Everton Independent Research Data

 

EVERTON 1 LIVERPOOL 0
October 1 st 1928. The Daily Courier.
SCOTT SAVES LIVERPOOL FROM HEAVIER DEFEAT
GREAT GOALKEEPING IN LOCAL DERBY
DEAN'S DUELS WITH DAVIDSON
DUNN A MASTER STRATEGIST
TROUP'S TRIUMP.
Everton deserved their narrow victory in their home match with their near rivals Liverpool. Their forwards were superior in the second half and might easily have added a number of goals if Liverpool had a less alert goalkeeper than Scott. The visitors were the better side in the early stages. Their forwards played with a dash and determination which several times placed Davies at the their mercy, but scoring chances were thrown to the winds. Hodgson and Edmed, backed up by Morrison, worked with a fine understanding and many clever runs were made by Hopkins; but neither Whitehurst nor McDougall was capable of utilising the goal-scoring openings created. Whitehurst had one glorious chance, but hesitated too long before he shot straight at Davies. Another time, when Edmed had provided him with the opportunity to dart between the backs, instead of letting fly at goal he placed over to the left, and McDougall, who came rushing up, was so taken by surprise that he bungled the opportunity when he did reach the ball. The Everton forwards commenced badly, but improved as the game advanced. It took them some time to get working smoothly, for they were not allowed to develop
"POLICEMAN" DAVIDSON.
The arrangement of the Liverpool defence was rather curious. Davidson never attempted much in the way of constructive play. His duty was to act as Policeman on Dean, and very effectively he did it, giving the Everton centre no room in which to work and repeatedly robbing him of the ball. Meanwhile Jackson was often working as a right half-back, with Morrison in the inside position. This worked well in the early stages, but in the second half when the Everton forwards were combining well in their attack, Jackson found he had enough to do defend his own lines. While Dean was still being effectively held up, Dunn, with the assistance of Hart, was proving the master schemer. He was supplying both Troup and Ritchie with long passes, and the backs and flash the ball into the goal with his head. He was really unlucky not to score in this fashion in the first half. He nodded the ball well out of the reach of Scott, but Done had rushed to the other side of the goal and was in time to kick the ball out.
DEAN THE DECEIVER.
Midway in the second half the Everton forward were showing much superior craftsmanship, and a chance of tactics by Dean led to Troup scoring the only goal of the match. Dean at this period of the game, deceived the home backs by not attempting to score himself when the ball was centred from the wings but turned it with his head to the man on either side of him. It was following such a move as this that Dunn put in a shot that caused Scott some difficulty in saving. Again Dean headed to the feet of Dunn, and this player with good judgement sent a low pass between Jackson and Davidson to the left for Troup to dash in and place in goal well out of the reach of Scott.
SCOTT SHAKEN.
Against any ordinary goalkeeper Dean would probably have headed many goals. Several times he was just wide, and Scott was always on the alert. He also showed great daring in going out to meet Dean's dangerous rushes and in one of these clashes with Dean, Scott was put out of action and looked like having to retire. He was badly shaken, but did not show any apparent weakness as the game advanced, and never shirked in going out to meet Dean. Everton could not claim any superiority in defence. Done was cool in tackling, and trenchant in kicking, while Jackson worked so hard that it was not to be wondered at the once or twice he failed in his clearance kick. All three of the Liverpool halves were sound, Bromilow was cool and polished in everyone he did. Morrison was a warrior, and rarely failed in his tackling, and Davidson shadowed Dean effectively. Hodgson was the best, and Whitehurst and McDougall the least satisfactory of the Liverpool forwards.
DUNN'S GOOD WORK.
What little Dean could do he did well, but Dunn was the principal schemer in the Everton attack. He and Ritchie worked better together than Troup and Weldon, but Ritchie was at fault more than once in not shooting instead of centring the ball to dean who was being so well watched. All three of the Everton halves were sound, none being better than Virr. Cresswell at right full-back was inclined to take liberties with Hopkins, but the Everton captain was always more than a match for the Liverpool inside forwards . O'Donnell had a much harder task in dealing with the Liverpool right wing and although not too sure in the early stages he improved later. Davies had not so much work to do as Scott, but he showed no semblance of a mistake. The teams were : - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards. Liverpool: - Scott goal, Jackson and Done, backs, Morrison, Davidson, and Bromilow, half-backs, Edmed, Hodgson, Whitehurst, McDougall, and Hopkins, forwards.

