though hard pressed, Linacre wound up by saving at full length. Everton were certainly out of luck in not reaping the reward of their pertinacity. Advances on the right and left by the Foresters were well attended to respectively by Balmer and Wolstenholme, and on the Notts men coming back along the centre Booth cleared, after which the Forest had a free kick close to the Everton quarter line, this also being cleared by Booth. Then the home contingent raced away, and finally Bell pursued the ball along the left, but was not in time to get at the leather before White cleared. A little later on Everton missed some chances, and the Foresters bounded back again on the left, and after some fiddling about Spouncer again essayed to lower Everton’s colours, but once more the ball went nowhere in proximity of the intended mark. The Everton forwards were dancing about Linacre in merry style, and Iremonger had just got the ball away when Warren deliberately kicked Young, and brought him down inside the penalty line. It seemed an unnecessary attack, as Young was not in possession. Mr. Kirkham at once awarded a penalty, the kick being entrusted to Abbott, who is usually very deadly. The half back steadied himself, and sent the ball with terrific force straight before him. Linacre put out his right hand, which fortunately met the ball, and the custodian was successful in effecting a beautiful save. Linacre’s clubmates gathered round him and nearly pulled his arm out, so enthusiastic were they in escaping what promised to be a certain goal. The Everton players continued to keep their opponents well employed, and penned the Foresters in their own half. The home left wing were very busy, and finally the ball was put in close proximity to the Forest goal, where after a possible chance had been missed Bell passed from the line to Young, who, without hesitation swung the sphere in and scored a lovely goal for Everton some thirty-five minutes from the commencement of the game. From this point to the interval each side played a hard game, attacking in turn, but gaining no real advantage, the most noteworthy incident perhaps, being a very fine oblique shot from Bell, which all but added to Everton’s total.
Half-time;- Everton 1 goal, Notts Forest nil.
Young restarted for Everton. The Evertonians at once made the best of their way forward, and Booth raced up, and made an opening for Young, who shot wide. Again the visitors clustered around the Everton goal, and from the thick of a little crowd of Foresters the ball was again shot in, Kitchen once more fisting away. Then the Notts men gained a corner. This was a very anxious time for Kitchen, and he was lucky to escape. Everton were not slow in exchanging for safer quarters, and Sharp put in such excellent work that Iremonger had to concede a corner. The ball was kept close in for a minute or two, before Warren got at it and relieved the pressure. A bad clearance by Wolstenholme gave the Foresters a chance, and they were further helped by misjudgement on the part of Brearley and Sharp, who made bad use of passes with which they were presented. The Notts men took advantage of these lapses and went to the front in fine style, each wing taking up the attack in turn. After numerous disappointments, owing to the closeness of the Everton defence, they at last got in, and Stevenson, with a fine header, nearly scored. A nice sequence of persistent passing came from all the Forest forwards, and Fred Forman wound up by placing the ball from long range on the corner of the post. Really the consequence from a free kick against Taylor, the Foresters rushed through, and eventually Warren equalised with a long shot. Result; Everton 1 goal, Notts Forest 1 goal.

THE HYDE-ROAD STRUGGLE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Tuesday 28 October 1902
The Manchester City looked forward to their game with Ererton with a fair amount of confidence, and this was increased when they found that the visitors had quite a number of alterations, whereas they only changed one man—the centre-half|. But thair confidence was misplaced, for the Everton goalkeeper played excellently, and was well covered his backs. The halves failed at times, and the forwards were not Suite so well together they might have been, though ley played good football. The Manchester defence compared well with that part of the Everton team: the halves did well against their opponents, but the attack was scarcely strong that of Everton, and this was the weakest part of their team.

