EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 October 1927
VERSUS TOTTENHAM’S RE-SHUFFLED TEAM.
DEAN KEEPS HIS RECORD
By Bee
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Tottenham Hotspur; Britton; Forster, Richardson; Smith, Skitt, Grimsdell; Osborne, O’Callaghan, Sanders, Townley, Bellamy.  The bassoon player at White Hart Lane split his infinitives owing to the train pelting down by tube.  Last week we basked in London’s sunshine; to-day a downpour started at one o’clock and thoroughly soaked everyone; yet it did not damp Everton’s optimism nor yet the Directors Green and Coffey and Secretary McIntosh.  Everton were unchanged, whereas Spurs cut out famous names –Dimmock, Blair, and Elkes, to name only three.  The Spurs are said to have no point since Peter McWilliam left their management.  Naturally the attendance was very thin, but these magnificent stands behind both goals helped to keep the financial side straight.  I cannot remember another ground where the goal ends have quite so good accommodation, and the turf here is also very good.  The score board in the centre of the popular side is another distinctive feature of this distinctive club.
MEDALS FOR DEAN AND CO.
Willenhall provided the referee, Mr. W. Thomas, and, by the way, medals will be presented to Dean, Mackinlay, and Hart to commemorate their special work in connection with the boys’ match last Wednesday at Anfield.  The question was heard at the Spurs ground; “Could Dean keep up his sequence of scoring in every match this season” time will tell.  The Spurs introduced Townley, and when they lined up Grimsdell looked like the grandfather of the party.  The attendance was not more than 25,000 when Everton having won the toss, had the slight benefit of the wind.  Kelly threw a ball from touch further than anyone I’ve seen for a long time, and Weldon with deliberate “hands” got away without a free kick very successfully.  When Dean failed to quite reach the ball with his head, Forshaw found the pace of the ball just too much for him, otherwise a goal was a certainly.  Spurs had a rough time for a long period, and Critchley’s speed and ability made mincemeat of Grimsdell. 
THE KEEPER DECEIVED
When Spurs broke through the middle Cresswell wisely passed back to the custodian and off went Everton through Hart and Dean again.  But a good shot surprised the Spurs’ goalkeeper, who thought the ball would pass outside instead of which it bumped against the upright and Dean charged into the goalie to force a corner.  Sanders beat Cresswell and the situation was distinctly bad until Townley shot outside from an offside position.  There followed a rain of shots in five minutes which should have brought a goal.  Forshaw crashed one a yard outside the goalpost, and Dean at a nice angle, rattled the ball sideways against the crossbar.  Weldon from inside right, caused Britton to save at the expense of a corner, and Critchley would up with a drive that made Britton’s hands tingle. 
RETAINING HIS RECORD
The wet ball was most awkward to time and control, but O’Callaghan, who was a cartload o’ monkey’s found Virr’s long legs a great trouble.  So far there had been little opportunity for a duel between Dean and Skitt but at this point Troup dug up a forward pass for Dean who instantly headed in, in a manner that was a joy to even the Londoners’ eyes, no more than a foot from the goal.  Everton played the offside game for the second time in history.  At Middlesbrough they paid heavily for it, and now, after they had got one decision “for,” O’Callaghan shot in hard Taylor made a very good save.  He followed it up with a similar save from Townley in spite of slipping as he went down for the ball.  Spurs were enjoying more of the play hereabouts.  Cresswell and O’Donnell were strong deliverers until O’Donnell “duffed” an attempted clearance that led to an attack.  Spurs made their best effort now, and Taylor made a really might save from a header by Townley –one of the best things seen on the ground in the goalkeeping business.  Critchley was doing splendidly, and Dean backed up his efforts until a foul was given against Forshaw for a charge delivered into Grimsdell’s back. 
HOW DEAN SCORED
Deans cored at the 27th minute, thus keeping up his goal-getting sequence.  It was a curious point, and began with Virr trying to pass back to O’Donnell and the ball falling short of the full-back.  O’Donnell back heeled the ball, and he and Virr were together ready to make a clearance each went to do so, and Virr actually kicked the wet ball up the field.  It flew rather than travelled and Dean moved to the inside-left berth to gather the ball.  He was a bit angled. But was unerring in his final drive which put the ball into the top netting with a thud.  Great was the joy of the Everton excursionists and Dean was warmly applauded for his splendid goal.  After O’Donnell had put the ball over the score board screen, the luckless Weldon had a grand shot saved accidentally by the full-back.  Troup dropped a centre on to the top of the net, and the effervescent Critchley made a chance for Forshaw, whose shot pulled wide.  Townley was perhaps the most dangerous of the Spurs forwards, and when he had been controlled, Dean covered, should have passed to the unmarked Troup, instead of which he gave the ball to Weldon, who missed a “sitter.”  Critchly emulated Troup by surprising Britton yet finding the top of the net, O’Donnell was kicking like a mule and found time to make a pass to his bosom pal, Critchley.  Just before half-time Troup gave Foster the “dummy,” centred, and Weldon made Britton go full length to effect a wonderful save.  Everton were worth the lead.  The wonder was that it was no heavier.  The last incident was a collision between O’Donnell and Osborne, the crowd booing the visiting back.  Half-time.- Spurs 0, Everton 1.
Liverpool Echo front page missing- no second half report

TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS 1 EVERTON 3
October 3 rd 1927. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON'S VIRILE DISPLAY IN LONDON
DEAN'S OPPORTUNISM.
BLUES TOO GOOD FOR TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS
Everton gave a virile display at Tottenham, and were full value for their display. Their superiority lay in their straightaway methods, more particularly Dean's trustfulness in front of goal. There was method in everything they did. The conditions were bad, but fast and keen football ruled from start to finish, and Tottenham had almost as much of the play as Everton. The rearranged ‘Spurs' front line did not make the most of their chances. Their tip-tap methods in front of goal were suicidal especially on a wet ground. Everton forwards wasted no time in fruitless manceuvring, Dean, who lay well on the opposing backs, rarely failed in following up the ball. He flung it out freely to the wings, where both Critchley and Troup showed resource in beating their man and making accurate centres. Dean's first goal after 27 minutes play was a masterpiece of straightaway methods. The ‘Spurs were a tacking vigorously when O'Donnell made the run deftly eluded one of the backs, and racing to the left of the goal hooked the ball out of the reach of the goalkeeper, the ball hitting the underside of the crossbar and going into the net. Dean was also the mainspring in Everton's second goal. He took up the running from another clearance kick, and this time dashed past the backs to the right of the goal. He crashed in a cross shot which struck the foot of the post and came back into play. Dean regaining possession again, drove into goal. Britton pushing the ball out for Troup to rush in and steer the ball into the net. Tottenham had repeatedly forced scrimmages almost in the jaws of the Everton goal, and it was during one of these that Townley scored. Everton's third goal was a characteristic effort by Dean in meeting a centre from Critchley and deflecting it into the net with his head. The Tottenham forwards were fast and clever, but lacked finishing power. Skitt was the best of a moderate line of half-backs. Although they never gained mastery over Dean Richardson and Forester were sound backs, and Britton made many good saves from Troup. Dean was the outstanding forward on the field, while Troup and Critchley showed a speed and resource, which the Tottenham backs found too much for them. The Everton half-backs showed better judgement in feeding their forwards than did the Tottenham intermediate line. Cresswell and O'Donnell were sound backs, and although Taylor had not as much work to do as Britton, he saved three difficult shots in the first half. Teams: - Tottenham Hotspurs: - Britton, goal, Forster, and Richardson, backs, Smith, Skitt, and Grimsdell, half-backs, Osborne, O'Callaghan, Sanders, Townley, and Bellamy forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Referee Mr. Thomas.

EVERTON RESERVES 7 OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 3
October 3 rd 1927. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 7)
While the Everton centre, was in rampant form against Oldham Reserves scoring five of the seven the other two points were headed by Griffiths both goals coming from Millington's corner kicks. Oldham were not altogether out classed, but there was never the same harmony between the front and intermediate divisions which exiled on the home side. Griffiths was a fine half, while Lewis the young wing, improved with each game, and had a capable partner in Houghton. The defence was generally sound, and Davies had no chance of stopping the shots by Stanton, Duckworth and Grundy (from a penalty kick ). Everton: - Davies goals Raitt and Rooney, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Dickie, half-backs, Millington, Easton, White, Houghton, and Lewis, forwards.

UNHAPPY ‘SPURS
Athletic News - Monday 03 October 1927
DEAN ON TARGET
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1, EVERTON 3
By Vagrant
Further experiments in the Tottenham team availed nothing.  They were beaten on their own ground for the first time this season and Everton’s victory in no sense flattered them; indeed, the score in their favour might easily have been doubled.  Not that the ‘Spurs were hopelessly outclassed so far as midfield play went, but there was a punch and a finish about the Everton team which the ‘Spurs could not copy, and it was obvious that the ideal combination from the Tottenham point of view has not yet been found.  There was just one spell when the spectators had good grounds to hope that the home team would come out of the affair with credit.  This was before the scoring of the first goal.  But when Everton were being most severely pressed just on the half hour a haphazard kick by a defender seemed to change the whole course of the game. 
PERSISTENT DEAN
On the greasy surface the ball skidded past the Tottenham full-backs, with DEAN chasing it at full speed, and the centre-forward shot cleverly into goal.  From that moment the ‘Spurs never got back to their good form and Everton were always winning.  TROUP scored the second goal 17 minutes after half-time, getting his chance when a shot from Dean beat the goalkeeper, struck the post, and came out to the outside left.  Shortly afterwards TOWNLEY joined the list of players who have scored in their first match, shooting through many legs close in.  However, before the end, Critchley dropped in a perfect centre, and DEAN steered the ball into the net.  The part which Dean played in Everton’s victory is obvious.  I have seen him more completely the master of the ball in the open, but he always had an eye on the main chance, and his ability to test the goalkeeper-or beat him –from all sorts of angles and plainly manifest.  Troup was the other member of the Everton attack who had a hard shot in his boot, and a great drive in the second half was worth a goal.  Britton saved this in masterly fashion, and it was undoubtedly Britton who saved the ‘Spurs from a much more serious defeat.  He kept a fine goal. 
HALF-BACK WEAKNESS
In every other department the visitors were superior, and especially at half-back.  It seemed to me from this game that this is the department to which the Tottenham officials will next have to pay attention.  Admittedly Skitt had a difficult task in trying to stop Dean, but even when he had time to measure his pass he often failed to start his men going, and Smith was guilty of similar errors.  Grimsdell could not go through a match without doing good work, but he is far from being the masterful Grimsdell of old.  Weakness at half-back meant too much work for the full-backs and not sufficient support for the forwards.  And the forward line Tottenham required support.  The experiment which promised best for the future was the display given by Townley at inside left.  When the looks back on this first game he will probably recall that he was most successful when he was least elaborate, and if he takes the lesson to heart he may make good.  Bellamy and Sanders were each fair, but as the right wing had more experience Osborne and O’Callaghan should have been given more chances. Tottenham Hotspur.- Britton; Forster, Richardson; Smith, Skitt, Grimsdell; Osborne, O’Callaghan, Sanders, Townley, and Bellamy.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell and O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; W. Thomas (Willanhall). 

HOW EVERTON WON AWAY
Liverpool Echo - Monday 03 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
Leaving the hospitable Spurs’ quarters, awfully I asked Osborne, the winger of the Spurs’ team, how he came to reconcile the position of the Spurs with the talent the team included.  His answer may interest you.  He said “We are meeting all the good sides just now.  We have net one of the best this afternoon.  Everton players, please take a bow.  They’ve said something similar at other grounds visited by Everton this season, and I am not stretching a view point when I say there is little doubt that Everton should have won all their away games this season.  That won’t carry them points further, and I only record it as a firm belief in what I have seen with my own eyes.  To beat Spurs sounds cleverer than it really is; that is another dictum I have formed after seeing Saturday’s side, which bore all the known frittering patterns of play associated with the Seed of the Spurs; but that Spurs side, cut up and strewn out, is but a phase of former Spurs’ elevens.  Therefore, when Everton joy over the joyful feat of winning at White Hart-lane, let them remember what they beat.  The home half-backs were a very poor line.  Skitt has gone back a lot and never had a chance with Dean, Grimsdell has very naturally gone slower, and Critchley, playing good football all through and working the ball to some purpose- once to a goal- gave a pretty answer to the man whose letter I published on Friday.  I rate Critchley’s attacking game on Saturday second only to Dean, with Troup flying quite near for high honours of the pack.  However, you can’t have five aces in a pack without getting a gunshot; therefore I place Dean number I on Saturday, and Critchley number 2.  Weldon was apt to over-dribble.  He did not make the pass when he could make it, the result, being that his glorious shots simply went into collision with what one might term a sandbag. 
STEADY INFLUENCES.
Everton found a steadying influence at half-back, where they were not blazing away when they got the ball; they made some lovely passes and cut in to stop the home team’s excess of florid dummy moves, body swerves and the like.  Then there was the very fine influence of Taylor in goal, where he made three perfect saves that otherwise would have meant goals.  Taylor has got into a working agreement with hi backs-one lusty, the other trusty.  O’Donnell delights to be a diving, driving force; Cresswell’s blood never boils, unless he misses a putt of two foot, and it would be idle to talk of the icicle movements and ask him to re-model his game.  He delights in his game and his game gives delight.  He knows exactly how far to go and how far to hang off, and now that he gives the goalkeeper a good, healthy outlook in football life, there will not be many goals against the Everton defence.  O’Donnell broke all records on the ground for putting three balls out of the ground, I liked him best, however, when he was cutting in, when he was leaping to a header, when he was running upwards and giving the outside right a perfect pass.  Undoubtedly Everton had a worrying time when ‘Spurs got a scrambled goal per Townley.  The side has not yet forgotten lasts season’s experiences, when a goal against was a mountainous thing.  They still show signs of crumbling when the other side gets a goal.  This is simply remembrance and by degrees it will fade out.  The steadying influences are working their part. 
DEAN TELEGRAMS TO “CONSISTENCY.”
IF Dean were a Londoner, or playing in a London team, they would be painting the lily of the football field.  As it is the London crowds stand in awe of him.  Rarely have I seen any one man get though backs as does Dean.  Of course he scored; he has not missed goalling this season, but you who were not prevent cannot imagine how many he might have got with the last turn of the wheel of fortune.  He headed the ball with precision against a man bigger than himself; he has developed a way of close dribbling and pulling the ball out in the space of a foot, and then leaping up he has escaped the blocking process of the defender’s foot; he is still the best heading goal-getter the game has known (if we except Sandy Turnbull), and his shooting has become a thing two-footed and wholly brilliant.  On one occasion he had an end-on view of the goal-posts.  There was no one to whom he could pass, so he took a place shot at goal and the ball actually made a glide along the front of the crossbar.  His opening goal came through what seemed to be a punt up bu Virr; actually it was from O’Donnell, who had Virr by his side, Dean was again angled and this time he burst the ball beyond Britton, who is no mean goalkeeper as Troup can testify in view of the way he handled two red-hot shots from the wee yin.  Dean’s third goal came at a convenient time, just as the Spurs were banging away towards an equalizer.  Critchley loaned it; Dean simply polished the lens! Goalmaking made easy that was, my sirs; a centre, a head, a goal- and a bonus bounty made siccar.  Football can be awfully simple; sometimes it is simply awful.  This was a wet day, a heavy ball, and an away match, and Everton, having won it cleverly and well, should have more confidence for future away games.  Bellamy was in a quiet, balmy mood- the match was, perhaps, too big for him, as he is very small; Townley, son of an old Blackburn Rovers’ favourite, was cute and cunning until he got the Spurs’ disease of doing just one more turn, which was a pity seeing his upbringing and also seeing he is tallish and has good command of the ball.  Townley’s trouble was that of the army sergeant-major; he            WOULD               command too much! Townley will come on; Spurs will have to come to space if they are to do any good this season; Bert Smith and Grimsdell are lights of other days and one wonders of Elkes who has been carrying the side, can be left out of such a poor side another minute.  They say he has had a poor time this season- I do not wonder, if he has had to “carry” the present Spurs eleven.  Dimmock, too, must be a poor player to be left out of this side – I would like to sign him this very moment. 

EVERTON’S CUP-TIE WITH PRESTON TOMORROW
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 04 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton, to-morrow, at 3.15 have a visit from Preston North End in the Lancashire Cup-tie.  Ordinarily this would be a good match, but in view of Everton’s League rise, and the spirit of the side’s success in every direction, the game becomes more than usually interesting.  Preston don’t come our way often owing to their Second Division status, but we do not forget that there is a colony of folk from Everton at Preston, notably the ever-young George Harrison, who has taken a new lease of football life, and is cracking goals apace; then there are the Hamilton-Kerr-Kendall trio, who served their apprenticeship at Goodison Park.  There has to be added the chance of seeing men of the Jackson and James stamp, James being the most noteworthy.  He is reckoned the dandiest dribbler in the Second Division standard, and a judge such as Mr. Jack Sharp says he has not seen a cleverer inside forward than young James, the Scottie. We shall see what we shall see tomorrow.  At the moment the teams have not been chosen. 

EVERTON'S CUP TIE.
October 5 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
DEAN AND HART NOT TO PLAY TODAY.
“Dixie” Dean is not included in the Everton side to play Preston North End today in the second round of the Lancashire Cup. The place of England centre forward, who no doubt, will benefit by the rest will be filled by White, a native of Southport. Hunter Hart has been given a rest also, Griffiths coming in at centre half-back. The Blues will turn out as follows: - Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Griffiths, Virr, Critchley, Forshaw, White, Weldon, and Troup.

EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL MAKE BIG MOVE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 October 1927
“Bee” learns that Liverpool F.C have obtained permission to re-arrange the local Derby games, with the result that next Saturday week, Liverpool and Everton will play at Goodison Park instead of Anfield, the return game being fixed for Anfield in February.  This arrangement has been made as a consequence of the alterations at the Anfield ground not being complete.  There is no danger to the spectators on Spion Kop, but the Anfield Club thought it wise to take every precaution to meet the customary huge crowd that attends the Derby games.  An official of the Anfield club, interviewed, said “Spion Kop will be complete back to front, in a few weeks, but the club has played for safely, and our spectators will appreciate the move made.”