STOKE CITY RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
October 1 st 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 8)
Stoke City had the better of the play in the first half of the match with Everton and were full value for their 2-1 lead at the interval. Stoke scored through Johnson and Flanagan and French for Everton. Just before half-time Bain Everton's left half back was limping and went to the outside position. Everton play improved, but Cull added a goal six minutes from the end. Everton were pushing hard when the whistle sounded . Everton:' Hardy, goal, Common and Bains backs, Griffiths, Forshaw, Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Webster, French, Easton, and Stein, forwards .

A LOCAL DERBY WITHOUT A BLEMISH
Athletic News - Monday 01 October 1928
TROUP’S DECIDER
UNLUCKY LIVERPOOL
EVERTON 1, LIVERPOOL 0
By Rufus


A week of civic festivities in Liverpool was appropriately crowded on Saturday by the meeting of the Merseyside city’s senior football clubs, Goodison Park, which housed the event, presented a majestic appearance on this great occasion, a perfect afternoon completing the harmony.  The play was worthy of the magnificent setting.  The sides entered the enclosure simultaneously, and from start to finish not a jarring note disturbed a pulsating spectacle.  True Liverpool had all the ill-luck of the game, but they took their rebuffs like sportsmen, and never raised querulous voices to the presiding official, whose control of the game was always tactful.  Everton’s exhibition after the interval made them worthy winners.  In all but finishing power they were the masters, and Liverpool had no option but to call back their inside forwards and adopt a policy of stubborn defensive resistance in an effort to cope with the wizardly of the home attacking forces. 
A TRANSFORMATION. 
Looking at the straggling Anfield forcesin the second half, I wondered how the side had attained such mastery in the game’s opening movements.  For the first 15 minutes the champions were absolutely overplayed.  Thrice Hopkin was provided with the chance to cut in. He ended his first two efforts by feebly running the ball over the goal line, but on the third occasion a perfect centre gave Hodgson the chance to test Davies with header.  In Everton’s counter raid Scott was dazed in a collision with Dean, but quickly resumed, Liverpool showing their relief even more persistent attacks, in which Edmed drove narrowly wide and Hodgson was unfortunate to see a great drive rebound from the post.  These were misfortunes, as was the refusal of the referee to grant penalty when Virr handled, but it was a bad blunder when McDougall missed open goal on the interval, after Whitehurst had drawn the defence. The gods never forgave Liverpool for that mistake. The Everton attack,  improving vastly after subdued  start, rose to power in the second  half, with Troup, Dean, and Dunn the  supreme craftsmen.  From the last-named, Scott made a masterly save, but he would have been hard pressed to stop Harts rocket drive had the ball been a foot lower. This was the best shot the match, if we except an amazing overhead hook attempt by Dean inthe closing minutes.
TROUP’S VITAL GOAL
Compared with these thrilling scoring attempts, the all-important goal was quite a simple affair.  Dunn wormed his way through into the goal area, but his shot from close range was charged down.  The ball, however, glanced out to Troup, who had closed in, and the wingman had no difficulty in beating Scott with a low drive.  Liverpool claimed that the scorer was offside, but with the ball rebounding from a visiting defender the goal was clearly legitimate.  This slender lead sufficed to give the champions a welcome victory, for Liverpool, despite several despairing attacks near the end, lacked thrust at close quarters, in addition to which they encountered in Cresswell a defensive barrier not to be overcome by shock tactics.  Cool in the gravest emergency, this classical exponent of back play set an example in returning the ball to a colleague his partner might have emulated.  This is not to belittle the sturdy quality of O’Donnell’s work, for the North-countryman effectively subdued the most dangerous Anfield wing.  The great difference between the sides, however, was at centre-forward, Dean despite the constant vigilance of Jackson and Davidson, contrived to ply his wing colleagues freely, and while he sent in few shots, his accuracy in heading was as marked as ever, a timely clearance on the goal-line by Done alone saving the Liverpool goal from downfall following one of these efforts. 
WHTEHURST SUBDUED
The rival leader, Whitehurst, was similarly subdued as a marksman, but, unlike Dean, he did not redeem his display by his midfield work, Hodgson slumped dismally after a sparkling start, while McDougall appeared to lose heart after his mistake in the first half.  Hopkin dallied and darted about when the proper procedure was to centre promptly, and even the dashing Edmed shared in the general deterioration of the line.  Relieved of their defensive responsibilities by the ineptitude of the opposing attack, the Goodison half-back line was revealed as a cultured attacking combining, in which Kelly stood a little ahead of excellent colleagues in Virr and Hart.  With such support from the rear, Ritchie should have more prominent.  To some extent Dunn retrieved his partner’s deficiencies, the brilliancy of the little man’s footwork often bewildering the opposing defence.  Weldon’s efforts in the same direction usually ended in failure, the ex-Airdrie man being the none weak link in an artistic attack, against which Jackson and Done strove heroically throughout.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup.  Liverpool; Scott; Jackson, Done; Morrison, Davidson, Bromilow; Edmed, Hodgson, Whitehurst, McDougall, and Hopkin.  Referee A. Josephs, South Shields. 