MANCHESTER CITY 2 EVERTON 2
October 28, 1902. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire senior cup, Second round.
Jack Whitley, saves a penalty kick
This match was played at Hyde road, Manchester, yesterday, before about 4,000 people. The home side was unchanged with the exception that Deardin played for Hyndes. Everton took with them several reserves, the following being the teams:- City, Hillman, goal, Davidson and Orr, backs, Frost, Deardin and McQustra, half-backs, Meredith, Miller, Gillespie, Drumond, and Threfall, forwards. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson, and Crelly backs Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs Rankin Taylor, Young, Sheridan, and Dilly, forwards.
Young started the game, which opened promingly for the home side, and who had a good shot, which Whitley saved, the left wing of the visitors, attacked, and it required the best efforts of the City half-backs to break up their combination, Meredith sent in a good shot, but the ball dropped over the bar. Everton took up the running, but Frost cleared, and the ball was in the visitors half again. The Everton forwards now made a dashing run, which ended in Rankin sending in a very tame centre which was cleared by Hillman. The home side responded, but the ball was sent too far, forward for Gillespie and he was given offside. Sheridan was afterwards left with a fine opening, and steadying himself, he beat Hillman with a grand shot, when the game was twenty minutes old. About this time the visitors more than held their own, and Dilly ought to have scored, but he made a very feeble effort. While Whitley was out of his goal, Drummond sent in a shot, and one of the defenders handled in the penalty limit. A penalty kick was at once given, and Miller was entrusted with the kick, but he failed to get the ball past Whitley. However, amends were made two minutes later, Drummond taking a long shot from the right wing, and scoring a good goal fifteen minutes from the interval. Dilly missed another good opening, and the visiting custodian had to save two good shots from Drummond. Half-time Manchester City 1; Everton 1.the second half opened in a sensational manner, Young threatened his way through the City defence are presented himself in front of Hillman, who was powerless to stop the shot sent in by the Everton centre. The visitors thus took the lead one-minute after the resumption. Everton continued to hold the upper hand for some time. To save a dangerous position created by Rankin and Taylor, McQustra gave a corner, which proved futile, but Everton still attacked. After a good deal of scrambling play on the part of the City Miller gave a pass to Meredith and the last named player sent in a fine centre, and Threlfall meeting the ball, sent in a shot which, beat Whitley, thus equalising the scores. Frost sent in a long shot, which was thrown away by the visiting goalkeeper. Threlfall next had a try, and he gave the Everton goalkeeper a stinging shot to stop. Frost was pulled up for offside, and Everton took a free kick perilously near the penalty line, but it result in Sheridan sending wide. In the course of some midfield play Frost was injured through a collision, but was soon able to resume. As time drew near the City forwards made renewed efforts, and Deardin and McQustra, the City half-backs did some of the best work about this period of the game. Both teams tried hard to gain the lead, but when the final whistle sounded the score stood; Manchester City 2, Everton 2.

LANCASHIRE SENIOR CUP-SECOND ROUND
Liverpool Mercury - Tuesday 28 October 1902
MACNHESTER CITY v  EVERTON
Played at Manchester, in gloomy weather, before 4,000 people. City started and Everton, who played pretty football, scored through Sheridan after 25 minutes play. Drummond equalised.
Half-time;- one goal each. On resuming Young scored for Everton, and from a centre by Meredith, Threlfall equalised for the City. Everton had rather the best of the game.
Result; Manchester City 2 Everton 2.

LANCASHIRE SENIOR CUP-SECOND ROUND
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 28 October 1902
MANCHESTER CITY v  EVERTON
Played ay Hyde-road, in gloomy weather, before 3,000 spectators. Everton had a weak team, Kitchen being away, while Balmer, Bell, and Sharp were conspicuous absentees.
The teams lined up as follows;-
Everton;- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Russell and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Young, Taylor, Sheridan, and Dilly, forwards.
Manchester City.- Hillman, goal; Davidson and Orr, backs; Frost, Dearden, and McOustra, half-backs; Meredith, Miller, Gillespie, Drummond, and Threlfall, forwards.
The City started, and getting down, Miller shot outside. At the expense of a corner Crelly saved the situation when Trelfall was about to shoot in. following this Whitley was called upon twice, and then play was taken to the other end through the instrumentality of Sheridan. Orr cleared; after which, from a free kick the Everton custodian saved grandly. The visitors were similarly penalised, and one of the City men nearly headed through his own goal. Hillman saving. The City custodian next cleared from Rankin, and then Wolstenholme got the best of an encounter with McOustra, the City goal having a narrow escape. After twenty five minutes play Sheridan scored for Everton with a long shot. The City were granted a penalty through Crelly handling, but Whitley saved from Miller. A minute later Drummond equalised. Everton played the best football, but towards the interval the City improved, and the visitors’ defence was sorely taxed, Whitley saving grandly from Drummond.
Half-time; Everton 1 goal, Manchester City 1 goal.
On resuming, Everton soon attacked, and Young obtaining possession, slipped past Davidson and, getting his left foot to the ball, sent it into the far corner of the net. It was a really brilliant effort. The City defence was hard pressed, and as a result of some clever work by Russell and Abbott, Dilly and Rankin each got possession, but their shots went wide. Subsequently Whitley easily cleared at the other end. Dilly, when close in, shot behind. From a long centre by Meredith, Threlfall met the ball and headed through. Honours this being made easy, Rankin fairly bottled up McOustra, and as a whole Everton had much the best of play. The ball was several times passed back to Hillman to clear, owing to pressure on the City citadel being so heavy. With an open goal Taylor shot behind.
Result;- Manchester City 2 goals, Everton 2.

EVERTON v BOLTON WANDERERS
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 31 October 1902
Thanks to startling rumours, exceptional interest was yesterday centred in the selection of the Wanderers’ team for the Everton match. Picken drops into the Reserve for the first time, also Hanson and Mackay. Weight, fresh from Scotland, is expected to liven up the forward’s work. The centre forward will be a local debutant-Marsh, of Atherton, a good marksman. Four good men are still on the injured list-Bannister, the international half, Ostick, McKie and Tracey. Halliday’s speed is calculated to baffle Jack Sharp.