PRESTON VISIT EVERTON IN A LANCS. CUP-TIE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 October 1927
By Bee
We resumed association with old friends to-day, at Goodison Park, when Everton and Preston North End met in connection with a Lancashire Cup-tie.  Everton tried White, of Southport for the first time in the senior eleven.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, White, Weldon, Troup.  Preston North End; Carr; Wade, Hamilton; Metcalfe, Morris, Crawford, Reid, Russell, T. Roberts, James and G. Harrison.  There were five thousand spectators to see Everton face the sun, and the first real point of play, after some good heading by Griffiths, was a free kick taken by Kelly for a foul on Critchley.  The ball was shot across the goalmouth, and was untouched by any other player.  White tried a sharp drive with the left foot, but failed to get a good contact.  Forshaw also was a bit off the mark. 
NOT OVER-EXCITED
The game in the first half was enjoyable, but not over exciting.  Neither goalkeeper had much to do, and Carr escaped on one occasion from a free kick taken by Cresswell.  While back heading the ball on to the cross bar.  Carr’s only other trouble in half an hour was a long punt by Griffiths.  However the Preston goalkeeper should have been beaten with ease early on when Troup and White had comfortable chances.  No defender played better than Hamilton, the veteran, and Troup and Weldon interchanged position with valuable results, while on the other wing Harrison was a source of trouble against the old clubmate and once centred so well that Roberts headed near- the ball struck the side of the net.  Weldon brought Carr to the ground to make a save, and then O’Donnell had recovered from a blow, Preston went on to show useful combination, although James, the clever dribbler was not unduly prominent.  One of Harrison’s most difficult centres made the ball turn away from Taylor, who nevertheless made a safe cricketing catch.  Everton were the superior side in attack, but found it difficult to make headway against a sturdy backs and quick-moving half backs, the chief of whom was Crawford.  Preston were distinctly on top in the later stages of the first half and when the ball was crossed Taylor was unable to reach far enough for the punch away and after the ball had bobbed between James Reid and Roberts Reid scored with ease.  Two minutes later, at the fourth minute George Harrison scored a popular goal against his old comrades, the chance being made possible through O’Donnell putting across to the right, and after making a good individual run, but failing to clear at a convenient moment.  Preston were worth a lead, because the Everton forwards had been wasteful in the first half-hour.  Half-time.- Everton 0, Preston 2. 

OLD ALBION PLAYER
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 October 1927
Alfred Geddes, who gained a Football Association Cup final medal when playing outside left for West Bromwich Albion in the season of 1891-92, has died at Bristol.  West Bromwich beat Aston Villa by three goals to none in what proved to be the last final tie played on the ground of the Surrey County Cricket Club.  Subsequently Geddes assisted Milwall and also Bedminster before that club amalgamated with Bristol City. 

EVERTON O PRESTON NORTH END 4
October 6 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
LANCASHIRE CUP ROUND TWO
EVERTON IN THE “BLUES.”
KNOCKED OUT OF LANCS CUP BY 4 CLEAR GOALS.
PROUD PRESTON.
An official prior to the Everton and Preston North End Lancashire Cup-tie at Goodison Park yesterday, told the writer they believed if a thing was worth doing at all it was worth doing well, and they were going all out to win. Preston's bustling tactics indeed, took Everton by surprise, and to complete the humiliation Preston, in the second half, showed they also could play the tip-tap game, and served up some well-knit and clever football. Everton seemed content to let them do so, Everton of course missed their regular centre-forward, Dean, and the inclusion of Hunter Hart would have made a world of difference. It was a keen struggle till near the interval, when Reid and Harrison, who drives as hard as ever, snatched a couple of goals, the first certainly of the lucky variety, for Preston.
SPOT-KICK SAVED.
Crawford and James added two more in the second half, and but for a particularly smart save from the penalty spot, after Roberts was fouled in the penalty area, (Harrison took pen, and O'Donnell grassed Roberts-Post and Mercury) there would have been a fifth. As Everton might have been awarded a penalty earlier in the game, matters were balanced. Preston had an outstanding centre-half in Morris, and he was responsible for the subdued humour of White, the former Southport player, who seems to reserve his marksmanship for the reserve team. Taylor, until near the interval, had a comfortable time, and during this half Everton should have made more use of their chances Troup and White having choice opportunities. Tony Wheldon certainly deserved a goal for the shot, which brought Carr to the ground, a position he was often in during the first half, although he always managed to extricate himself. Credit is due to Preston for their sound defence, in which the veteran Hamilton was outstanding. Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs Kelly, Griffiths, and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, White, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Preston North End: - Carr, goal, Wade and Hamilton, backs, Matcalfe, Morris, and Crawford, half-backs, Reid, Russell, Roberts, James, and Harrison, forwards . Official gate £350, attendance 6,430.

THE LOCAL DERBY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 06 October 1927
The 330 seats bookable for all League matches have already been disposed of for the Everton-Liverpool match at Goodison Park, and there will be no further bookings.  The order now is-pay at the turnstiles. 

EFFECT OF EVERTON’S DEFEAT
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 06 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
ONE MIGHTY SWIPE
Preston North End must have heard Harry Weldon talk of his “one mighty swipe” for they descended –descended is a good word- on the Everton ground and won by four goals.  There is no argument about such a verdict when the winning side is a Second Division side, is away from home, and is appearing against an eleven that has had a good run in the premier league.  It is not sufficient to say that Dean and Hart were absent; Everton’s resource are such that two absentees should not so seriously hinder a chance of success against a normal Second Division side.  For my part I think it would be unfair to suggest that the team lost because of White appearing at centre and Griffiths at centre-half.  The truth was that White played quite well for a long time, and having missed a sitter seemed to feel his position; Griffiths kept Tom Roberts in subjection and from getting a goal, and he offered up a good number of passes to the wing men.  The secret of the swamping was that Everton threw away golden chances in the first half hour and then began to press for an advantage the never came.  First, Reid scored, following a reach-out for a ball on the part of Taylor, then a minute later Everton cracked through, O’Donnell moving forward to the right, gaining a first-class defensive move, yet losing it all through not clearing when he had the first chance; Jud Harrison, who has never had a better season for goals, scored, and later failed with a penalty kick which Taylor saved- Taylor also got his knuckles to two other very fast drives.  Give Preston their due; their half-backs were good; Crawford is very consistent, and the other half-backs did solid work; while the forwards were goers.  James, the star man, did nothing of note till he scored with a ball that cannoned off a defender; but Hamilton, the veteran full-back, has never played better in our midst; he held his wing from start to finish, and made him a fine lieutenant.  Everton lost because they overdid their finesses and passing, and because they did not realise expectations by taking three easy chances and getting their blow in “fust,” which would have meant they were thrice-armed.  It is nonsense to talk of the defeat in the way some may have –they excuse it by saying that no Everton side should worry over Lancashire Cup defeats.  The defeat was distinct and a blow to our beliefs about First and Second Division sides.  Let us face those facts.  Meantime, let me tell you Preston believe they are coming back to the First Division, and believe their team is built in such a way that they would do far better in the First Division than in the Second.  So here’s hoping we meet them next season in the higher grade school! 
CHANGED TO GOODISON APRK
The news published regarding the change of front in the local “Derby” game between Everton and Liverpool will doubtless give much satisfaction, for no one would wish any “Derby” game to take place wherein the spectators were not in reasonable comfort.  Grounds have been raised and improved to an extent that make an Ibrox Park disaster –such as occurred twenty-six years ago- a veritable impossibility.; however, let it not be thought that the Liverpool Club has any risk attaching to its “Kop” The difficulty would be that a big crowd would wish to see the game, and had the match been fixed for a month later the contingency would never have arisen.  Now the match takes place at Goodison Park on Saturday week, and the other game (at Anfield) goes into the February agenda. 

EVERTON V MANCHESTER UNITED EXPECTATIONS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 07 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
The meeting of Manchester United and Everton at Goodison Park, where the great coupling process proceeds –to-morrow, Manchester United; Saturday week, Liverpool –and each match being broadcast! The meeting between Everton and Manchester last season was a poorish one, and one could hardly expect anything different, for Manchester United were suffering through an abundance of nerves.  All that has gone by the board now, and though Manchester may be short of some half-backs through Frank Parsons’ most unfortunate and most prolonged period, they have been getting some fine phrases concerning their goalkeeper, backs and forwards.  Indeed the goalkeeper, Stewart, has been named as good enough for England, now that Brown, of Sheffield, is hors de combat.  Everton have been travelling in fine, resolute and pretty fashion for some weeks, and therefore it was a pity a blow arose in mid-week from a Preston (Second Division) side.  This sort of thing may have its effect upon the confidence of a side, or it may not; but this much is certain; it has had the effect of showing everyone what influence Dean has on the forward line and Hart upon the half-back line.  Those who, like myself, have followed Everton’s every away match are content to believe that the side will come back to its best again tomorrow and will forget all about the Lancashire Cup-tie.  The League form of Everton has been of a marked, competent, and entrancing character and there is no doubt that the players are imbued with a championship spirit, and believe they have the talent to gather this honour.  The victory over ‘Spurs led the London Press to tell us their view of the Goodison Park side.  I am out to say that they didn’t exaggerate one bit, and tomorrow should give us further evidence of their ability.  Dean and Hart return, of course, and, as Dean has not yet missed scoring, the match will be followed with a personal touch as well as a team-view.  The crowd should be a big one when the following elevens turn out;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Manchester United; Richardson; Moore, Silcock; Bennion, Mann, Wilson; Ramsden, Sweeney, Spence, Partridge, McPherson. 

MANCHESTER UNITED AT GOODISON PARK.
October 8 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Manchester United, who will provide the opposition –not of a too strenuous nature, at times be said –at Goodison Park today, are not likely to set the Mersey on fire. Despite the fact that they have signed on Rees Williams, the Welsh international outside right from the Wednesday, their attack needs much bolstering up. Their defence is none too dependable either, and, considering that they have lost their last three away games, it seems that Everton will not have much cause for anxiety. He United are the poorer by the absence of Hanson and Haslam, but it remains to be seen what influence the new forward will exert on his colleagues. He did not play very often with The Wednesday latterly, though. Williams who was formerly with Merthtr Town, is 5ft 7in and weights 11 st , is a speedy winger and a good shot. He has been “capped “six times. The United have made repeated overtures for him during the last two years. Everton will rely on their usual eleven for the game, which starts at 3.15. Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Manchester United: - Richardson; Moore, Silcock; Bennion, Mann, Wilson; Williams, Sweeney, Spence, Partridge, McPherson.

No Liverpool Football Echo in record office
October 8, 1927

EVERTON 5 MANCHESTER UNITED 2
October 10 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
DEAN'S SENSATIONAL WORK AT GOODISON PARK
SCORES EVERTON'S FIVE GOALS AGAINST MANCHESTER UNITED
OLD TRAFFORD SIDE'S FORWARD LINE STILL WEAK.
There was thrills galore and something of everything in this Lancashire duel, but Dean was the specialist. Dean's progress is marvelous. He is better than ever. His five goals were all real ones, too. Dean's placing was to an inch, and with the exception, possibly of one, no goalkeeper could have stopped them. Richardson was a gallant figure in the United goal, and although he had to pick five of the best out of the net it can be said his exhibition was sound. Richardson too, was publicly congratulated Dean at the finish, said, “Dean is far away the best centre-forward I have met.”“We want goals” was evidently' Everton's motto from the start, and when it was seen that United's policy of defence was to be that of the “offside way” it was realised this was not going to pay them. Ding-dong came “Dixie” goals –four of them in the first half. Forshaw meanwhile was playing one of the games of his career –mobstrusive, it you like –but helping the leader to gather in the harvest. There was no fluke about any of the goals, for Dean manipulated the ball with skill and judgement, and shot with power and precision. Richardson said that two or three went past him like cannon balls. It was of course a spectacular treat, but while the leader co-operated with sound judgement with his wings, much of his success was due to the support he received. This was his record for a first League game, and the schedule worked out: - first goal two minutes, second nine third 30, fourth 43, fifth 60. Everton were served by a tip-top middle line and a sound defence although O'Donnell was toiling rather heavily at times. The weakness in the United forward line was again apparent, and while half a dozen front line men were weeded out at the beginning of the season Mr. Bamlett, the new manager from Middleabrough does not seem to have found the right blending yet. Not much was seen of the new man, Rees Williams, from Sheffield Wednesday, and Spence must be growing accustomed to ploughing the lonely furrow. His perseverance earned United's goal in the first half following Dean's “hat trick” and Bennion had practically the whole goal to shoot at when he scored United second following a free-kick. Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Manchester United: - Richardson, goal, Moore, and Silcock, backs, Bennion, Hilditch, and Wilson half-backs, Williams Hanson, Spence, Partridge, McPherson forwards.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
October 10 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 8)
Manchester united Reserves ought to have defeat Everton Reserves by more than two goals to one at Old Trafford hesitancy in front of goal losing than several scoring chances. There were no goals in the first half but on one occasion Richardson, the home centre forward was robbed when attempting to walk the ball into the net. The defence of both sides were very strong. Chapman obtained Manchester's opening goal, and ten minutes later Ferguson added a second. Fifteen minutes from the finish Griffiths scored for Everton.

HOW DEAN GOT FIVE GOALS
Athletic News - Monday 10 October 1927
EVERTON 5, MANCHESTER UNITED 2
By Junius
Manchester United were over-whelmed at Goodison Park, where Dean scored all five goals for his side.  Everton’s toll would have been doubled but the alertness and resource of Richardson, who was called upon to tackle finishing efforts, the high standard of which have not been seen in any game on Merseyside this season.  He had no chance with the shots that got goals, and many other marked by the same accuracy were treated with masterly conquest.  United had a heavy task, fighting an uphill battle against superior craftsmen and better-balanced team work.  It was the latter that chiefly upset any plan of campaign the Manchester forwards might have arranged to embark upon.  Team work was conspicuous in every Everton advance, and taking less out of themselves, they simply toyed with the opposition, who were so greatly overrun that their forwards were seldom in possession, and even when they were they could make but little progress. 
DEAN TRIUMPH
The full-backs too, emphasized weakness by persistently utilizing the off-side ruse in their efforts to arrest the progress of the cleverly combined Everton forces.  At times this exploitation reduced the play ton a farce, and stoppages took a great slice out of the ninety minutes.  The visitors’ full-backs will do better when they attempt to play the ball and not simply rely on the help of the rules too literally read.  As I have indicated, the contest was a personal triumph for Dean, who gave a superb display of skill, perseverance, and pertinacity.  But he was greatly assisted by his colleagues, particularly Forshaw, who played a big part in establishing a strong lead in the first half.  In the first minute Critchley took a Forshaw pass to provide DEAN with his first goal, and seven minutes later it was the inside right who gave DEAN his second chance.  After thirty minutes had gone by Forshaw took the ball ahead for DEAN to send it into the net with his head, and after SPENCE had reduced the lead DEAN went off on his own whilst the United defenders were clamoring for off-side.  The Everton leader obtained his fifth goal after 20 minutes in the second half and from a free kick against O’Donnell, BENNION ended the scoring seven minutes from time.
SUPERIOR HALF-BACKS
It was in half-back play that Everton held a commanding lead.  There was perfect understanding with the men in front, and at the same time the trio were generally successful in intercepting opposing advances.  Hart held Spence as in a vice, while Kelly and Virr allowed no latitude to the United wing players.  Further behind Cresswell was a tactician, but was frequently made aware of the speed of McPherson, who was United’s only raider.  The occasion served to introduce Williams, the former Sheffield Wednesday player, to the outside right position, but circumstances were not favorable to form an estimate of his usefulness to the visitors’ forward line.  He had little support from colleagues whose work took them nowhere in particular.  Their attacks were things of shreds and patches and the Everton defenders held them in the hollow of their hands.  They had energy enough and were hard workers, but in skill they were shown to be lacking.  The left wing pair at times stood out prominently, but the line as a whole appeared to lack a directing hand.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Manchester United; Richardson; Moore, Silcock; Bennion, Hilditch, Wilson; Williams, Hanson, Spence, Partridge, and McPherson.  Referee. A. Ward, Kirkham. 

HELP FROM THE BRIGHT RIGHT
Liverpool Echo – Monday 10 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
Those who saw Everton lose a mid-week Cup-tie to Preston had qualms about what would happen if Dean were absent.  And there were letters to the Hive proclaiming beliefs that it were wise to see more goals from others than the middle man. However, on Saturday we saw five from Dean, no response; yet three of the five were due almost entirely to the short, sharp work of the right and bright wing pair, Critchley and Forshaw.  That being so, we may be fairly secure in the belief that it is not unwise that one man should score the goals if the others act the role of providers.  Freeman collected 38 in a season when clubs were not so numerous, and it used to be vowed that Tim Coleman and J.D. Taylor made him his goals.  I am not in full agreement there, but I do say that then as now the concentration was down the middle, so far as scoring was concerned; and it is not a bad plan when you remember how well goalkeepers position themselves for angled shots from inner and extreme wingers.  The middleman is undoubtedly best placed for shooting, and the Everton players find as much joy in Dean getting the goals as anyone else- it is all in the same good cause.  And one of the results is that Everton have yet this season missed a bonus; true they lost a game at Middleborough, but the bonus was made up by a mid-week payment of bonus.  They thoroughly deserved their bonus on Saturday, for the 41,000 people present could see in them a clever, concerted lot, who had hardly a weak link.  I have already spoken of the right wing pair.  Troup shot persistently, and without luck; and Weldon roamed for the purposes of opening a game that was likely to be cut to bits through Manchester’s offside tactics.  Add the through-and-through hold up of Spence by Hart, plus the latter’s wise passes, and two good wing half backs, and tack on the dour “D.’s” punts and clearances, and Cresswell’s masterly strokes, and you have nothing left save another bar of praise for Ted Taylor’s early saves, which may have turned the course of true confidence.  Of course the Manchester goalkeeper was the man of his side.  He saved double figures, and while he had luck when he struck his right hand to the air, he undoubtedly played first-class stuff, and earned the special reward from the sporting spectators.  Manchester were a grievous disappointment.  They lacked fire; they lacked tone and touch; they lacked a personal element that is always present when Barson is barring a way to a centre forward; they lacked inches and weight and save from the left flank, were a moderate lot, the half back line being undistinguished, save for Wilson’s brilliance.  Hilditch, at centre half, was the most sporting half back I have ever heard of. 
IT IS UNLESS
Telephoning Goodison Park or Jack Sharp’s to book seats for the “Derby” game.  The 230 bookable seats were taken last Thursday.  Pay at the turnstiles for the remaining 14,000. 
Mr. Harry Wearing, bandmaster and secretary of the Aigburth Silver Prize Band, writes;-
I was interested with the idea of your choosing the programme of music for the local Derby.  As the game is being played at Goodison, may I place a small portion of our repertory at your dispose, and ask for your choice, which we will be very pleased to play. THIS IS HIS LIST;-
Marches “The Commonwealth,”  “King’s Royal Rifles,” “Romano” “Victors Return,”  “The Cossack,”  “Invincible,”
Selections. - “The Bohemian Girl,”  “Maritana,” “11 Flauto Magico,”  “Gems of Tchaikovsky,” “Gems of Italian Opera,”  “Rigoletto,”  “Chu Chin Chow,”  “The Maid of the Mountains,” “Tancredi.”
Descriptive Pieces- “A Day with the Huntsmen,”  “Alpine Echoes,”  “A Motor Trip,” “Jamie’s Patrol” (Scotch),  “Nightingale (cornet solo).
Dance Music.- “Shalimar,”  “Perhaps You’ll Think of Me.”  “Because I Love You,”  “Sheila O’Shea,”  “In a Little Spanish Town,”  “Little Brown Baby,”  “Crazy Words,”  “Side by Side,” “Ain’t She Sweet,”  “Bye-Bye Blackbird,”  “Blue Skies.”
BEE’S PICKINGS ARE AS FOLLOWS;-

1. “Maid of the Mountain”
2. 2”Maritana” (for old school’s sake)
3. -;
4. Crazy Words”
5. “Side by Side
6. “Aint She Sweet”

Not in the order of merit, but in the order of a crescendo, which should satisfy every red and Blue follower, Mr. Wearing.