THE GREAT BATTLE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 01 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
The meeting of Everton and Liverpool provided one more historic chapter in the long list of their contests.  As a game one could not wish for more sustained effort and more enjoyable fare.  It was an affair of sportsmen.  It was cut and thrust all the time, and was just the sort of game I would willingly have “sat out” to watch and not be called upon to adjudicate.  For no matter what I say I fear I must be looked upon in these matters as a hostile witness by some readers.  That cannot deter me from giving you personal views and, I hope, fearless criticism..  Hence it is necessary to declare at once that the two man contentions of the day were, in my estimate, a tribute to the referee’s rulings.  It was not penalty against Virr; it was not an offside goal when Troup scored.  Those statements will doubtless start a clattering among the partisan dovecotes, but the verdict stands.  Everyone will agree with me, I feel sure, when I say that Liverpool played the superior football in the first half and deserved the lead.  And who prevented Liverpool leading?  None other than themselves!  They should have made secure in the first half.  The chances were there.  Davies had a lot of really severe stuff to attend to, and he did magnificently; but he should not have been given a chance by certain forwards, notably when McDougall failed to take a square pass offered him by Whitchurst.  No one doubts the determination of Whitchurst, but few agree with me, at the moment, that this able forward has had little chance to show what he can do in the shooting range.  He is not to be blamed- he is to be pitted that the play has not gone the way that leads him to take a chance.  It is a big leap from Third Division to First Division leadership, and I remember very few successes from such a jump; but I do declare that Whitchurst is not to be blamed- and cannot be if you take particular stock of the way the ball is put towards him. 
DELIGHTS
Son we arrive at chapter one.  Liverpool led to their own defeat.  The dividing line between the first and second halves was missing in its completeness.  Everton had been uncertain; their backs had not forgotten what had gone before from Huddersfield and Manchester City; there was a touch of uncertainly about them; Kelly felt that touch, and Virr also in minor quantity; but once Everton had scored, the home side became a new force, and the style of their play and the manner of their up-moving was a veritable treat.  Liverpool’s early dash was sustained for over half an hour; in the second half their forward line had petered out.  It had been blown out by the hanged display of the wing half-backs and the backs, together with the remembrance that the forward line, particularly in its rightful flank, had begun to take toll of a star member like Bromilow.  Nothing in the game is quite so rememberful as the duels between Dunn and Ritchie and Bromilow, unless it be the overhead shot delivered by Dean- a master-stroke, with no semblance of fluke about it.  Indeed, the game all round was of a character that made me wish to jump up and shout a vote of thanks to every player.  It was not, perhaps, superb football; but it had its crafty lines, and he who could not enjoy sporting football such as this deserved no further football.  I raise my hat to the twenty-two players and to the referee.  They all did magnificently, and the tireless way in which Liverpool tried to work down that solitary goal was a tribute to their fitness and enthusiasm for work.  Yet it was plain in the second half they had run themselves out to a great degree through the first half display of energy.  Ah, no! One member stood out like a Ferris- I refer to James Jackson, whose stock of enthusiasm for work is endless.  He was a man and a half in the matter of work and ability; and while some thought the plan of campaign against Everton led to Liverpool’s undoing I do not agree.  Jackson served a dual purpose by going half back, and Davidson did his part as a stumbling-block in very competent manner.  Hodgson fell back to a back forward, and maybe that led to Liverpool having so few chances in the second half against Cresswell and O’Donnell.  Certainly such positional play led Dunn and Weldon to have greater scope, and there were times in the first half, notably, when Ritchie had a field to himself.  He displayed much cunning, too, in this important game, and proved what a good player he is, although he has not in First Division football seen able to produce his known “rattling shot.”
PERSONALITIES
It was a game of life and personality, and young Done came out of it with the knowledge that he saved his side a goal, whereas Hodgson’s shot had to be saved by the foot of the post-nothing else could stay the opening goal.  Done and Dunn were two of the artists of the game, and Dunn’s work was of a character that compelled remembrance of his game for Scotland against England at Wembley.  His little mannerisms, his huge gaunt stride, his double-back, his feint and scheming made him the best forward on the field, in my opinion.  He did not get a goal, but he gave what Everton have been needing for some time- a desire to shoot, a remark that applies to Weldon, who was off the mark, it is true; but Weldon, it must be remembered, did some fine fetching and carrying in the early part of the game when the need was greatest.  Troup scored-had he done nothing else he would have played a good game in some estimate; but I inclined to the belief that he, like Edmued, was fitful, and that actually the cleverest wingers were Hopkin and Ritchie.  I am going through the gamut higgledy-piggledy fashion without contention, I hope.  Well, then, Davies and Scott must take rewards.  Davies was splendid, and Scott, despite the heavy bang he received, never lost touch with his sense of judgement in catching, clearing, escaping the frequent charges made by Dean in an attempt to get a “cannon” off Ireland’s main boot. 
FEAR OF UNPOPULAR? 
One must talk of Dean, because he was a menace.  There was a curiously unbalanced state of mind in some spectators’ view when Dean was stopped.  It was the signal of an outburst that was not borne from the source of joy-from-success, but rather, it appeared, from a jealous vein.  Considering the number of men working against Dean, it would have been marvellous had he escaped them all; yet he worked himself to death in his raids –he took too much work on himself, in my opinion, and he was always a supreme danger when nodding the ball-at which no one can live in his high estate.  I liked hi persistence in following up to Scott; I liked his passes; he was always the main source of anxiety to the Liverpool side who had to follow him at times to the outside left position, or to a throw-in incident.  Thus he can be said to have played a big part in this victory, even if one puts Jackson, Done, and Scott on a very high pinnacle in regard to defence.  Morrison and Bromilow also played extremely well indeed, I coupled Morrison and Hart for half-back honours, while recognizing the stern task before Davidson and McDougall.  From the moment the teams came to the field en bloc, instead of the ordinary fashion of two files, I felt we should have a grand game, and, it was one of the best of the series.  To Liverpool, who played strong, good football in the first half, and were ahead of their rivals in the matter of football skill, I offer the word of sympathy.  The winners?  Well they do not want anything; victory is its own reward so long as it has been obtained fairly and squarely in a grand fight.  It was tough football; it was fine football; it was memoir able football.  Here’s a glad hand to both sides. 
Bee-ography
BEE-OGRAPHY
Years ago when the aforementioned Tommy Jones, of St. Helens and Everton, was writing his signature to a form, he having been transferred to Birmingham, I phoned Mr. Cuff to knew if it was true Jones was leaving for Birmingham.  He replied.  “Do you know the ink is not yet dry on his signing paper.  How do you get to know these things?  Mr. Cuff was secretary those days. 