WORKING IN CONCERT
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 11 October 1927
Mr. G. Thompson, of Birkenhead. Writes:  “I would like to praise Everton on their splendid victory. I would also like to thank Dixie Dean for the five splendid goals; but I give high praise to Forshaw. I never saw the players work so well together as they are doing lately, and that is a grand spirit. I was very much annoyed when I overheard one man say on Saturday that Everton was a one-man team; I don't think such people know football. Do you?  Must give Manchester credit for playing clean, but I was surprised to see them play the offside game so much, which spoilt a lot of the game. They had to do that to keep the score down.  Many who are apt to recall amissed penalty should remember that O’Donnell on Saturday saved his goalkeeper by a fine bit of heading, in a crisis. In dealing with football one's memory must balance the good with the miss and the misses!
CLENNELL’S LATEST
Joe Clennell, the former Everton, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, and Cardiff City inside forward, has been signed on by Rochdale and should prove a useful acquisition to the Third Division club though he has had a long spell of service in the game.

 

FOOTBALL TRAGEDY. 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 12 October 1927
INQUEST ON WELL-KNOWN WALLASEY PLAYER
The circumstances of the death of the well-knows footballer, James Russell  Williamson,  of 34, Stanley-Street, Seacombe, who was fatally injured during the playing  of the Liverpool County Challenge Cup tie  between Poulton Rovers and Aintree S.S.  Team, were investigated by the Wallasey coroner, Mr. J. C. Bate, this afternoon.  'Williamson. who was 36 years old, had  played for Everton Reserve, Tranmere  Rovers and the Hibernians.  He joined the Poulton Rovers this season.  On returning home from the match on the Poulton-road ground on Saturday he complained to his wife that one of the players had kicked him on the stomach.  He was in pain all night, and on Sunday morning he saw a doctor, who sent him to the hospital, where he died on Tuesday.  The widow stated that she understood the kick to be accidental.  John Davidson, a spectator of the match, said Williamson played centre forward.  During a scramble in front of goal, when Poulton were pressing, Williamson fell on his knees and then across the net, evidently in great pain.  He retired, but returned and played a good game.  Later he fell again, but witness could not see what happened except that the Aintree goalkeeper rushed out of the goalmouth.  The trained took Williamson to the dressing-room.  Nathan Bird, a member of the committee of the Poulton Rovers, stated that there was no unusually rough play. When Williamson, who was an unpaid player, fell on the first occasion it was through the ball striking him on the body.  When he fell the second time he and the Aintree goalkeeper both rushed at the ball and collided.  Williamson who said he had a knock in the stomach, was carried off, and the game was temporally stopped.  It all happened so quickly that no one appeared to know what occurred.  No allegation of rough play had been made.  William Marsden Clayton, of Walton who acted as referee, said that one of the Aintree players jumped up to head the ball, and he collided with Williamson.  There was no attempt to kick the ball, and witness was absolutely certain that Williamson was not kicked.  He might have run upon a player’s knee, but whatover happened the occurrence was accidental.  (Proceeding). 

THE SIDES CHOSEN FOR THE MERSEYSIDE DERBY GAME
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 12 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
And so Derby games teams have been published without delay.  Generally there is a holding-off incident in regard to one player or another; this time there are, apparently, no ifs and buts, yet I would counsel the Liverpool supporters to remember that finger injuries do not heal rapidly and therefore there must be some sort of doubt about Elisha Scott keeping the appointment he would like to keep.  It looks as if he will be at Goodison Park, and remembering the past and the present records of the scorers it is doubtless the belief that this Derby game at Goodison is going to produce goals.  Spectators like to see goals, just as a boxing crowd like to see a knock out.  Never has a meeting of Red and Blue bene staged in such a fine setting as this week’s issue; it is a meeting of the sternest rivals who are just at their highest point of the season’s success; the goal-swamp of Portsmouth with Devlin’s four-decker scheme, and Dean’s five-toll against Manchester United’s admitted weak side, brings the sides together with an evenness that cannot be denied.  Yet I have already formed an opinion about the game and do not hesitate to put it on record that I believe Everton will win.  All the Evertonians will be thinking likewise; all the Liverpool followers, a legion of them, will be thinking otherwise; it is just a matter of opinion, which can only be settled by Saturday’s game.  So that we can afford to wait the verdict of the only judge that matters –the referee, Mr. Bunnell, of Preston, who was last season’s Cup final referee.  Many Anfield supporters imagined there would be a change on the left wing, but this has not been forthcoming; the famous pair, Hopkin (damaged) and Chalmers, are missing from a Derby game- this in itself is a novelty; but the young men from the reserves, Reid and Pither, have the vote of the team-selectors.  Who are the team-selectors you ask.  Well, at Spurs it used to be Pat McWilliam –with no power to intervene; at Anfield. I believe the manager and secretary form their scheme; submit it to the directors, who, if necessary, make alterations.  Everton used to have a body of four as selectors; then the whole board took on the job –and the blame that was bound to come to them when the team lost; now I believe they continue to pick the team according to the light of the whole of the board.  Different clubs have different arranges.  Of course, Everton’s team selection is just now a natter of “same again” rarely have they had to spend so little time upon this side of the agenda.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Liverpool; Scott; Lucas, McKinlay, McMullan, Jackson, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Devlin, Reid, Pither. 

THIS IS ONE FOR YOU
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 13 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
I got a great shock when I learned that Jim Williamson had been killed during a game he was playing with Poulton Rovers.  This is the Williamson who was remembered as the tough little fellow who had many clubs, and many friends.  He played in his time with Armadale, St. Johnstone, Hibs., Everton, Blackpool, Tranmere, and Ellesmere Port team, and latterly was playing for Poulton on a permit as an amateur.  The virility of the man is shown by the fact that after the game, in which he collided with a goalkeeper; he was walking about as if nothing had happened.  Unfortunately his injuries were such that he died the same day.  And now a widow and five children mourn his loss.  I want to make a special appeal to all his friends and all my football circle of friends to give aid to this cause; will you send me whatever you can to help a family in dire distress?  Rarely do I ask for money for information offered, but I do feel constrained to say that those who have settled their wagers through this column could here fine a happy medium of showing their gratitude, and would be assured the money was badly needed.  Tonight, please; he who is hasty with his donations gives thrice!  Address to me, marked “Williamson Fund.” 
In view of the big crowd that is sure to gather at Goodison Park, the management of the Everton club make the following official announcement; Spectators for the shilling portion of the ground are requested to note that entrances are provided in addition to those near Spellow-lane, at the north side of the club’s office (that is, near the church), and also at the north and south end of the new stand in Bullen’s road.  If spectators will spread themselves out so as to avoid any congestion the directors would be obliged.  Gates will be opened at 1.15, and in an interview Mr. Tom McIntosh, the secretary, said “we have sixty-six turnstiles, and they should be sufficient to accommodate every one going in so long as the crowd follows instructions.  There is room for 17,000 people in the paddock; about 14,000 in the stands; then there is covered accommodation for 41,000; and the ground will hold about 67,000 in comfort.  Mounted police have been engaged, and everything points to the game going off in usual sporting and smooth fashion.” 
I am a thought reader, and after reading Mr. William A. Greene’s Dixie Melody” in this evening’s “Echo,” I “psyched” myself, and turned in upon Dixie’s though (says “Shades of Byron”).  He, also, had just finished reading his epic, and was thinking of replying in the following form;-

THE GREAT DAY ARRIVES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 October 1927
SCOTT STILL A DOUBTFUL STARTER
RILEY NATURAL SUCCESSOR
Bee’s Notes
Everton or Liverpool?  T’other of which?  Or is it to be a draw?  A “Derby” meetings between these pair assume an importance that is attached to no other games in the city.  But this game comes at a point when the Everton crowd believes they have the cleverest side in the land.  They may be wrong; they may be proved wrong tomorrow.  Liverpool similarly think they have struck a forward line of punch power and that with the old defence as sure as ever, they see no reason why this “Derby” game and many other games should not go to Liverpool’s credit account.  With crack-scoring centre forwards doing marvelous things, and the issue naturally a very open one, the game is undoubtedly the starring engagement of many a season.  The merest accident on the part of any one player may turn this Derby game into a victory channel for the opposing side.  Thus any views expressed here are bound to be mere opinions before the game and can easily look foolish after the game has ended.  However, it is of Friday’s view that I speak and I start by reiterating my belief that Everton will win this game.  The reason is the difference between the composure and competency of the various ranks.  I am building on the Everton forwards breaking down that amazingly good defence of the Liverpool side, because I feel the Reds half-back line may not be capable of holding on to the Everton forwards.  When Weldon starts to roam he rattles a defenders; he may dwell on the ball too much, yet he and Troup have a fine understanding and one doesn’t forget that Troup “finds” Dean, when that player has gone up and above the left-wing area.  Add the form of Forshaw, which is high-grade this season and touching top point v. Huddersfield and there is an added force that may bother the Liverpool defence.  Critchley is not depending upon speed, he has begun to work the ball to a purpose, and many times, recently when he has centred the ball behind the goal he has been faulted, whereas the ground fault was the reason for his failure.  Naturally the new turf has cut up a bit and the ball takes some funny turns; that is a reason for a full back kicking over a ball and I mention it so that any future case, say, to-morrow, shall cause the onlooker to look into the cause of that trouble before being hard on the player.  Undoubtedly the Everton defence will need to be on its best behavior.  The right wing of the Anfield side is playing superb football; indeed, many thought the pair should be chosen for England, but they forgot the comfort brought to the selectors by the team that won last season’s internationals.  Hodgson has the power and the push; Edmed has the gentility and ability to go ahead through devious paths; Hodgson can offer a charge, and there will be cause for some “Oh’s!” if the Everton defence hang off as though to-morrow will do!  Devlin has many admirers.  I am one of them- and he has the other kind.  Devlin will always do well so sure as the ball is kept on the door; but Hart has had such a wonderful innings against star centre-forwards for the past twelve months that it is reasonable to believe that he will have a good innings against Devlin.  On the left, Reid may blaze into glory by getting a crop of goals, he is a very dangerous surprise shooter and he has toned down his rushes till now he uses the ankle-tap the hook-up pass, and his game has gained as a consequence.  It is anybody’s game.
CLEAN, TOO
There is no need to labour the meeting to-morrow any further, except to say it is being broadcast through the Liverpool “Football Echo,” per the B.B.C account –the first match of its kind in this category –and I hope and believe that the game will be one further characteristically clean effort on the part of all the players.  This is no fighting match- it never has been that for fifteen years- and we are jealous of your reputation.  Mr. Player I mention the matter because there are now players who may not know that Mersey’s Barrow, Derby meetings are voted, noted and quoted as the cleanest exhibitions in the annals of football.  Referee Billy Bunnell is a hard task-master, he stands no nonsense, and is not finicky; the ground arrangements are perfect, and if you follow the guiding line published last night in these notes you will get in with ease and have a view of the most important meeting of Everton and Liverpool and there have been many meetings, as witness this chart, which shows how the previous games have gone.  Elisha Scott is still I hear a doubtful starter, owing to his injured hand.  If he does not turn out to-morrow, Riley is the natural successor.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Liverpool; Scott; Lucas, McKinlay; McMullan, Jackson, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Devlin, Reid, Pither.  Referee; Mr. W. Bunnell, of Preston. 

EVERTON'S SPEARHEAD VERSUS LIVERPOOL SHIELD
October 15 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
STAGE SET FOR THE DERBY.
The great Derby game at Goodison Park today between Everton and Liverpool will undoubtedly be looked upon as the tit-bit of the long series. Both sides are confident that they possess the most serviceable teams, taken all round for many seasons. Both are doing exceedingly well, therefore the battle is sure to be as thrilling a one as was ever staged locally. There is some doubt about Scott being able to turn out for Liverpool, as his hand injury is a little more serious than at first though. If such a calamity however, occurs today the Reds will have no cause for being unduly alarmed, as Riley, the South Africa, will not weaken the team if called upon to do, duty.
THE CHOSEN.
The teams are as follows: - Everton: Taylor; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Liverpool: Scott (Or Riley); Lucas, McKinlay; McMullan, Jackson, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Revlin, Reid, Pither.
Many questions have to be answered before arriving at the solution of today's problem of who will win. The principal one perhaps, is this: Can the Everton spearhead pierce and crumble the Liverpool shield. In other words: Can the Goodison Park forwards who have shown themselves to be a really brilliant lot in recent weeks, beat the renowned –and deservedly so –Liverpool defence?
An examination of the opposing sides may be helpful to those who care to don the mantle of the prophet. Everton have a sound defence, with Cresswell the master mind. Taylor may not be so certain as of old, but the international will not be perturbed by the importance of the occasion or the size of the crowd. The halves are among the finest in the country, but much will depend on the pivots on each side. Can Hart held Devlin? Will Jackson master Dean? There are other vital questions to be dealt with.
LIVERPOOL'S WONDER BACKS.
The Liverpool backs are believed to be among the wonders of the game. Their years of service sit lightly upon them. The half-backs will have to bear the brunt of the battle. Liverpool appear to have a little advantage forward –on the right –but Everton's left pair should neutralise this pull. As for the centres, Dean and Devlin –well, there is only one “Dixie,” and if he cannot score today no other Everton forward will. Taking the previous results of the meetings of the teams from the season 1919-20, it will be found that Everton have won two games at Goodison Park, three being drawn and three lost. They won there last season. The figures for the Anfield game are: Liverpool won six, drew one, and lost one. Last season's game at Anfield went to the Reds. The match starts at 3.0