PRESTON NORTH END 1 EVERTON 3
October 2 nd 1928. The Daily Courier.
LANCASHIRE SENIOR CUP ROUND TWO
"DIXIE" DEAN'S HAT-TRICK IN LANCASHIRE CUP-TIE
DEEPDALE MEN BAFFLED BY GOOD TEAM WORK
GIFT GOALS.
Everton by their 3-1 victory over Preston North End in the Lancashire Senior Cup-tie at Deepdale yesterday amply avenged last year's defeat at Goodison Park. "Dixie" Dean was responsible for Everton's three and has thus performed the hat-trick three times this season. Preston's solitary point was scored by Harrison from a free kick. The game was interesting throughout and Preston had as much of the play as their opponents. Their centre, Robson, had more chances than Dean, but neither he nor his inside colleagues finished as well as Everton's quintette. There was one spell in the first half when the North Enders were all over the visitors' defence, but scrambled about ineffectively in the goalmouth. The first and third goals were presented to Dean through Preston defenders' old offence of standing still and calling for offside. The first goal was a sample affair. Ricthie was given a clear field, and when he passed Dean had only to divert the ball past Moss, who was deputising for Ewart. On the other occasion Dean was allowed to go through unchallenged and walk the ball past Moss.
GOOD TEAM WORK.
For the most part Everton's team work was superior. They found each other easily with first time passes and kept the ball on the ground. North End's more open game, while often rather wild, and brought danger pretty frequently, especially from Reid and Harrison. Cresswell was a brainy and dependable back, and Griffiths did well in Kelly's place. There was 5,500 spectators, and the receipts were £326. Teams: - Preston North End: - Moss, goal, Wade, and T. Hamilton, backs, Ward, Nelson, and Crawford, half-backs, Reid, Chandler, Robson, James, and Harrison, forwards. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Griffiths, Hart and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards .

EVERTON THROUGH WITH THEIR LANCASHIRE TIE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 02 October 1928
Bee’s Notes it was very interesting to watch the two alleged ten thousand pounds’ transfer fee men yesterday at Deepdale, when the cup-tie went Everton’s way by 3-1 as compared to the English Cup win of 3-0 last January.  James and Dean were, of course, the men concerned, and though Dean got a hat-trick performance, and James did much beautiful feinting, such as he had evinced at Wembley in the International, I should not think of paying five figures for either man.  James is a lovely constructive player, but he has lost touch with goal, as was shown by his eight attempts to make goalkeeper Davies work for his living.  Dean, judged by his own standards, was off his game –he only got three, two very simpler matters to him, and a lot of misses one does not associate with one so deadly.  Many times the ball came to his left foot and the lightness of the ball prevented him getting it as he wanted; yet in spite of three goals it is not churlish to request more from the chances he received.  I am not grumbling; I am simply judging the game played.  And it was not at all a bad game.  Monday, and a Lancashire cup-tie at that, they took 326 pounds and would have had pounds more had the local folk known Dean was a cert.  as a matter of fact, it was the usual Everton side, bar Griffiths for Kelly, rested, and once they took charge of Preston they made them look what they are- an ordinary side with odd ideas of full-back stances and lack of constructive forward work in spite of wee James showing them the way to do it.  They produced a nice, tall, slowish boy at centre-half back, who may make a great one.  Name, Nelson; home, Chorley; height about 6ft, and convenient weight.  Watch for the rise of this lad.  A linesman signaled for what was apparently a penalty kick affair against Everton.  He showed the white flag and lost his courage when the referee did not notice him.  Jerkingly, he dropped his flag and sank his power and individuality.  He had no right to act thus; if he had seen something the referee could not see it was his duty to go on the field and stop play.  Another point; Referee Robinson, of Blackburn, at times had a great chance to penalize the guilty side by letting the ball and player travel on.  Then he elected to stop the game and issue a useless free-kick.  The power to refrain was in his grasp, for the ball had reached an unmarked man.  These are mere side issues, but they are vexatious.  It was natural, I suppose, that frond Jud Harrison should score against his old side –a lovely shot no one possibly saw till it was in the net.  Cresswell contended that the kick should never have been, but it matters not now that the issue has gone to the undoubtedly superior side on the day’s play.  Everton once again took a long time to win their game out, but Trainer Harry Cooke has got them so that they last the long journey, and at the finish they were all over the North End side.  Preston carry many ex-Everton men-Kerr, Duke, Hamilton, Harrison come to the mind, and one of the best strokes they made was when they took Harrison with them.  He will play for years-it is five years since he left us, and he still skips the line with freedom and produces a cracker shot. 
THE TEAM SPIRIT
On the Everton side there was a team-fashion rather than an individualistic touch.  The backs, for instance, played to each other and with each other with success.  Arthur Davies again did magnificent work when it was most needed.  At half-back Griffiths showed he can wing it as well as act as pivot.  Hart and Virr, in spite of injury, carried on their stout work.  In the forward line, Troup reveled in pulled centres or the push-up stroke that Dean loves to accept –O’Donnell offers him the long punt in addition.  Ritchie, in his big way, curled around the defence, and at times showed what fine forces he could produce.  “Rummy” Weldon once again trod the light fantastic, and had the ill-fortune to find the woodwork again; he will break out shortly into a collection of goals; is enthusiasm and work carry him far, and generally the ball goes with him, too.  It was football fit for the occasion, and a victory well and truly earned.  There was a time when “bite” might have led to fight.  I hope the man concerned will remember the flood of trouble that arises when a player forgets himself.  Let those who run, read!
BEE-OGRAPHY
It had come across my mind to stop this series at this point, but correspondents have asked for more.  So it is upon your own heads. Once upon a time Tommy Jones played for Everton, a grand little worrying centre-forward.  He left for St. Helens.  St. Helens played Everton in a Lancashire cup-tie and the Everton side took matters easily, what time the worrier got the only goal of the match.  It was a night match so that there was only a score the same day.  Next day I issued a placard “Sensational dismissal of Everton.”   And would you believe it, a deputation from the Everton club waited upon my masters to say that I ought not to be allowed to stay on at the hive.  And one of the reasons was, that my placard had suggested the club had dismissed one of their servants, Mr. Cuff, for instance.  I love a hearty laught!
LOCAL VIEWS
Mr. T. McIntosh (Secretary-Manager Everton F.C) – “I do not agree with footballers dancing till late hours; I do not think it is good for them.  But as for the other rule about golf, I think it is absurd, for golf is a very good thing for football players.” 
Mr. Jack Sharp (ex-Everton and International footballer and Lancashire County cricketer). “It is all quite absurd; I would prefer to say nothing further.” 