DERBY BROADCAST
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 October 1927
BY “BEE” AND B.B.C (copyright)
DEFENCES SOUND TO THE INTERVAL
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Liverpool; Riley; Lucas, Mackinlay; McMullan, Jackson, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Devlin, Reid, Pither.  Referee-W.F. Bunnell (Preston). 
The going is good, the turf will help anyone who plays good class football, the attendance is enormous, and I am sure it will keep fine for us. Ten minutes before the start hundreds of people have invaded the ground along the touchline, and quite an army of them are walking along the goal line. A police sergeant has stationed himself near the goal and is trying single- headed to stop the crowd running across the pitch.  The people are still swarming on to the goal-line, but I do not anticipate any tremble, and as soon as the teams come out and the referee signals the start the spectators will settle down. In case of necessity there are mounted police in the street outside, and you cannot beat the mounted police of Liverpool for the way they govern large crowds.  Liverpool had the bigger reception of the two teams. 
CRESSWELL TOSSES WELL
Cresswell won the toss, and the game started prompt to time.  From Devlin’s pass Reid runs through and feeds Devlin, who passes to Pither.  Pither’s shot goes over the bar, but it is a good shot, nevertheless, due to Reid’s initiation.  The referee misses a case of handling, but O’Donnell clears and has passed the ball to critchly, who is crowded out by Bromilow, while Kelly gets an attempted clearance on the back of the head.  Virr headed away, Kelly has the ball and passes to Forshaw, who beats Bromilow and passes back to Kelly.  Jackson and Weldon are charging together just about the penalty area, Jackson getting a free kick, which is taken by Mackinlay near the goal-line.  Mackinlay has taken a left drive, and sends the ball towards Hodgson.  Troup passes the ball down the wing, and Weldon does not anticipate it, and therefore it goes into touch.  McMullan has thrown in to Hodgson, who has dribbled past one man, but has been beaten by Virr.  Virr throws in to Dean, who has been beaten by Jackson just as he was going to shoot from had angle.  From the resulting corner Dean has headed the ball sideways, and it glances over.  Dean gets it square out to Troup. Troup beats his men, and Forshaw heads just outside.  Riley has taken the goal kick, and once again Hart has headed it, but the ball turn back and Pither makes a centre which goes to the middle of the held with no one up to touch it. Dean feeds Troup himself, being covered by Jackson, and a good save from Forshaw by Riley follows. Bromilow, playing for safety, heads out.  Kelly is throwing in and the ball, which has some swerve on it, goes to Forshaw, who returns the compliment, and Kelly sends towards goal where Riley punches it over the bar. 
AN EASY CHANCE. 
Troup has taken the corner, and Dean heads it into the goalkeeper's hands.  Quite an easy one, but the amount of spin on the ball was remarkable. Still Everton attack, Troup being fed by O'Donnell and Weldon being beaten by a bad bit of turf, Virr has fed Critchley, and the latter has centred, and Dean just misses scoring the easiest of goals. He leapt up to the ball, Riley did not touch it, and the consequence was he could have only been a matter of inches from nodding a goad and keeping up hit record.  Riley has kicked out, and Hodgson fails to reach the ball. McMullan throwing in deceive, Hodgson, but the whistle goes for a foul throw. O'Donnell taking the free-kick punts towards Dean, who heads it towards Jackson, and the ball goes back again to O'Donnell.  Dean is beaten in a close dribble by Jackson, and Lucas kicks clear, but nothing was gained, as the ball goes to Hart. Hodgson made play on the Liverpool right, but O'Donnell kicked into touch in rather a fierce manner. Jacksonis playing well and has beaten Hart, but Creswell kicked clear. The ball is taken to the other end, where Critchley becomes a thrower-in. When tackled by Bromilow and Mackinlay he screwed the ball in, but it passed just over the bar.  A dainty pass by Hodgson to Edmed is intercepted by Virr, and a moment later Taylor made a magnificent save by punching the ball over the bar. Pither took the corner kick, beautifully placed ball; to the middle, where all the players are crushing together. The ball comes out to McMullan, who returns it to the middle.  Critchley passed to Dean, who in turn feeds Troup. Troup centred, and Riley pushed the ball out, what time Dean has his hand on Lucas's neck.  Weldon beat Jackson, and tried to open a way for Dean, and when he found that he could not do so he tried a hook-shot which passed just over. 
FOUR ON TO ONE. 
Reid was tripped in the centre by Hunter Hart, the first foul of the game, as following the free kick Taylor makes a lovely catch from a good overhead hook by Edmed. Taylor is buffeted about by four players—Pither, Reid, Devlin, and Hodgeson—who had a good charge at him, with the result that Referee Bunnell awards a free kick.  Critchley goes flying along the wing with Bromilow in attendance, and centres, but Jackson heads away. The ball goes to Dean, who, however, is crowded out by three men. It is a terrific battle; not great football, perhaps, but the keenness of it is astounding.  Dean, who rarely commits a foul, is now adjudged as having fouled Jackson; but the free kick comes to nothing, and Forshaw pushes the ball well up.  Dean from near the touchline centres across, but finds nobody there, while at the other end Pither heads to the middle, but Hodgson and Devlin fail to get hold of the ball. Creswell makes a huge punt towards Critchley, who beats McKinlay,but centres too far back, andBrowilow has nothing to do but kick clear.  He passes to Pither, but pushes the ball to the middle, and Devlin is beaten by O’Donnell in a heavy rush. Weldon hooks the hell up for Dean, but Mackinlay rips in and spoils the move. Critchley centres, but there is no in front, and when Lucas heads the ball away Forshaw takes a first-time drive with his left foot, but the ball swings outside.  Kelly heads to Weldon, but the attempted pass of the latter to Dean is intercepted by Jackson. I have rarely seen Jackson play so well as he is doing to-day. Dean centes from near the touch line, Forshaw beats Mackinlay, but the full back recover is himself and passes back to Riley. .
DEAN IS “NETTED."
 Riley takes a goal kick right up the middle and Troup goes away but Riley punches clear, Dean going into the net but not the ball. It is a ding-dung game, Kelly has received the ball and has made one more swinging shot and Riley has punted it up the middle where Hart and Hodgson have had a bumping match and   McMullan has made a mistake to turn the ball right into the middle of the field.  From the thrown in Hodgson has put a lovely ball up to Devlin but that forward has back-heeled it only to find Creswell there. McKinley has punted up to Devlin.  Devlin passes to Reid and Reid sends back to Devlin again and the latter lets the ball go through his legs but nobody has anticipated it and the result is that the attempt is wasted.  From a free kick against O'Donnell, Hodgson heads just outside. Taylor take the goal kick. Dean has headed it where Weldon should have been, but was not, and Hodgson has then put the ball into touch.  Troup takes a corner kick which is a good one, but just a little off the mark and Kelly has the ball for a foul for hands, and the referee a free kick near the penalty line for the Liverpool club.  Lucas takes the kick, and passes to Reid, who tries to open nut the play, but Virr finds the touch line again. From the throw in Hodgson finds his attempted centre headed out by Hart.  Bromilow working .the ball in passes Hodgson, who been rather slow, the result being that the ball has gone over to Critchley, who sends in a beauty. Riley on the ground edges it out and Dean commits a foul the goalkeeper. It is not noticed and Lucas is saying rude things to Dean.  Undoubtedly Dean crossed the goalkeeper.  Critchley again sends the ball into a goal and Riley takes it this time easily. 
ROUGH ON OLD CLUBMATE.
Weldon in now on the ball and makes another miss pass McKinlay kicking up.  The ball goes back again to Bromilow who is beaten by his old club mate Forshaw who punts the ball to O’Donnell who kicks into touch.  Weldon starts another of his dribbles with Jackson in attendance, but he is well beaten by Lucas.  Hart is now going down with a lovely attempt and a pass to Troup followers, the ball going out of play.  Jackson, unfortunately is the first casualty.  Quite a minor one to his heel.  He is limping a little.  Troup has a throw in and has let in Dean, who over dribbles, and McKinlay covers quite easily.  Dean is now in the centre dribbling and Lucas has anticipated his pass to Critchley and has kicked clear.  Reid, however, has been baulked by Hart who has let in Weldon whose shot goes outside.  The pace has been very hot, and with only five minutes to go to half-time the players are taking it easy for a while.  Following a miss pass by Forshaw, Weldon and Jackson had a charging match, which Jackson won.  O’Donnell missed his kick following a corner by Edmed, but Virr came to his aid.  He sent Dean away all on his own.  Dean has beaten Jackson, then Lucas, and is going on towards the penalty area.  He shoots the ball right across the Liverpool goalmouth, and there is not a solitary Everton player up to convert what is easily the best chance of the game.  This is the best Everton have done this half, and Dean gets a good round of applause for his effort.  Edmed challenges O’Donnell, and for a second Everton goals is in danger, but O’Donnell comes to the rescue in the nick of time.  Half-time.- Everton 0, Liverpool 0.
COMMENTS AT INTERVAL
It has been a good clean games.  There has only been one solitary suggestion of anything of a “painful” nature, but it is best to forget it and consider futures.  It has been a characteristic game, in that the players are so excited that they are unable to do themselves full justice.  Some players do themselves justice more when they are excited, for they are of that particular temperament, while others cannot even beat a carpet when they are in the over excitable stage.  However, taking the match through up to the forty-fifth minute, it has been a joy; it has been very fast, and perhaps a bit too fast for one player whom I noticed lagging towards half-time.  Naturally the desire of every Evertonian is the Dixie Dean should keep up his goal-getting record.  I do not think he has scored in the first half of every match this season, but he has scored in every game.  If he is going to do so to-day he will have to be better fed than he has been so far.  Riley has made some excellent saves, his punch over the bar in particular being a beautiful thing.  Three times when the ball has come to him there has been a spin on it which would have beaten almost any other man than Riley.  With regard to the half-backs, it has been dogged does it.  Jackson rushes in and never tires, for he does more training than any other player I know. We ought to put him in the Marathon, he would stay forever.  He has done remarkably well, and I call him the most successful half-back on the field.  I am happy to pay tribute to such a fine fellow.  Hart has done uncommonly well, and so has Virr.  Hodgson and Edmed has not been the force we imagined they would be but there is the second half to come, and they still have a chance to show us their renowned skill. 
A TRIBUTE TO THE ‘KEEPERS.
Summarized, it amounts to this.  The goalkeepers have done their work, what little they had, in brilliant fashion.  The half-back work all round has been good enough for the rather poor forward work of both sides.  The half-back work has been of the cutting-in type that does not allow forwards to overwork the ball, but even so I am going to put it on record that Everton have over-dribbled and have not been so definite as the Liverpool forwards.  Reid, for instance, has been quite a success at inside left, where he has been cutting in and out, and he and Pither have nothing to worry about concerning their exhibition.  A SURE DRAW
Following today’s great Derby day event at Goodison Park, the first of the season’s big Football Sunday services will take place at Fairfield Wesleyan Church, Larel0road, to-morrow afternoon, commencing at 3.0.  Our Mr. Stud Marks is too preside, and Messrs Tom Bromilow, Alec Troup, David Pratt, and Arthur Dominy are to take part.  A splendid vocal programme has been arranged the principals being Mrs. David Pratt, Miss Melba Kelly, and Miss Daphne Kelly (Baby Stud Marks), whilst there is to be a ten minutes’ topical talk by the Rev. Vallance Cook. To those not quite conversant with Laurel-road, we may say that it is off Prescot-road (a little further east than Sun Hall, Kensington).  Whatever the final happens to be at Goodison, this event is certain to result in a draw! 
BLUES & REDS
SECOND HALF EXCITEMENT AND “STARS”
A DRAWN BATTLE
Everton kicked off in the second half by swinging the ball about.  Weldon sent to Troup, who centres to Dean, who heads just to the left of the goal from a fairly easy angle. 
GOAL FOR TROUP
Bromilow takes a throw in and Kelly head it.  Dean also heads it, and Jackson is at last beaten by Weldon, and the ball has gone into touch.  Kelly centres the ball from the throw-in, and Dean has headed it to Troup, who scores from the centre.  The time is forty-seven minutes.  Troup goal was magnificent one, the ball being crashed into the right hand side of the goal at an unstoppable speed.  Virr receives the ball, and Dean rushes through but McKinlay steps in to prevent him getting that goal a match principle.  McKinlay sends out a square pass, and a free kick follows a foul throw in.  There is no doubt that Liverpool have a plan of campaign to close out Dean, and so far they have been very successful.  Dean feeds Critchley who falls, and Forshaw sends over a left-footed drive.  Bromilow send the ball to Reid, who is tackled off the ball by Forshaw.  Troup pushes the ball to the middle without getting it to the desired spot, which is, of course, the “Deanery,”  Hart sends the ball to Troup, who is beaten by McMullan,  McMullan wastes the chance by shooting into touch.  Jackson, kicking clear, has fed McMullan, who this time keeps the ball in play; but Everton are now playing the better game, and Hart has put the ball towards the middle, where a foul against dean on Lucas has balanced up the partisanship between the Reds and Blues’ supporters.
EQUALISER BY EDMED.
A corner is taken by Troup, and Weldon heads the ball towards Dean.  Critchley, shooting, screws the ball about twelve yards wide.  Still, it was a first-time shot.  While McMullan is off, Dean, trying to head in, finds Lucas in the way.  It would have been a goal but for Lucas.  Edmed, for the first time in the match, produced his old form.  Jackson passes the ball to Pither and Cresswell has headed away and Bromilow passes a hooked ball to Edmed, who scores.  The equalizer has come fifteen minutes after the interval.  Edmed shot from two yards’ range and Taylor had no chance at all.  Following the centre Cresswell was tipped by Pither, who looked the most surprised man on the field.  It was quite an accidental tip.  Jackson, for once in a way, let in Dean, who passed to Troup, but the latter’s centre was kicked away by Mackinlay.  McMullan, who has been injured, now comes back and goes outside right, with Edmed inside right and Hodgson at half-back. 
A BRILLIANT FELT
Kelly returned the ball to Forshaw, who again passed to Dean.  Dean miskicked, and Weldon dashing up puts in a stinging first-time shot, a real smasher, but Riley, who appeared to be beaten all the way, flings himself down and edges the ball away.  It was a miraculous save.  Pither puts the ball well up towards Devlin.  Devlin and O’Donnell have a battle royal, and Devlin pushes O’Donnell in the middle of the lack.  The referee sees this, and walks up to say a few comforting words.  It was undoubtedly a foul, but one due to nothing more than the excitement of the moment.  Following the free kick, Hodgson sets Edmed going. Edmed centres.  O’Donnell beats Devlin, but Edmed rushes up, and in turn beats O’Donnell after which we find Kelly on the ground through a foul by Pither.  It was quite an ordinary sort of happening with no venom. It is anybody’s game now.  Virr beats Edmed and tries a surprise shot, which Riley saves brilliantly.  Everton are now crowding on all kinds of shots, but apart from that of Virr’s they have not found the right direction.  With two minutes to go, Everton are applying a last effort to win.  Kelly pushes the ball to Critchley, who, however, overruns the ball for a goal kick. Final; Everton 1, Liverpool 1. 
AN “INVASION.”
The crowd is invading the field of play following the final whistle, and Taylor is being chased by boys for autograph purposes.  The police are powerless to stop the crowd, and the players are finding it difficult to make their way to the subway leading to the dressing-room.  It has been a really heroic struggle.  I would not call it a brilliant football match, but we do not expect that in these meetings, although we have been blessed with some good ones.  I am glad in a sense that the score is a draw, because neither side deserved to win, and neither side deserved to lose.  One of the most outstanding features has been the goalkeeping of Riley, who has played magnificently.  The stuff he has had to deal with has been very uncommon, awkward, low shots, high shots, and swerving shots, but he dealt with them all in clever manner.  This match will be a pappy memory for Kelly, and particularly happy for James Jackson, who at centre-half for Liverpool, has performed wonders.  It is not so much the fact that he stooped Dean from scoring for he was helped in that by Lucas and McKinlay, but simply because he got there by incessant worrying and good football and positional play.  The attendance was 56,000. 

BURSCOUGH  SKELMERSDALE-SECOND STANZA
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 October 1927
The recent game between Burscough Rangers and Skelmersdale United in the F.A Cup has given rise to much football litigation.  First Skelmersdale successfully protested against the eligibility of Glover the ex-Wigan Borough forward, and then Burscough lodged a protest against Lawton, who played half-back for Skelmersdale in the game.  Lawton is an amateur on the books of the Everton Club, and plays with their Liverpool County Combination team, and in which competition Skelmersdale United compete.  It was clearly apparent that Lawton was not a league player for Skelmersdale and Burscough lodged their protest, and made no secret of their allegation that Skelmersdale had “borrowed Lawton for the day.”  Lawton is an amateur, and the case was heard by the Football Association last week, and at the hearing in Liverpool Lawton produced a membership card of Skelmersdale United and a letter advising him that he was selected to play in the F.A Cup game.  Skelmersdale also produced a minute, showing clearly that Lawton has been duly elected a member of the club.  The F.A duly found that Burscough’s protest had not been sustained and Burscough were ordered to pay the costs of the hearing and the expenses of the Skelmersdale United F.C, in connection with the matter. 

EVERTON “A” V SKELMERSDALE U
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 October 1927
At Strawberry lane, Skelmersdale attacked strongly at the outset, Lowe opening after ten minutes’ play.  Everton could not get going, and Littler added two further goals for the vsiitors. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 October 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

• Dean stood out of the Everton side against Preston; on Saturday he was outstanding. 
• Last season Everton could boast but 14 points when Christmas Day were ushered in  and only 18 points after meeting Liverpool in the return local “Derby” at Anfield, mid-way through February!
• Bennion’s goal at Goodison was his maiden one in First Division football
• Rees Williams has had the curious experience of having already appeared twice this season against Everton at Goodison Park.
• Dick Forshaw gave his finest show in a Blue jersey last week
• The record League match “gate” at Goodison Park to date was set up in October, three years ago, when Liverpool was the visitors and the receipts reached 3,561 pounds.  How far off 4,000 will it be today?
• The attendance in 1924 was returned at 56,255
• Is any footballer worth 6,500 pounds? Ask Sam Wadsworth.
• All we can say is it would probably take a lot more than this to tempt Everton to part with Dixie Dean
• No one can watch the Everton leader without coming to the conclusion that theoretically he gives a lot of time to the study of the game outside “office” hours
• As a matter of fact, he often discusses with interested players methods of attack and of how best to beat opposing defences.
• The value of this is shown in his own very live profitable tactics on the field of play
• The question with all reds this afternoon was- Would Jackson and Co, succeed in applying the “brake” effectually at Goodison?
• Everton this morning were one of the five First Division clubs that has scored in every match
• Against Manchester United we read Dean stood out head and shoulders above everybody-especially head!
• Dixie Dean is probably the hardest “hitting” centre forward we have had since Albert Shepherd’s palmy days
• In answer to a correspondent, Tommy Browell made his League debut with Hull City in September, 1910, when seventeen years of age
• Everton and Liverpool were the highest scorists to date in their division.
• Whilst the teams at Goodison to-day were struggling for points, the struggle with late-comers was to secure good vantage points.
• How have the League’s two leading scorists, Dean and Devlin, fared and compared today?  The latter was seeking his maiden goal there.
• In eight visits to Goodison since the war Liverpool to date had won three, drawn three, and lost twice, scoring nine goals to Everton’s half-dozen
• Dean’s maxim;- “Get the maximum”
• The centre forward of to-day is the team’s scoring unit, after all, units count.
• The pudding men were ousted by the Ham brigade at the top of the table last week, with Everton coming on to the menu as a toothsome extra.
• Reeves Williams, despite his occasional monkey tricks, failed to prove the missing link in the United chain of attack
• Dean’s five-fingers exercise successes against Manchester United once again demonstrated that he is no believer in the rule of thumb.
• West ham, who are Everton’s visitors a week hence, shocked us by winning here by three clear goals in Everton’s first home match last season
• In that match “Bobby” Irvine figured at centre-forward for the second and last time during 1926-27

DEATH OF WELL KNOWN FOOTBALLER
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 15 October 1927
Local sportsmen will learn with regret of the death of James (Jim) Williamson, formerly centre-forward for the Cement F.C., from injuries sustained during the Liverpool County Challenge Cup first round tie, between Poulton Rovers and Aintree S.S., on Saturday “Jim” was quite a popular figure at the Cememt enclosure and was a real acquisition to the Cemet.  He played for Everton during the war period, and later had a spell with Hibernians.  Mr. Williamson leaves a wife and five children. 

HOW DIXIE DEAN. SCORES GOALS 
Sunday Mirror - Sunday 16 October 1927
EVERTON'S CENTRE FORWARD WHO PARALYSES DEFENCES 
By BILLY WALKER, who predict a record goal-scoring season
IF the present rate of goal scoring is maintained it is extremely probable that fresh records will be set up by the close of the season.  I have been told that we are breeding a new brand of goal-getters.  My own theory is that goals are easier to get to-day than yesterday because of the amended offside rule.  The spectators who keep the professional game alive love goals.  Listen to the yell that goes up every time a goal is scored and if it is obtained by the home team the supporters are chortling about it all the following week.  Our wise legislators sensed a while ago that the public likes goals and they were made easier to get.  With heavier grounds and a slippery ball which we are almost bound to have there is no reason why the present high rate of scoring should not continue, so you can make room for three figures in your “goals for” column and calculate that the champion goals corer is going to touch the half century mark.  Have you noticed, what a big part centre forwards are taking in this goal orgy? And yet only a short while back the English selection committee were wringing their hands wondering whether they would ever find a player to lead England satisfactorily. Now they have two or three to choose from with a real star among them in Dixie Dean, of Everton.  I have played with and against a good few centre forwards, but since the war there seems little doubt that Dixie has established himself the best of the bunch. He has every natural advantage that goes to make a successful leader, height, weight, speed, brains, and the acquired ability of ball control.  Dixie never gives up. He is tireless and can hit a ball very hard. I have seen him retrieve a ball when a back has given it up, thinking it would travel over the line, and ultimately score.  He scored such a goal, I am told, against Tottenham two weeks ago. The big secret of Dean's success, to my mind, is his positional play.  When Dixie has his back to his own goal waiting for a ball coming in the air the other fellow is invariably an also ran. Dixie is sure to get that ball first and have nodded it to an inside partner or the centre-half before there is a chance to knock him off it.  He wants a lot of beating at heading a ball and controlling it. If Dixie can keep clear of injury I make bold to say he may become the best centre forward 'of all time. Congratulations on his latest cap.  Dean earns most of his goals. I mention this because there are forwards who have occasionally loomed large with big crop that they never earned.  I remember getting five goals myself one afternoon against the Arsenal at Villa Park in 1920-21, but Charlie Wallace, on the wing, deserved all the credit for them because he did the donkey work. All I had to do was to slam the ball past the goalie.  The man who makes the goal possible deserves as much credit as the man who puts the finishing touch to the act. Perhaps someday the papers will keep a list of players who make goals possible as well as of those" who actually score them.  Do not think I am attempting to belittle the work of those who get goals, because there are many players you can give chances to and they waste them. The centre forward I fancy after Dixie is Joe Bradford, of Birmingham.  I have played alongside him, against Belgium, and he is very easy to get on with. He has many of Dean's qualities.  Joe once played for the Villa. It happened just after the war that he was getting a trial at Aston, but for some reason he was not fixed up. I know the Villa would like to have a similar chance again with this Birmingham man...Syd Puddefoot drops out of the list because he has established himself as an inside man, but there is another man from London who always plays well against us, Jimmy Brain, of the Arsenal.  Any mention of centre forwards must bring the north-east coast clubs into the argument.  There is young Camsell doing good work for the Boro, and higher up the coast quite a little controversy is raging around the question as to whether Gallacher or Halliday should lead the line for Scotland.
HAPPY SCOTS
How happy we shall be with either, I suppose the Scottish selectors are saying to themselves.  Both these players by their skill command attention when they take the field.  They are great players, although different in style. Hughie Gallacher is a diminutive chap, but he only wants a little room to maneuver in before flashing the ball past a goalkeeper.  He can dribble round a sixpence, so to speak.  When I have seen him he has preferred the close-passing game, and he has partners who can attend to his needs in this direction.  Dave Halliday can play the close game, but he is also good at the long-swinging pass, a style I like, because it tends to keep the opposing defence on stretch.  Dave is tall and his height counts when the ball is in the air.  He may not be spectacular, but he has a glide and flick of the foot that is most dangerous if he is left unattended.  BILLY WALKER.

EVERTON 1 LIVERPOOL 1
October 17 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
DEAN FEELS THE AGONY OF A TERRIER GRIP.
ENGLAND'S CENTRE FORWARD GIVEN NO ROPE ON HIS OWN GROUND.
BATTLE OF THE BLUES AND REDS ENDS IN DRAW.
The first of the great clashings of the season between Everton and Liverpool was drawn at Goodison Park on Saturday, the scoring being 1 goal each. The first point –a wonderful one –was notched for Everton by Troup, while Edmed equalised for Liverpool. There was an attendance of 60,000. Jackson, the Liverpool centre-half has forced himself into the limelight by completely subduing Dean, England's centre, who was given no rope. Dean's record of scoring in every match this season was smashed. Liverpool played the spoiling game very successfully, and their tried and trusted defence never wavered before the fierce onslaught of the home forwards. Riley, who deputised for Scott in the visitor's goal one was of the hero's of the tussle. His coolness was remarkable, McMullan, the Reds' right-half, was injured in the second half.
HUNTER HART BOTTLES UP “DEMON” DEVLIN.
It was freely commented that Liverpool had the smiles of fair fortune in getting away with a point in the hectic battle. It must though, not be overlooked that the defence is part of a side, and that is where Liverpool shone. Indeed a chance shot at the close when Devlin struck the upright might have won them the match, and the result would then have been wrong. Everton played as well as the Liverpool spoilers would let them and that was uncommonly well. Most of the arts and graces, which did not obtrude greatly on so feverish an occasion, were left to Everton, and they developed a wonderful attack all along their front line, particularly in the second half, when Riley was the Horatio of the occasion. He took care of all kinds of shots, and he seemed so nonchalant, just passing his hands out to them, right and left as if taking light exercise. Let me introduce also another personality, a man of the match –Jackson to wit. He was terrier like in his grip on Dean tracking him wherever he wandered. No man could have played sleuth on England's centre more effectively. A real attacking half-back, he was alert and precise in the task. Not for many a long day had Dixie had such difficulty in working his way in. His goal scoring record was also upset.
DOMINANT BACKS.
Lucas was also in the plot in chaperoning the centre-forward. Indeed McKinlay and Lucas were dominant and co-operative backs, and fitted no second time to Cresswell, one of the coolest men on the field, and O'Donnell, still inclined to do the heavy act –a sort of any port in a storm but a generally safe man at that. There was nothing ill natured in the push Lucas gave Dean just outside the penalty area although her was penalised. Hart has again to receive a pat on the back. He is on the top of his form. It was his task to hold Devlin, and he did it, with a partner of constructive ability in Virr on one side and dashing Kelly on the other. Troup's goal, the first, was a real moderate one –a crasher, which would have left any goalkeeper powerless. He certainly made the most of the opportunity given by Dean. Tony Weldon could not seem to accomplish the register, and on the other wing Forshaw did much good work, with Critchley not too reboust against some rough stuff and the artistic Bromilow.
DEVLIN “DIDDLED.”
Devlin absolutely could not deliver the goods. The Everton half-backs were repeatedly crossing a lance with him, and, to make matters worse, he was not getting the ball on the carpet. The Liverpool forwards had their chances, but could not take them. The Pither-Reid wing made the better impression. Hodgson had the skill but seemed minus much of his dash but Edmed who scared the equaliser, was the danger spot. Taylor, who came back to his truer form had no chance. It must be overlooked that Liverpool had McMullan hurt in the second half, and the rearrangement of the side tended to dislocation. Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Liverpool: - Riley, goal, Lucas, and McKinlay, backs, McMullan, Jackson, and Bromilow (captain), half-backs, Edmed, Hodgson, Devlin, Reid, and Pither forward. Referee Mr. WF. Bunnell.

PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 4 EVERTON RESERVES 2
October 17 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 9)
At Deepdale. Everton started well but later fell away Preston proving the more thrustful throughout. Houghton and Millington were the scorers for Everton. Everton: - Davies, goal, Bain and Rooney, backs, Brown, Griffiths and Dickie, half-backs, Millington, Easton, French, Houghton, and Lewis, forwards.

EVERTON “A” 5 SLELMERSDALE UNITED 6
October 17 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
At Strawsberry lane. Everton at one time were five goals in arrears, but French playing at centre forward scored four goals to bring about a wonderful rally. The last named was easily the outstanding player on view, while in a lesser standpoint Millington (Everton) and Littler (Skelmersdale) display capital football. Scorers; Littler (2), Banks (2), Bromilow (2), for Skelmersdale. French (4), and Millington for Everton.

AFTERTHOUGHTS OF THE GREAT DERBY MEETING BETWEEN EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 17 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
It was a great draw in many places.  It was a big draw from a gate point of view and no game in the city has ever drawn so and the figure of 67,000 are records for has been more money, I believe, this being due to the fact that when the replayed final tie was played on this ground between Newcastle and Barnsley the prices were raised.  Certainly the sum of about 4,000 pounds and the figure if 64,000 are records for League or Cup games in this city where our teams are concerned.  Then the over-overflow meeting outside, according to a police officer guarding the gates was full 20,000.  As I chatted with him there passed into the confab Mr. Jack Hayes, M.P/., and cricketers three in Makepeace.  Duckworth and Sec Rylance.  And I learned that McDonald, of Lancs, was likely to take up a coaching job in South Africa this out-seasons.  Everyone seemed to be discussing the goal scored by Edmed.  This indeed was the only debate the game produced, save for the customary debates between Reds and Blues as to which team deserved to win, and which was the better team.  The goal of Edmed’s was made possible through the Everton defenders stopping to uplift their hands and hearts to the heavens for an offside decision.  Someone said to me “Well, you were at that goal, what was your view?” My view was this; Edmed was onside, as far as I could judge, but Devlin, a second before, was offside; indeed I think the Everton defenders stopped, thinking the referee must give Devlin as offside.  However, that incident simply brings home the lesson to learn- play to the whistle. 
A GOOD VERDICT
If one had addressed the huge crowd and said in the style of the assize courts; “Gentlemen, are you all agreed upon your verdict?”  there would have been two sets of jurymen; one for Everton and one for Liverpool.  So, perhaps I may, as an out sider, offer a verdict- it was a good result –a draw was a fitting result.  True, Everton had the greater number of hours, but Riley was superb; one had to be on his doorstep as it were, to see how cleverly he got a shot from Kelly over the bar; then at the other end he simply would not let Troup repeat his goal performance.  On the other hand, when you balanced the scales you found Taylor very safe, and although not troubled often, he had some very busy work to attend to.  Thus on the question of attack, Everton’s line undoubtedly shone the brighter, but they also lost their sparkle through the obsession for trying to “find” Dean.  They believed in his goal getting ability, and they played into Jackson’s hands.  Indeed the match was “made” for James Jackson, who reveled in breaking up the dandy ideas of the inner three of the Everton attack.  Dean has rarely does so little, had so little chance and been smothered so securely as Jackson smothered him. Similarly Devlin had an easy passage; Indeed, I would put Hart and Jackson on the same plane in this match because, while Jackson had the heavier amount of work, Hart was the more ‘cute in making use of the ball.  Defiance was Jackson’s forte; anticipation and construction was Hart’s forte.  But, naturally, with Dean trying to keep up his goal a match record this season Jackson’s performance stood out in a stronger light to that of Hart’s.  One could not find fault with any of the Everton half-backs; Liverpool on the other hand, had the misfortunate to lose McMullan, who were “pocketed” in a dribbling show between three players and had to gout outside right.  Edmed becoming inside right and Hodgson a genuine surprise as a half back.
POLICY
I should place Everton’s failure to win at their own doorstep; they made a fetish of a goal-getting centre.  They found these tactics did not play, yet continued with them as though no other channel was open to them.  Troup was without doubt the most careful winger on the field, he was dogged, clever, was content to do his work and cut out any special waste of energy; he shot with sting, he centred with hardly a ball going over the line; contrariwise.  Critchley had one of those days in which he put the ball behind, a hook pull and his game would have been a good one, as it was his game became a poor one, for it was valueless to think of his goal work against Bromilow in the open if that good work was ended by a ball put behind for a nice goal kick to Mr. Riley.  Forshaw, in his own quiet way, did a lot of good scheming, and kept his wing man going easily and freely, but his shot did not find a mark, whereas Weldon’s did, and Riley was responsible for them being kept out of the back of the goal.  Had Dean headed instead of inches out in the first phrase of play, Everton would have warmed to their work with a will; as it was, they got a surprise through the hold-up on the part of Jackson and they never really recovered from the first half blank.  They had expected something quite different.  Now, on the Liverpool side it must be confessed that the forward line was not successful.  I have mentioned the middle man; Reid and Pither were best in the first half; indeed, they were quite the danger marks; afterwards they fell back a bit, and I thought Reid went too far back to help the defence instead of making attacking his forte.  I should not like to think his game has suddenly lost his undoubtedly heavy artillery-his great shots.  On the right Edmed and Hodgson had a quiet day till late on, and then both, in strange positions, did well.  I have so far not mentioned a defender –a back, because all were so soon and sure and good.  Mackinlay wears the veteran’s cap with wonderful pertinacity; Lucas was the more punishing from an Everton point of view –he played wonderful football throughout, even allowing for the fact that all the backs had their games helped by the close combined ideas of both sets of forwards.  The Everton captain, Cresswell and O’Donnell could not be faulted, although O’Donnell is finding touch too often- it looks worse than it is because of his power of boot. Well, that ends the day’s summing up of a clean, hard game; a rearranged game; a record game in many respects; and a game of pleasant memories.  Everton will learn the lessons of teamwork through the failure of Dean to gather the many passes intended for him –they must open the game with longer passes and wing their flight more intently.  To Everton and to Liverpool a hearty vote of thanks for a good afternoon’s sport. 
THE GATE
The gate at Everton was even bigger than imagined on Saturday.  The attendance was just over 67,000 the gate was, of course well over 4,000 pounds. 

TOO MUCH DEAN
Athletic News - Monday 17 October 1927
EVERTON 1 LIVERPOOL 1
By Ivan Sharpe
Dean, Dean, Dean!  Everywhere in Liverpool this “Dixie” Dean- the strapping boy (for he is little more) who is promising to be England’s heaven-sent centre-forward, who got five goals for Everton the other day and is the season’s leading scorer.  Liverpool at Everton, sunshine all the morning, Dean in the centre- and all Merseyside poured into Goodison Park, sending up the “House Full” boards half an hour before the start, overcrowding the ground, overworking the ambulance men and overcharging the players with electricity.  Posters, placards, public sing of Dean.  Is there too much Dean?  It looked very like it on Saturday.  He is a very sensible young man, I am told, but how long can he stay unspoiled ‘mid all this clamour?  He is a most excellent and unaffected player.  He has improved, as one expected, in leadership in heading (delightful), in distribution of the ball, and enterprise.  But there was too much Dean in this match because too much was expected of him by the public and by his colleagues, who played to him too openly and obviously in relying on his usual goal. 
FOREWARNED IS-
As Jackson and the backs quickly became aware of these intentions Dean, bravely and efficiently though he played, had a hard time.  It was no fault of his that Everton merely drew, but there is no doubt that too much depended on Dean around the goal.  Therefore I am in no sense critical of the centre-forward when I say that Merseyside, and Everton in particular, are suffering from too much Dean.  The danger to the player and the team is obvious.  Everton have a rare young player in the lime-lit centre-forward position, and he is promising to be something of a godsend to England’s International team.  Is the rather wild football world of the present day going to spoil him?  This was the first league match in which he had failed to score this season, and notoriety had something to do with it, inasmuch as Liverpool “had their card marked.”  It was because Jackson and the backs, aided by Riley, kept Dean at bay that Liverpool took a point.  Liverpool, did I say?  Jackson, McKinlay, Lucas, and Riley (Scott’s understudy in goal) took the point. 
VALIANT BACKS
If the band could have been heard in the din and clatter that signaled the close of the all-out duel, it should have been playing ‘The Boys of the Old Brigade.”  For bravely through Jackson butted in –entirely defensively –and however timely and thrilling may have been those second half saves by Riley from Troup (who should have scored a second goal), it was the backs –McKinlay and Lucas; good old die-hard backs –who saved the game.  When McKinlay wasn’t there, Lucas was.  When Lucas was left, McKinlay arrived.  When as happened inevitably once or twice, both were beaten, Riley came to the rescue, though fortunate to find that point-blank shot of Troup’s sent straight at him.  He had no chance when TROUP hit a half-volley to draw first blood, nor had Taylor, as far as I could see, when a free-kick passed through Everton’s defence in the strangest manner and let EDMED dash up and equalize.  Hereabouts McMullan was hurt, but although Liverpool were left, virtually, with ten men in the last half-hour the defence survived a steady bombardment. 
DING-DONG
Having said so much the story of the match is told.  It was ding-dong, but the old tale- of a pulse beating too fast- has to be set down.  It is necessary to make due allowance on “Derby” day, but this is what I saw; An Everton sound in defence, except that O’Donnell seems excitable and rather unrealizable because a trifle wild, but by no means of the constructive standard of three years ago in the half-back line.  As Kelly twice misled Cresswell and left the cool and masterly right back “in the air,” the half-back tactics were also faulty in defence.  I thought Hart the outstanding half-back of the side, since the half-back work is only half done when the man has obtained the ball.  In attack Critchley was very variable, Forshaw unable to co-operate with the inside men, and Dean, Weldon, and Troup cute and, on the whole effective.  In this match, however, Everton had not the fizz and force of potential champions.  Liverpool owed all to their defence.  The attack was a thing of spasms but dangerous in its occasional raids, Devlin, like Troup, might have won the match and played a minor part, and in a line go-ahead and plain, moderate and unpolished, there was more than a gleam of promise in the passing of Reid and a useful blend of skill and spirit in the wing-work of Edmed.  Possibly they can all do better.  There is certainly significance in the fact that the veterans took most of the honours of “The Day.”  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Liverpool; Riley; Lucas, McKinlay; McMullan, Jackson, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Devlin, Reid, and Pither.  Referee; Mr. W.F. Bunnell, Preston. 

JAMES WILLIAMSON
Dundee Courier - Wednesday 19 October 1927
At an inquest on James Williamson, who met his death the result of an accident on the football field while playing for Poulton Rovers, Birkenhead,a verdict accidental death was returned. Williamson had previously played for Armadale, Hibs, Hamilton, Tranmere, Everton. and Tranmere for a second time. did not .play for Dunfermline.

WHITE TAKES A FIRST DIVISION TURN FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 19 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
The visit of West ham to Everton on Saturday will provide an entertaining struggle even though the teams will be shorn of prominent members, Dean of Everton, and Earle and Hufton, of West Ham, will be assisting England at Belfast.  The onerous task of deputizing for Dean in the Everton ranks has fallen to White, the former Southport player, who will thus make his debut in First Division football.  A couple of weeks ago he played for the first team against Preston North End in a Lancashire cup-tie, and his display in the first half gave promise of improvement.  He is young and ambitious and this should prove a fine chance to show his worth.  There is only one change and the team is; - Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, White, Weldon, Troup. 
GOODISON MUSIC
At the Everton v West Ham United match Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor, Mr. Harry Wearing) will play the following;-
March, “The Voice of the Guns,” selection, “Tichaikowsky”; waltz, “So Blue”: descriptive piece.  “A Day with the Huntsmen,” foxtrot “Roses of Remembrance; foxtrot, “Souvenirs”; foxtrot “The Toy Town Parade.” 
The reserve team to meet the Preston North End Reserves at Deepdale is;- Davies; Bain, Rooney; Brown, Griffiths, Dickie; Millington, Easton, French, Houghton, Lewis. 
WILLIAMSON FUND
Amount previously acknowledged 9 pounds 2s 6d
Ship Canal Postcard Cement Manufacturers Ltd, Employees 11 pounds
Stanley and District League 10s
O.W.A.F.C 7s 6d
Everton F.C 10 pounds 10s
Total 31 pounds 10s
WHERE THE TROUBLE OCCURRED
“Nanoni” writes;- I arrived at Goodison Park last Saturday about 2.45 and made for the turnstiles entrances at the rear of the double deck stand.  At Paddock 1s 6d there was a queue twenty yards long and two deep with a mounted policeman on the right or far side of it.  The near side or left from where everybody approached was unguarded.  The result was as they came down the street they made for the nearest place they could get to the pay gate.  The crowd in the queue saw they were losing ground and commenced to push from the back and anybody who was near the pay gate was squashed.  Someone in the crowd started to make a match between the newcomers, who had increased to almost as many as in the queue.  The result was they pressed from the rear to squeeze them out and those on the left squeezed to get in.  “They’re winning,” someone shouted, and more squeezes from the rear.  You could not put your hand in your pocket to get your money out!  What the mounted policeman was there for he hopelessly failed to do.  Had he been on the left where the crowd came from (the right where he was standing nobody was approaching) it would have made things all right.  I would suggest to the Everton directors that they have three rails like the control of the tram traffic at the Pier Head.  This would control the queue two deep, say for ten yards from the pay-gate.  These could be made to take away when not wanted.  And what a match when you did get in.  You could not turn in the paddock. 
BULLS AND BEARS IN BULLEN’S ROAD.
From your Friday’s notes it appeared there would be no trouble to get into the Everton ground, all the turnstiles, &c., in plenty, writes Mr. W. A. Lunn.
Did you see the conditions of Bullen’s read at about 2.15 p.m.?  It was one mass of people from end to end.  There were no queues and where were the mounted police?  The foot police were helpless and the arrangements made for the safely of human beings was scandalous.  Never again do I want to be in a crowd like that of Saturday.  When I did manage to extricate myself, I returned home, sat in an easy chair, turned on the wireless and listened to your broadcast from half-time onwards.  I am only sorry I did not this from the commencement.  I might add “you” came out very plain.

FORMER FOOTBALLER'S DEATH
Motherwell Times-Friday 21 October 1927
The death took place last week at his home in Liverpool, of Mr. James R. Williamson, a former member of Bellshill Athletic football team. Mr. Williamson, who was 36 years of age, met with an accident on the playing field. The previous Saturday he was one of the Poulton Rovers team against Aintree in a Liverpool County Cup game, and during the match he sustained injuries which resulted in his death. Jimmy, as he was familiarly called at home here, was a Hamilton boy, and began work twenty years ago by selling programmes in Hamilton Hippodrome. He there resided in James Street. Applying himself enthusiastically to the game of football, he played for Bellshill Athletic, and was eventually transferred to the Hibernians, on the outbreak of war he joined the Royal Scots, being sent first to munitions and then called out for service in France. In the war matches he played for Everton and in his first game in France he scored nine goals. After the war he married and settled down in the Liverpool area, where he played successively for the Tranmere Rovers ad the Poulton Rovers. James was popular with his fellows, and his early death under such unfortunate circumstances will be mourned by all who knew him.

EVERTON RECEIVE THE “HAMMERS.”
Liverpool Echo - Friday 21 October 1927
THE CHAMPION “AWAY” SIDE
Bee’s Notes
Everton, having by now almost forgotten their “Derby” and debris, run into the champion “away” side of the tournament; West Ham will be remembered as having given us one of the greatest shocks of last season, being worthy winners, and making Everton look what they were just then- a poor lot with no optimism or confidence. Today it is different and the game becomes a very special one, because by beating West Ham, Everton can lift themselves much higher in the chart, and at the same time bring down West Ham, who have big hopes of landing the league championship for the first time in their sweet lives.  Everton have to make a change through Dean “joining-up,” but the London side has to pick two deputises through Hufton and Earle being in Ireland.  Thus the balance is with the home side, and White, the ex-Southport boy of good physique, has a second chance with the first team, his last being in a deadly cup-tie in mid-week.  This is his English League debut.  Another rousing game and a big gate are expected at the Goodison match when the following teams line up;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, White, Weldon, Troup.  West Ham United; Ballie; Bebden, Henderson; Cadwell, Barrett, Collins; Ruffell, Gibbins, Watson, Loughlin, Yews. 

WEST HAM AT GOODISON
October 22 nd 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
The visit of West Ham United to Everton on Saturday, will provide an entertaining struggle, even though the teams will be show of prominent numbers dean of Everton and Earle and Hutton of West Ham, will be assisting England at Belfast. T White deputising for dean the former Southport player, who will thus make his debut in division one football. A couple off weeks ago, he played for the first team against Preston north end in the lancashire cup-tie, and his display in the first half gave promise of improvement. He is young and ambitious and this should prove a fine chance to Shaw his worth.
Teams: - Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, White, Weldon, Troup. West Ham United: Bailey; Henderson, Hebden; Collins, Barrett, Cadwell; Yews, Loughlin, Walton, V. Gibson, Russell.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 October 1927
“BEE” DESCRIBES FIRST HALF AGAINST WEST HAM
WELDON AND WHITE
LEAD BY TWO GOALS AT INTERVAL
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, White, Weldon, Troup. 
West Ham United; Ballie; Henderson, Hebden; Collins, Barrett, cadwell; Yews, Loughlin, Watson, Gibbins, Ruffell.  Referee. - Stott, of Tamworth. 
It was a diabolical day. The rain was ting-alinging by the ton. Both sides had internationals at Belfast, and White made his English League debut for the Everton side, after having been signed on in his first season. West Ham had a Baillie, to keep goal, and he looked very much like Hodgson in face and figure. Loughlin appeared for Earle, and Watson reappeared at centre-forward, Gibbins becoming inside left.  The stands were full when the popular claret and blue side turned out.  Cresswell won the toss, which meant that he had the rain and some wind at his back
THE HUMOUR OF THE TOSS. 
One of the curiosities of the game was the fact that Cresswell, having won the toss, and pointed his team to kick towards the Aintree goal, found the players line up as though Everton had lost the toss. This was not the only early error, as the referee at once failed to notice White elbow a ball.  A misunderstanding on the part of two Everton players forced Cresswell to come over to the left, and running on as though he were a forward or half back, Cresswell fed the outside right, whose centre was a shade too fast for Troup.  Everton had five minutes' attack, during which Kelly and Hart became attackers as well as shooters. West Ham's first good chance came when the ball was put wide out to Ruffell, who turned it inward for O'Donnell to make a lusty clearance.  Ruffell had Food reason to complain of an offside decision against him, and Watson had also good reason to be thankful for a gift offered to him by one of the opposition (Kelly) Watson shot over when he should have scored, and he fiddled about the next moment until O’Donnell cleared. How expensive this mistake was shown when the ball sailed to the other end and Critchley's centre was banged right away by Troup, who was prevented from scoring by an accident—a player, fortunately, getting in the way. Critchley at the next breath that across the face of the goal, and Forshaw and Weldon, by clever initiation and a swerving body, got West Ham into difficulties. Not so Collins, however, who was a very good half-back, and beat Troup and Virr, in dandy fashion.  Although the ball was fast through the wetness of the ground, the players timed it quite well and if Critchley had forsaken a shot and brought into play aquieter centre, a goal ought to base arisen.
WELDON DRIVES IN. 
Critchley again showed that he is more of a footballer than most people imagine by his working of the ball. When in danger the West Ham backs did not hesitate to bring forward the offside juggle, and although the game lacked something in polish, and had some scrappiness, there could be no doubt that Everton were playing the dandier football, and their cool, collected way of combining brought them a goal in sixteen minutes.  Virr fed Troup, and the half hack went along the touchline to anticipate a pass up the wing. This was just where the old head of Alec Troup closed judgment. He seemed to say, "It's always the unexpected that happens." West Ham's right flank fell for the anticipated pass, and Troup pushed the ball inwards. It was not cleared by the backs, and Weldon, who had been out of luck with shots this season, got a nice drive home to the top right-hand corner, an unstoppable shot.
WHITE'S OPPORTUNITY. 
This was a blow to West Ham's pride and their champion away record, but it was a warranted Iead. Indeed, had Critchley any luck with his centres there would have been afurther goal. As a matter of fact,  a second goal came at the twenty-first minute, and West Ham were decidedly  unlucky when Hebden fell down and left Critchley with a perfect opportunity of making a quiet low-drifting centre. The ball went straight to White, who had the pleasure of beginning his football life in the first-class with a goal.  He was no more than a foot from making a second goal, and West Ham at this point were thoroughly overplayed, simply because Critchley was given a wide berth by Cadwell, and the Everton team in general were playing faster and cleverer football than the London side. Cresswell and Forshaw were especially charming. The resultwas that the West Ham forwards could not move, and when Watson had the whole goal to play to, Taylor took a risk, ran out, and safeguarded his side.  As against that, White having been "blooded," was thirsting for goals, and was close on two further occasions. The West Ham backs stood to attention, thinking they must get as offside decision, and White was left two yards from goal, yet without a goal, through his shot hitting the goalkeeper and passing for a corner. 
ANGLING FOR TAYLOR. 
The crowd of about 28,000 marveledthat West Ham should have so exalted a position in the League, but probably, with Everton touching their best and most complacent form. West Ham were made to look a worse side than they are. Taylor's only serious save came after Virr and Forshaw had been unlucky with shots, Collins being the shooter and Taylor catching the ball at the angle of the bar. Before half-time, Troup hit the upright; While kicked round the ball when he had no one on him, and Forshaw went very near. This half could easily have been an avalanche of goals against West Ham.  Half-time; Everton 2, West Ham nil. 

RUNCORN V EVERTON A
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, October 22 1927
The Runcorn forwards concentrated their attention in the early stages on the Everton goal, and after two unsuccessful efforts by Brewer, Bevin received the ball from Higginson, and beat Hughes with a shot that gave him no chance.  Everton improved, and Higgerty equalized. Murray and cansfield neglected chances when presented with openings, and Higginson at the other end sent the ball on the wrong side of the upright, when Hughes had vacated his goal. 
PILLING ON THE GOAL AGGREGATE
WEST HAM ROUTED
O’DONNELL SCORES FROM PENALTY
Everton took ten minutes of the second half before they made their score into three.  Critchley was the prime mover.  He ignored the shout advising him to centre the ball, and when he beat his man, he crossed the ball for White, to miss a further sitter.  Henderson, the full-back, was fogged by the movement, and trying to clear, he shot most perfectly into his own goal, and looked round in astonishment. 
SOLO BY CRITCHLEY
Critchley followed it up by running inward towards centre forward and beating three men by tip-tap method, scored a brilliant solo goal.  Prior to this, Ballie had made good saves from White’s knee and from a long shot by Virr and Troup a long shot by Virr and Troup had prolonged his centre until a chance was lost.  West Ham were being “murdered” in every department except goal, and Everton were playing superlative football with draught like moves that perplexed the West Ham defenders.  This was the Everton club’s revenge for a fairly heavy defeat on this ground from West Ham last season.  Still, up to this point, Taylor had been troubled but once, as in the first half and he made a nice catch and clearance.  The Everton spectators cannot complain of the attacking force this season.  They have had five against Manchester United, five against Birmingham, four against Sheffield Wednesday, three against Tottenham.  In fact, they have scored in every league match this season, and to-day’s total made their goal crop into a very healthy figure.  West Ham were never in the hunt after the first quarter of an hour. 
FORSHAW HEADS THE FIFTH
The fifth goal came soon after the hour from a corner kick made by White, taken by Troup, headed by White on to Forshaw, whose placed header was never in doubt. 
GOAL FROM PENALTY
Gibbons scored for West Ham, but was offside.  Critchly was brought down in the penalty area and the penalty kick O’Donnell scored a sixth goal. 
AND THE SEVENTH!
White scored the seventh goal for Everton after 81 minutes.  Final; Everton 7. West Ham 0. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 October 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

• Hart and Jackson successfully police-manned the two D’s –Dean and Devlin.
• The shot that lacks fire usually ends in smoke
• “Keep the ball on the Island Jack,” cried out a sailor boy at Goodison after seeing one of the players repeatedly booting the ball into touch
• The old firm of Lucas and Mackinlay put up a rare fight at Goodison.  Tommy was at his very best, and Donald came again in wonderful fashion ere the finish.
• Those who were taking part in an Everton and Liverpool match for the first time last week were Jackson, McMullan, Devlin, and Pither on one side, and Weldon on the other, although of course, it was Forshaw’s first appearance in a “blue” jersey in this type of match.
• Excitement often deal’s death blow to heavy scoring.  Even under the new offside rule there was only one goal scored in each of last season’s local derbys days, and on Saturday each side scored but once
• Edmed’s wing goal last week was reminiscent of Sammy Chedgzoy’s grand slam in the Goodison match of 1925-26
• Bobby Irvine is now fit and well again.  He had a successful try-out in the reserve team a fortnight ago.
• Goalkeeper Hardy has been an unlucky man since leaving the Merseyside.  His injured ankle (at Stoke) is still cased in plaster of paris.
• Of the twenty-two First Division clubs only Everton and Huddersfield, and West Ham had scored in all matches to date.  Derby at Portsmouth were checked for the first time on Saturday
• Kelly who made his debut for Everton in the Liverpool match, at Anfield, last season evidently possesses the big match temperament
• Hunter Hart’s consistent goodness since going to centre-half in the home match v. Leicester City, in September 1926, has been most marked
• Virr too is entitled to much praise for his hard work and his effectiveness as a left half
• Indeed the feature of last week’s Everton show was the strong work of its half-back line, and it is especially pleasing to see a real local lad doing well.
• By the way Merseysiders would be pleased to learn that Jack Peacock made his first appearance in a Middlesbrough jersey last week, and what is more was voted the best man on his side.
• Everton and Cardiff are running a very close race in the “drawing” match stakes
• Saturday’s match at Goodison was unique in that there were no offside infringements
• Tommy Browell, the veteran Blackpool captain, was out of the seasiders League team on Saturday for the first time this season

DUG LIVINGSTONE’SLETTER AND GOSSIP
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 October 1927
Duggie Livingstone, the former Everton back, writes, enclosing 30s for the Williamson und; I knew “Tim” as a player, both at home and in England, and was very sorry to hear in the Football Echo: about his death, so, seeing that you had opened a fund for his wife and children, I put it before the players here, and they very willingly gave me 1 pound.  The other 10s is from myself.  I had a 5s bet with one of our players over Dixie’s age, and as I won thought the money would be more useful to Mrs. Williamson.  I get the “Football Echo” sent every week, and still follow the fortunes of my old club with keen interest.  Glad to see them doing so well, and I hope they manage to carry off one of the prizes. 
Re yourself “Bee,” I am glad to see that you are still leading the field, and I must say I like the broadcasting very much; thought last week’s one of the “Derby” excellent.  I passed the paper on to the manager here, Mr. Pat travers, as he and the directors still follow the doings of their old player, J. Jackson, and are glad to know he is doing so well for the “Reds.” 
W. -O.K.?
It seems very early in the season to be writing you on the subject of Everton, but as these lines are written in a very friendly spirit perhaps my criticism will prove helpful, writes; - “W” I have seen the three home matches this season and have come to the conclusion that the opposing defences should be made to pay more heavily than they do for the marking of Dean.  This I think was most noticeable in the Bolton match, when time after time “Dixie” had no inside forward up with him to whom he could pass when being tackled by perhaps two or three defenders at the same time.  The whole crux of the matter is that I do not think the present “W” formation of the forwards is suitable to the Everton style of football.  I think the club would benefit if all forwards played in a line in a similar manner to that they used to, before the off-side rule was amended.  I firmly believe that if they tried the old form of attack, say, for one or two matches the two inside forwards would reap a crop of goals through the opposing defenders concentrating solely on Dean and that the “Goals fir” column would show an increase as a result. 
At Spellow lane Presbyterian Church to-morrow they hold a Football Sunday.  James Jackson of Liverpool F.C will be the preacher at 11 a.m and 76.30 p.m., and Mr. Studmarks” and family are assisting. 

30,000 SEE IRELAND WIN. 
Sunday Post - Sunday 23 October 1927
Ireland, 2; England, 0. 
THE Ireland v. England International at Belfast attracted an attendance of 30,000, representing a gate of £1650.  Although it was played in rain, which had  not ceased falling since Friday morning, and, therefore, on heavy ground, yet it was  quite good football which was seen. Ireland won by 2-0.  Irvine (Everton) scored after thirty-five minutes in the first half, and Mahood (Belfast Celtic) obtained second goal after twenty-five minutes of the second half had gone.  England lacked, in the second half, the services of Hufton, the West Ham goalkeeper, who received a hand injury, his place being taken by Ball, Bury's inside right.  Admittedly this upset the English team, but at no time did the Englishmen rise to the fame which had preceded them, and as one of them remarked at the close, Ireland was the better side even when England were at full strength.  What enhanced Ireland's victory was the fact that at least five of the side are reserve players for their English clubs the moment.  None of Englishmen made a new name for himself. Even Dixie Dean was subdued. Sam Irving was Ireland's most brilliant half-back.  Ireland—Scott (Liverpool); McCluggage (Burnley), andMcConnell (Reading): Irving (Cardiff City), Morgan (Notts Forest), and Sloan (Cardiff City); Chambers (Bury). Irvine (Everton), Davey (Reading).  Gillespie (Sheffield United) (captain)and J. (Belfast Celtic).  England—Hufton (West Ham United); Cooper (Derby County) and Jones (Blackburn Rovers); Nuttall (Bolton Wanderers). Hill (Burnley) (captain), and Storer (Derby County): Hulme (Arsenal). Earle (West Ham United). Dean (Everton), Ball (Bury), and Page (Burnley).  Referee— T. Dougray. Scotland. 

EVERTON 7 WEST HAM UNITED 0
October 24 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
BLUES ADOPT A NEW PLAN OF CAMPAIGN
HOPE OF THE “HAMMERS” BURIED IN THE GOODISON PARK MUD.
Although Everton staggered the critics –not to speak of West Ham United –by defeating a side who affected championship aspirations by no fewer than seven goals to none at Goodison Park on Saturday, they could not really claim it as a “famous victory.” There was only one side in it, for at no time did the “Hammers” get to grips. West Ham apparently, are too dainty a side for these mud-larks. Everton stalked on the heavy grounds as if they liked it. Everton were without Dean and West Ham were without Hufton and Earle; but even so it was expected that the Londoners would make a close match of it. What happened was a debacle a rout, a serio comical exposition of football. Further spice is given to the tale and sorrows by recalling what West Ham's manager said in response to congratulations on his side attaining the premier position in the First Division table. “How they managed it I do not know.” Said he. Neither did any one of the many thousands of people at the match on Saturday, in which the Blues kept up their record of scoring in every League match this season. The “Hammers” could not plead in extenuation of the result the absence of Hufton, England's goalkeeper, whom they procured from Sheffield United for only £300 for Baillie, who was born in the “village” more than did his bit. He could not be expected to stop the penalty goal and possibly only one of the other six. The wonder is more goals were not put past him for he had a weak pair of backs in front of him, for he had a weak pair of backs in front of him, and they were repeatedly sending him a “wire” to take the ball. That big back, Henderson, does not seem up to his usual standard since his reappearance. Earle on international duty, was missed undoubtedly, but Everton managed quite well without Dean, also serving his country. One reason was because they adopted a new plan of campaign. The game was developed on the flanks, so that not so much depended upon White the ex-Southport player, as distributor and leader, although the young centre is coming along nicely in this class of football, and his goal each half should be a message of confidence for the future.
A DANDY RIGHT WING.
Again praise must be given unsparingly to Forshaw, who has a fascinating way with the ball, and as Critchley also curled out of his shell, this was a dandy right wing. Forshaw scored again, and so did Critchley with the pick of the basket. Troup did not spare himself and was not averse to taking a risk, and with Weldon, who scored quite a leisurely goal at the outset, the attack also developed strongly on this wing. Henderson, in putting through his own goal, was unfortunate enough to add to the “Hammers” cup of bitterness. O'Donnell the penalty goal-scorer , (Critchley grassed for Penalty-Post and Mercury) was a stout fellow although in his impetuous way the ball sometimes went where it listed when he kicked. Cresswell again was a specialist in his department Taylor was largely a spectator. It is not to be denied that the “Hammers” have a deft forward line when the circumstances are favourable, and it is a feather in the cap of Hunter Hart, a really great centre half, that he was able to take the measure of Victor Watson, who was far below international standard. Yews and Ruffell are much better wingers than on this form and Vivian Gibbons, the “Hammers” amateur, tried hard when he had a rare chance. Their trouble was in the half-back and last lines. Teams : - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, White, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. West Ham United: - Ballie, goal, Henderson, and Hebden, backs, Collins, Barrett, and Cadwell, half-backs, Yews, Loughlin, Watson, Gibbons, and Ruffell, forwards. Referee Mr. Stott.

RUNCORN 1 EVERTON “A” 2
October 24 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
GEORGE MAHON CUP
Everton “A” declined for the second round of the George Mahon cup by a win at Runcorn. Runcorn failed to maintain their early lead, when Bevan beat Hughes with a fast shot. Hegarty equalising before the interval. Temphman scored the winning goal with a first shot from 25 yards range. Everton were the better team and deserved to win.

DEAN AND IRVINE CAPPED
October 24 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Ireland beat England by two goals to nil, at Belfast, in front of 30,000 spectators, Everton's Robert Irvine opens the scoring for Ireland.

EVERTON’S SEVEN
Athletic News - Monday 24 October 1927
WEST HAM PAY THE PENALTY OF HALF-BACK BLUNDERS
EVERTON 7, WEST HAM UNITED 0
By Junius
West Ham who up to a week ago were well in the limelight, were overwhelmed at Goodison Park, and the heavy toll against them did not in any wat exaggerate the superiority of the home forces.  Everton were without Dean, and West Ham and Earle and Hufton absent but the changes in the London side could have had little or no bearing on the ultimate result.  The reason for the debacle –for such it was –was not far to seek.  The West Ham half-backs paid his penalty of leaving the Everton extreme wing forwards quite unmarked.  The men on the flanks had the firmer patches to work upon, for the centre portion was so dead that passes went astray, and defensive work by the tackle was made easier.  Critchly, especially in the early stages, was provided with many chances of covering ground, also was Troup, and it was not surprising that the West Ham backs were literally run off their feet.  When the United forwards were in possession they made fair progress, but I expected to see more from Ruffell and Yews, who rarely obtained the measure of Everton’s half-backs, and it was not until almost the last moments that there was any likelihood of Taylor being extended.  It was at half-back where the local side held a powerful advantage, Hart was a master-mind both in attack and defence, and he had two colleagues who worked the ball with purpose before sending it to those in front.  The occasion served to introduce White, a 19-year-old youth, to lead the line in place of Dean.  He scored a couple of goals, and might have increased his total; still, he made a satisfactory start in League football, for the marksmanship was satisfactory.  I liked the play of the forwards all through.  They swung the ball about more freely than in recent games, and were so superior to the opposing line that, at times they indulged in team work and passing bouts with their half-backs that were pretty to watch.  WELDON opened the scoring after 15 minutes, WHITE following seven minutes later with a second.  In the second half HENDERSON turned one of Critchley’s centres into his own goal, CRITCHLEY and FORSHAW by sheer artistry, further increasing the lead.  O’DONNELL, for an infringement by Barrett on Critchley added a penalty and a goal from WHITE in the closing minutes ended the scoring.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, White, Weldon and Troup.  West Ham United; Baille; Henderson, Hebden; Collins, Barrett, Cadwell, Yews, Loughlin, Watson, V. Gibbins, and Ruffell.  Referee; Mr. H.V. Stott, Tamworth. 

EVERTON TURN THE LEAGUE TABLE UPSIDE DOWN
Liverpool Echo - Monday 24 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
The score at Everton told its own tale, but it did not exaggerate the sting of the waspish Everton side, who, when they gain an early goal, go along their lines with a freedom and nicety of touch and movement that makes them a very attractive side.  Many people, who have not been away with Everton, have seen fit to query my remarks about their away performances and the standard of their play; therefore, I was glad to see a home supply crop up, for no one present could hope to understand how superior Everton were to West Ham, who were made to look common property.  It is true that the London side had the best away record of any club; it was true also that they had not Hufton in goal and Earle in the attacking division; but that is not sufficient to warrant a 7-0 defeat, especially when one remembers that Ballie, the goalkeeper-deputy, did quite well, and could not be blamed for the highs score.  The marvel to me was that the defeat was not of double-figure dimensions.  I don’t remember a similar match wherein a team got off without a huge defeat; all the chances were there, and it must be put down t hastiness of decision, and ease of the team’s lead that West Ham were not overwhelmed by a score that would have sent the newspapers into rhapsodies. 
STAND EASY
And this is the side that up to April’s final day was wondering whether it would have a season of Second Division football.  Everton have turned the League table upside down; a year ago they were generally found bottom but one- thanks to their having played more matches than the other sides they did not always figure at the foot! –and the question of a team’s confidence is made the more patent by this season’s form.  They still seen to come out with a bogey of 1926-6 in their mind’s eye, but give them an early goal and they believe in themselves.  And what football they served up; they made progress in an awfully simple way; they made West Ham look simply awful, but those who remember what I have written about these away journey’s may recollect that I had something very emphatic to say about West ham’s backs when we were at their ground a month or so ago.  This was the side that was hailed as possible champions; this was the sider that had done wonders away from home; now what do you think of them!  Certainly Everton had little to beat, but I am going further than that –they could do more than beat them in hollow fashion; my further suggestion is that Everton would have beaten any side on Saturday’s form- the reason being that there was such a fine ideal, and idea between half-back and forward line; the three half-backs were superb, and each half-back took it upon himself to have a shot at goal- which is justifiable when the ball is wet and skiddery.  Everton stand easy to-day; they are not top, but they are playing well together, and with Troup’s smashing drives, Weldon’s wonderful way of dragging three men towards him and then slipping the ball to the other wing; with Forshaw’s fine control and jerk-back to change the scene of action – with White’s definite endeavor and good heading and foraging; with these things in mind one can see Everton going far.  Then having given the backs the praise they earned and the goalkeeper an “easy” we are still left with a debating topic.  I refer top Critchley.  Many a man has decried him; one wrote me weeks ago and got his answer; Critchley is young, new to the senior game, is speedy and a clever worker of the ball- although he had got little credit for this excellent trait.  Variable in his loft of the ball, yes; but are you going to condemn him on that score this early in his adventurous career?  Surely not, unless you would drive another good player to a team outside the city!  Critchley was working overtime on Saturday; he had more of the ball than any other player on the field, he was the centerpiece of the game- at outside-right! –and after a moderate start he became a first-flight flier and a class footballer, too.  West Ham were as bad as ever at full-back, and Cadwell lay off his opponent till his full-back knew not where to go.  Collins was a grand half-back.  In the forward line the wingers had no chance and Watson very little; Earle, the brains of the line and the bane of many half-backs, was missing.  Never this season have Everton fail to score in a League match, and only Huddersfield equal that record in the First Division –all of which makes next week’s visit to Portsmouth very palpitating! 

ELECTRIC LIGHTS
October 25 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Following the introduction of special electric lights, at Aigburth, to enable the Liverpool rugby players to practice at night. I understand the Everton club, have arranged for installation at Goodison to facilitate the training of their amateur member. The ‘'A'' team players will therefore be able to exercise at night on the ground around the goal area.

THE BAD LUCK OF THE GAME
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 25 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
Tommy Fern, the former Everton goalkeeper, now with Colwyn Bay is a luckless ‘keeper in regard to injury.  In his team’s match with Buckley he was kicked on the head, and had to have several stitches inserted.  He may not play for some weeks.
WILLIAMSON FUND
Amount previously acknowledged 33 pounds 3s 6d
Aintree Sorting Siding F.C  5 pounds 5s
D. Livingstone 1 pound 10s
Tranmere Rovers Supporters Club 1 pound 1s
Clayton F.C 1 pound
Total 41 pounds 19s 6d

EVERTON TEAMS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 26 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton break new ground when they visit Portsmouth on Saturday.  The fame of the Goodison club and its present strong team has spread to the South and no doubt the friends of the newly promoted club are hoping that they will be able to take some of the steam out of the high scoring forward line.  Portsmouth on their own ground are not to be despised, even though they were made to appear a very poor eleven when they visited Anfield recently.  At the same time Everton have the lead in view, and they will be all out to gain the points.  The team will be at full strength, with dean again in the centre, this being the only change from the side which defeated West Ham;  the team is; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
The reserve side to oppose Burnley in a Central League game at Goodison Park, kicked-off at three o’clock is; Davies; Bain, Rooney; Brown, Griffiths, Dickie; Irvine, Eastoe, White, Houghton, Lewis. 

PORTSMOUTH NEWS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 27 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
Portsmouth will be below full strength against Everton on Saturday, as in addition to Cook, who is playing for Wales at Wrexham, Forward, the outside-right, is a doubtful starter owing to illness, S. Rutherford, a young forward from Blyth Spartans and a brother of J. Rutherford, of The Arsenal is to fill the outside left berth. 

EVERTON A TEAM V WHISTON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 October 1927
Everton “A” play Whiston, at Strawberry-lane, to-morrow, at 3.15.  Team from Hughes; Davies, Ireland; Lawton, Heggarty, W. Curr, Kendrick, Murray, French, Templeman, Rose, R. Curr and Cansfield. 

EVERTON’S LONG TREK
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton, I am told, will be meeting a slow side.  In Second Division strife Portsmouth had the reputation of being fly and fliers; now they have been brought back to the fact that pace is not everything, and that they succeed who make the ball do their bidding with the least possible effort.  Portsmouth having suffered at Liverpool’s hands, 8-2 are, on collateral form, a negligible quantity.  You can work out football records by such methods; but, as the new football paper.  “The Football Record,” born in this city on Wednesday, has shown, there is foundation for belief that Everton will win away from home.  It will need a big, hard struggle from Everton, who, however, having proved that they are not a one man band by winning last week without Dean 7-0, have a chance to show how Dean’s inclusion adds to the lustre of the goal-getting department. These are the teams;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Portsmouth; McPhail; Clifford, McColgan; Davis, Foxall, Moffatt; Forward, Mackie, Haines, Watson, Rutherford. 

EVERTON AT PORTSMOUTH.
October 29 th 1927. The Dairy Courier.
Everton should win at Fratton Park today, but not so easily as some people appear to think. The visiting, whose longest League journey of the season it is, are at full strength, but Pompey are at home, and Pompey play very well on their own mat. The experience of late have been none to happy, so they are going to put a little more pep into their game with the Blues. They have something to wipe off the slate where the city of Liverpool is concerned. Try have not forgetting that. The match starts at 3 o'clock, and the teams are as follows: - Portsmouth: McPhail; Clifford, McColgan; Davies, Foxall, Moffatt; Forward, Mackie, Flaines, Watson, Rutherford.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 October 1927
FIRST LEAGUE GAME AT PORTSMOUTH GROUND
‘BEE’S’REFLECTIONS
DEAN RETURN TO THE GOODISON FOLD
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Portsmouth; McPhail; Clifford, McCoigan’ Davis, Foxall, Moffat; Forward, Mackie, Haines, Watson, Rutherford.  Referee.-Mr. Oswell. 
The day was perfect at Portsmouth, and the ground in fine conditions. The Portsmouth people anticipated a record crowd in consequence of Everton's big goal-scoring affair last Saturday.  Everton won the toss, but Cresswell faced the sun, and what little wind there was.  In a moment Everton were on the attack thanks to their right wing, and when Forshaw set Critchley going the outside winger made a lovely dribble and a pass inward, which Forshaw took, making a first time shot of some power.  McPhail seemed quite content to put it away. The result was that the ball came near to Dean, who, however, lost sight of the ball which was kicked away. After that Dean was charged honestly and fully and seemed to shake, which is uncommon for a fellow of his size, and away went Portsmouth to find the Everton defence were bringing the offside rule into free use, and it was only the ability of Virr that presented Mackie having an early goal.
A VIRILE WORKER. 
Virr fell back, covered his goalkeeper and the ball and the man in one and the same movement. Portsmouth were playing desperate football and a sharper game than we had been led to expect from them.  Perhaps the dry ground was suiting their standard.  The game became somewhat scrappy, with the best round passing from the Everton side. Then Portsmouth went pell-mell after a huge punt, and O'Donnell, facing his own goal, made a lovely punt clear of the field. He came a second time with a similar punt, and the crowd showed their appreciation of his excellent movements. On either side there seemed a special desire to feed the centre forward, and Haines and Dean were plied pretty often, perhaps too often.  Everton, who were playing in white jerseys with blue bands, owing to Portsmouth being of the Everton colours. Wouldfind the change of jerseys rather troublesome.  Portsmouth came nearest to storing when, from a free-kick against Dean for offside, the ball was shot from close in, not more than a yard out of gear. Troup, with two dandy dribble sent the Pompey enthusiasm into a high grade, and a free-kick taken by Virr led to a scramble in front of goal which ended when the referee caught sight of someone using an elbow.  Critchley, after one thin finishing touch, made a lovely centre, but whenever Dean went for the ball he found himself covered by three men as well the goalkeeper.
A MARKED MAN 
Little was seen an far of young Rutherford on the left, and Forward was the more aggressive winger, and it was from one of the latter's centres that Haines nearly headed through. The referee twice missed a full-fledged trip on Weldon, after which Dean worked desperately hard, and was bumped on the shoulder by defenders, who made him their special mark.  Everton were settling down to combined football, but Portsmouth were obviously rattling them by their positive ferocious tackles. Cresswell gave a corner through over running the ball, and twice headed away without getting the ball to safety.  O’Donnell also made a timely header in the goalmouth in the same incident.  Rutherford at last crossed the ball perfectly for Haines, who was slow to gather a great chance and was smothered out.  The first half-hour had been notable for the absence of shots. Taylor had handled his easy ones, and McPhail had one stiff one. McPhail had his second piece of work when O'Donnell, from the half-way line, lobbed the ball to goal.  Virr followed by putting the ball far upand Weldon and Troup were unlucky not to be able to get in a shot from their good initial work. Weldon was skipping round the opposition until they began to push him, the result being a free kick taken by Hart, which brought no glad result, and led to Haines going off and leaving Forward, who was caught in two minds about a centre and a shot, and finally lobbed the ball over tamely.  Forshaw made the best shot to date with his left foot from inside right after Hart had made a lovely pain towards Dean, who was unlucky not to get the ball under way so that he could blaze away.
A GAME OF DRAUGHTS. 
Critchley centred one ball along the face of the crossbar. Everton now began their draught-board movements, and Haines replied with a magnificent solo effort only to find Forward let him down again. So Haines thought he would have a pop on his own, his shot going near the corner flag.  Forshaw took the ball up for Dean, who had a misunderstanding with Critchley, the winger moving inside when Dean thought he was going outside. The calm and collect's' defence of Cresswell was in direct contrast to that of Clifford, and the referee got a solid booing when he gave a foul to Forshaw after the crowd had made up its mind that it should be against Forshaw.  One of the Portsmouth players, Moffatt, argued with the referee, and threatened to get into trouble. Two corners came to the home side, and the second was fatal.
PORTSMOUTH LEAD. 
Rutherford lobbed the ball beyond Taylor's reach, and Foxall, the centre-half, a tall fellow, breasted the ball into the net -time thirty-seven minutes.   Hart was badly fouled by Forward, who was cautioned, but the same player escaped when he hacked O’Donnell, and away went Virr to make a good cross pass, Forshaw heading round the post. 
FINE GOAL BY DEAN.
Cresswell had cleared a dangerous move, and Dean on the half-way line, so that he should not be offside, awaited the pass that duly came.  It was more of a punt than a pass.  Away he went, verring to the right with his big strides and ignoring a bump in the back by a charging defender, and ignoring also the outcoming of the goalkeeper, slipped the ball into the left-hand side of the net.  Thus with a really magnificent goal, he resumed the goal a match sequence which was only broken against Liverpool.  Half-time; Portsmouth 1, Everton 1. 
DIXIE DEAN’S HAT TRICK PERFORMANCE
HIS TWENTIETH GOAL
‘BEE;S TELLS THE STORY OF PORTSMOUTH’S DEFEAT
When the players left the field the referee was again booed, and the Portsmouth players began to make a parliament of the subway, arguing and beating the air.  When play was resumed Forshaw was blocked out with a shot, and Cresswell made a corner from a first-class centre by Forward.  This was got away, and Troup centred up the middle, where Dean was confined and cabined by the customary bodyguard.  In the early stages of the second half, Portsmouth started as though they had run themselves out, and Everton found pleasure in moving along in the sweetest way with the ball along the ground.  However, Moffatt and Watson had praise-worthy shots at goal, although they missed the mark.  The referee still came under the lash of the crowd for the merest triviality and for sticking to the rules.  Troup tried a shot from far out without result, and Critchley, who had been well covered, now had an innings.  It was much cry and little wool from Portsmouth, who found the visiting left-wing a hot combination.  Weldon being quite near with a good shot. 
AN EXCITING MOMENT
A remarkable incident occurred when Cresswell dallied too long in the wrong wing, while O’Donnell was lying damaged in the middle of the field.  Forward snatched the half-chance, centred to Haines, who, finding Taylor had run out, decided to lob the ball just as Dean had done when he scored, but Haines was off the mark and a great chance of taking the lead went west.  O’Donnell recovered from his injury, and it should be placed on record that the moment before he went down O’Donnell had made a first-class hook and clearance.  At this point Everton were well on top of their opponents and from a  Critchley centre Troup dragged the ball towards Weldon without imparting sufficient force, otherwise a goal must have come.  Dean could get little for hard work, and when he was elbowed close in to goal there were no prizes of the penalty description that so often arise in such circumstances.  O’Donnell was playing with a fire that was leaving its mark and Dean now forced a corner, which had the usual negative result except that Portsmouth were still being hammered. 
PRESSING FOR A LEAD
This match was a very import one from Everton’s point of view, in view of the possibilities of a leading place in the League championship chart, and they were staving the course much easier than the opposition and Dean was having a rare time.  He became an outside right for the moment and, centering square, Critchley, who had gone to centre, stubbed his toe when about to shoot and was covered for his second effort.  A centre by Critchley was of perfect length and strength, McPhail edging the ball over with the back of his hand.  The best of many runs made by Dean was that which showed him away on the left, pressed and harried, and when he rounded the backs, the goalkeeper had gathered the ball, but Dean made it into a corner kick, it was Dean who sent Critchley away with a pass of point, and the speedy winger was stopped just in time.  Forshaw drew out MvPhail’s best, but for a team that had attacked so long it was absurd to think that McPhail had been out of employment.  Taylor made a good catch from a breakaway, and then got a full-blooded charge into the ribs. 
DEAN REPEATS
Portsmouth’s breakaway ended nine minutes from time when Critchley cleverly hooked the ball out of the reach of Moffat, Critchley had played Moffatt at his own game; the winger centred, McPhail made quite a good save from Dean’s header, but had no chance with the rebound shot, which drove in from three yards. 
HAT-TRICK BY DEAN.
It had taken Everton a long time to get the lead, and when Dean scored his nineteenth goal of the season he was only a shade from getting his twentieth with a header.  However, five minutes later, he scored the twentieth and performed his hat trick, thanks to Weldon dribbling to inside right, and after being tripped, having the luck to see the ball come to him while he was in the ground.  Right on time there was a free kick eight yards from goal, and an extraordinary mix up in front of Taylor.  It was a tense moment, but the ball was put over the bar.  Final; Portsmouth 1, Everton 3. 

PORTSMOUTH 1 EVERTON 3
October 31 st 1927. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON ASSUME LEADERSHIP OF DIVISION ONE
DEAN'S “HAT-TRICK
RARE STAMINA IN GAME AT PORTSMOUTH
Everton had to work hard for their victory at Portsmouth, and it was not until the closing stages that they gained the winning goals. Playing on their own ground the Portsmouth team were a much harder nut to crack then when they were so soundly thrashed at Anfield. In the first half their halves and backs were most effective in preventing the Everton forwards from getting into their proper stride. Playing with great dash and earnestness they completely upset Everton's passing movements, and Dean in particular was given close attention. There were usually two and sometimes three policemen watching Dean, and they did not stand on ceremony. They threw themselves at the Everton leader in a manner, which would have knocked the heart out of many centre-forwards, but not so “Dixie.” He never lost his temper but kept pegging away manfully, and in the end tired out the opposition and finished the afternoon with the “hat-trick” to his credit. Portsmouth had more chances of scoring in the first half than Everton and when they gained the first goal after 37 minutes play both their players and their supporters went wild with delight. Their joy, however, was short-lived. Just before the interval, Dean scored one of those goals peculiar to himself. Lying well forward he took a long forward pass from Hart in his stride, dashed between the backs, veered to the right, and as the goalkeeper came out to meet him, deftly turned the ball out of the reach into the far corner of the net.
POMPEY'S DEFENDERS WILT.
Portsmouth commenced the second half with renewed energy, but after Haines had missed an open goal their halves and backs begin to wilt under severe pressure. Despite their over-robust methods the Everton forwards gradually wore them down. Still it was not until the last quarter of an hour that Everton obtained their two goals' lead. Critchley after lobbing the ball over the head of Moffatt, placed in front of goal. McPhail knocked down a header from Dean who seized on the ball from a rebound and drove into the net. Weldon provided the opening for Dean's third goal. He dribbled cleverly and although tripped, he kept the ball and took it from the right to the left wing before placing it to Dean, who scored with an oblique shot. The Everton forwards showed great patience and fortitude against halves and backs whose methods were at all time over-robust. Dean refused to be subdued, and his stamina held out better than the opposing backs, his three goals bringing his total to 20 for the season. All three of the Everton halves did well, and Cresswell was seen at his best in his cool calculation, and both he and O'Donnell were strong and sure in their kicking. Taylor made several splendid saves, and he also was a victim of the Portsmouth players dangerous methods, but happily he was not put out of action. The teams were: - Portsmouth: - McPhail, goal, Clifford, and McColgan, backs, Davies, Foxall, and Moffatt, half-backs, Forward, Mackie, Haines, Watson, and Rutherford, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Referee Mr. Osell.

EVERTON RESERVES 11 BURNLEY RESERVES 0
October 31 st 1927 th The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 10)
Heavy scoring marked the Centre League games on Saturday, twenty-three goals, being obtained in two matches. Everton defeat Burnley at Goodison Park by 11-0 and Huddersfield Town defeated Manchester City by 11-1. The score at Goodison Park in no way exaggerates Everton's superiority, the visitors defence being completely nonplussed. Only Down, in goal in the Burnley side, played well, for he kept out some awkward shots and had no chance with the scoring drives. The halves and wing forwards played splendidly. The scorers were, White (4), Easton (2), Houghton (2), Griffiths, a Burnley defender, and Irvine. Everton: - Davies goal, Bain and Rooney, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Dickie, half-backs, Irvine, Easton, White, Houghton, and Lewis, forwards.

EVERTON RES V BURNLEY RES
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, October 31, 1927
Everton, at Goodison Park, throughout the first half, always had the game well in hand, and four goal lead at the interval might easily have been augmented but for the alertness of the Burnley custodian.  Griffiths and White had scored before ten minutes, and although it was late in the half before Easton and Houghton added further goals, Everton had done practically all the attacking.  Burnley on the whole were a very disappointing side.  Their attack lacked cohesive ideas, whilst the combination and ball control at no time equaled Everton’s whose fine clean good progressive movements had the Burnley defence harassed.  Pollard missed a great scoring chance for the visitors, but made amends with a great shot that Davies did well to get at.  Brown, Griffiths, and Dickie were mainly responsible for the Burnley attack’s ineffectiveness.  Half-time; Everton Res 4, Burnley res nil.  There was sensational scoring in the second half, Everton practically piling on at will.  Easton, Houghton (2), and White (2), made a total of 9 at three-quarter time.  White had four to his credit, but the cause of the avalanche could be attributed to the work of the home half-back trio.  A Burnley defender made the score into double figures, and Irvine scored the eleventh a few minutes from time.  Full time; Everton Res 11, Burnley res 0. 

EVERTON A v. WHISTON
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, October 31, 1927
At Strawberry-lane.  From the outset Whiston dominated the play, and were unlucky in not opening their account.  However, after twenty minutes play Booney converted a free-kick taken by Holbrooke to give the visitors a well-deserved lead. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, October 31, 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

• Young White can look back with a fair measure of satisfaction upon his Senior League debut for Everton for his shooting and passing were alike creditable, and he kept a fairly level head
• It is little more than a year ago that he was looked upon as merely an ex-schoolboy youth, who was a promising outside left for Southport
• Saturday’s goal was Weldon’s first for Everton since the opening week of the season
• When did Everton last score seven goals in a League match proper prior to Saturday?  Not since 1914-15 when Sunderland were beaten 7-1 at Goodison.  The scorers on that occasion were Parker (3), Clennell (2), and Harrison and Chedgzoy one each.
• O’Donnell missed a penalty at Newcastle, but he made no mistake against the other United side on Saturday
• On recent form there isn’t a finer half-back line in the country than Everton’s Kelly, Hart, and Virr too.
• Critchley’s fine form of the last few matches has been very gratifying both to the player himself and his club. 
• What a glutton he was for work, too, on Saturday’s rain-soaked surface!
• Everton’s present attacking line of youth blended with experience should now go on to further success. 
• Vizard’s goal on Saturday was his first at Burden Park since Everton were beaten there 5-0 last season
• It is interesting to note that Saturday’s was Critchley’s maiden League goal in Everton’s service.  And what a beauty!
• The Stockport man is at last justifying his 2,000 pound transfer fee
• Everton have three locals in their team and of these Albert Virr is steadily making a name for himself.
• The unassuming half back was born not far from Goodison Park, and used to follow the Everton club as a boy
• It was when assisiting a local side known as Lyndholme that he first came under Everton’s notice and was engaged as an amateur in 1921. 
• Showing gradual improvement Virr was first tried in the Everton senior team on January 10, 1925. 
• The occasion was sufficient to test any youngster to the full, too, for it was in the F.A cup-tie v Burnley at Goodison Park when Jack Peacock, figuring at inside-right broke a small bone in the ankle, after ten minuets’ play
• Of the Everton side that pluckily won through by two goals to one that day, Virr is the sole survive in the Toffees’ present team!
• The team read; Harland; Raitt and McDonald; Brown, McBain, and Virr; Parry, Peacock, Broad, Chadwick, and Weaver. 
• Jimmy Ashcroft, the ex-Everton and England keeper, has a son who is coming along well as a footballer
• Everton break new ground to-day.  What sort of a foundation stone laying has it been?
• Weldon, of Everton, has had the unique experience of playing alongside the two greatest centre forwards of the day probably in Dean and Gallacher.
• Weldon says that if asked to give a gold medal to the best centre to-day he would cut it in two and give half each to Dean and Gallacher!

DEAN’S HAT-TRICK
Athletic News - Monday 31 October 1927
PORTSMOUTH NO MATCH FOR SPEED OF EVERTON
HAINES’ DEFECTS
PORTSMOUTH 1, EVERTON 3
By Pompey
There is consternation at Portsmouth.  William Haines is a popular local idol because his goal-scoring achievements in the past carried the team from the Third Division to the First.  Now it is feared that he is too slow and cumbersome to lead a First Division team attack.  With Mackie and Watson at the base of the formation, and Cook and Forward displaying great speed on the wings, it has this season been so frequently the case of the wingmen outing in to score, or crossing the ball one to the other, because nobody else has been up to receive it.  Portsmouth’s chances against Everton were diminished because of the directors’ release of Cook to play for Wales at Wrexham, but with the two centre-forwards changed Portsmouth might have won.  Haines hit the ball out to the wings nicely in the first half, and was always a trier, but there was no comparison between him and Dixie Dean, who by doing the hat-trick brought his total of goals this season so far to 20. 
DIFFERENCE IN SPEED
He proved a brilliant leader.  At the outset he was inclined to resent the robust attentions of the Portsmouth defenders, but he kept his head very well, and towards the end, when the home rearguard hoisted distress signals, he literally romped past his opponents and would have added to his crop had not McPhail brought off several sensational saves.  He was better supported than Haines, for whereas Mackie and Watson were almost equal in cleverness to Forshaw and Weldon, the Everton inside forwards accomplished their work at a far greater speed.  Septimus Rutherford, who took the place of Cook, is a young half-brother to the famous Jock of that name.  He came to Portsmouth on trial from Blyth Spartans after the season opened, is top scorer for the Reserves, and is developing nicely.  It was a severe test for him to face Cresswell, but he did well and provided FOXALL with the opportunity to give Portsmouth the lead 37 minutes after the start with a header.  Then DEAN got going, and he withstood a tackle from McColgan before equalizing.  Portsmouth persevered pluckily without polish for half an hour of the second half, but there was little or no sting in their attack, and Haines missed openings in a manner that suggests he has lost confidence in his shooting. One miss was particularly bad.  Foxall, who is nearing the veteran stage, tired towards the end, and the defence crumbled up.  Dean had his chance, and took it.  McPhail once dived and literally took the ball from his toes before throwing it round the post, but ten minutes from the end DEAN made a solo effort, and when McPhail brilliantly saved his shot he caught the ball on the rebound and guided it into the net.  Two other thrilling moves by DEAN followed, and one yielded the third goal.  Everton are a great side on Saturday’s showing, and in the end Portsmouth, although doing better than in several previous games, were well beaten.  To come near to such teams as Everton, Portsmouth must have more steadiness behind and more speed forward, and greater stamina at centre half-back would prove a valuable asset.  Portsmouth; McPhail; Clifford, McColgan; Davies, Foxall, Moffatt; Forward, Mackie, Haines, Watson and Rutherford.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. G.S. Odell, Tipton. 

EVERTON LEAGUE LEADERS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 31 October 1927
Bee’s Notes
Nice place, Portsmouth!~  Big town, fine avenues, spacious promenade, Corporation holdings prevent the place being built up, sea front rolled its eyes at us, but the waves never suggested the gale that you in Liverpool experienced.  The charabanc man, talking in perfect Cambridgeshire fashion, told us of the beauties of the place, and I remarked, “Pity you haven’t a football team in this bonny town,” He said.  “Wait till you’ve finished with the Pompey side, you’ll see.”  We saw.  Indeed the cry of the classic on Saturday night was Veni, Vidi, vici.  There were other cries; the Portsmouth people cried out against their pets for not continuing their first half dash and push, but of that more anon.  The first point is to congratulate Everton upon their first show at the top of the League since 1915, always excluding, of course, the first match of the season when they took the lead through a four goals’ victory.  One Everton official is anxious that we shall not be too joyful at this point of the season.  It is very early to talk of championships says he, and in effect he warns us not to be “So Happy,” Well, in these days of gigantic and Niantic doubles on Merseyside we can afford to wear a size nine smile.  We cannot wait until April in case the smile wears off.  One of the joys of Everton’s journey was the company we kept, the new ground we struck and the view offered of Sandown Racecourse, the red-coated golfers of the forest, a sight of Vacquier’s homeland (Byfeet).  Portsmouth’s stand, opened a year ago by Mr. McKenna, Brooklands track and the magnificence of the colours of the trees.  But we had suffered a lot before this happy outlook dawned upon us.  We had a collection of shocks.  First I saw a boy pitched off a train at Central Low Level and six inches from death.  When he got on his feet he said with native unconcern; “Where did my hat go to?” The Kelly, the Everton half-back, wanted to stay behind until his three-years-old daughter was found.  She roamed from Spellow-lane to Bootle.  Then we ran into the Liverpool Stock Exchange team making a journey to London to play London Exchange, after which Messrs Patterson and Asbury, of Liverpool F.C., arrived to keep Directors Green, Sawyer, and Sharp company.  The Liverpool party was scouting, and I have an ideal they went to see a defence that has the best record in any league.  Just work that out for yourself.  At night Manchester United turned in the same hotel, so that altogether this was an evening of surprises.  The Wasps’ F.C were in the next compartment, in that number being Mr. Venmore, son of a well-known Southport family. 
A TWENTY BREAK
As if to show a tinge of jealousy that he was not in at the 7-0 win against West Ham, Dixie Dean went to Pompey’s ground, performed the “hat-trick” scored all his side’s goals as he did when they beat Manchester United 5-0, and made his goal “break” into 20.  There are six months of football to “go,” so that dean has an estimable chance of breaking all records.  People may say “Don’t hark on these Dean goals and records, the other players might object.”  Nonsense.  They appreciate his goals, which mean a bonus to their coffers, and they realise how great are the goals he is getting.  He, too, realizes how much he has to thank his wingers for his success, and they realized on Saturday how much success had cost the centre-forward, for the home team bumped him, buffeted him, wore a hole in the small of his back without getting a penalty kick nor yet a free kick from Mr. Osell.  Portsmouth tried to rush him out, and failing that to brush him off.  Now Dean’s weight, speed, far-reach-of-stride and nous carried right beyond such tactics, and when Portsmouth had ended their first half battle they had no chance.  The strange thing was that with Weldon and Forshaw producing shots, and the team simply murdering Pompey in the second half, that McPhail should have had an easy passage.  The fact was that Pompey were easy to beat in the second half, but until the lead had been taken the Everton forwards could not find an easy passage to goal.  They passed, repassed; they placed themselves each for the other, and then got a rush from a defender to smother the ball.  Once having tasted blood through Critchley’s fine work, there was no holding them and they won as they deserved.  Pompey’s team will beat the others, when they concentrate on football instead of attempting to stop the other side by charging and here and there some tackling they can desperate.  They are lacking in centre half and centre forward sharpness.  Rutherford was highly tested to make his bow against a supreme defender such as Cresswell proved himself, with O’Donnell playing magnificent and sturdy football with never a kick out of place; Forward was a forward of folly; he was mixing it, which is absurd in a wing forward, who can be bowled over the line with some degree of punishment and at no great risk.  The Pompey backs were the best part of the rather poor eleven that is still working on second division lines against men who have the ability to skip out of the way of the outstretched leg.  Weldon, for instance, teased them to breaking point, and with Forshaw played just as well as against West Ham, which is the highest idea of praise I can give them, in view of many of my readers having been present at that 7-0 game.  Troup carried on in the same manner, this being surely his most effective season in shot, centre and dribble.  The winners’ half back line was a study of fine judgment.  Hart and Irby Virr took the plums, because Kelly in the second half must have gone lame, but in the second half the three of them used the ball- and it is here that Everton are laying the foundation stone of success; the aimless punt is dead; and the combination of the side has not been at a higher level for twenty years.  Rash pass has now become “combined” pleasure.”  It was a thoroughly good victory in which everyone shared the honour. 
EVERTON’S ELEVEN
Everton’s Central League side have not done anything very brilliant away, but they have proved that they know where the goals are at Goodison Park.  Saturday’s total of 11 goals against Burnley surpasses anything that has gone before in the way of big scoring.