EVERTON AT WREXHAM
October 3 rd 1928. The Daily Courier.
Everton are sending a strong Central League team to Wrexham this evening, where they will oppose the locals in Alfred Jone's benefit match. Jones has been a tower of strength to Wrexham at right-back, and this year he has taken on the duties of skipper. He has played 205 Third Division matches for the Welsh team. Everton's team will be Hardy; Common, J. Logue; Griffiths, White, Rooney; Nelson, Jones, French, Martin, Stein, Kick-off 5-30. Dean will kick off the match, and then take over as linesman.

SAYING IT IN SONG
The Bioscope - Wednesday 03 October 1928
Dixie Dean, the Everton Football Club centre forward and the idol of the Liverpool football fans, is the subject of a song composed for, and copyrighted by, the Coliseum Picture House, Liverpool, which almost adjoins Everton football ground.  The song is played by the Coliseum orchestra on Friday evening when, during the musical interlude, there is community singing.  The management of the Coliseum hope to persuade the band which is attendance at the Everton football ground on match days to play “Dixie” Dean.”  The words are set to the tune of “The Wearing of the Green.” 

ARSENAL TEAM V ARSENAL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 03 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
A WREXHAM BENEFIT
Everton are sending a strong team to Wrexham this evening to play a match with the local side for the benefit of A. Jones, the Wrexham full back.  The kick-off is at 5.30 and it is expected that a good crowd will turn out.  Everton; Hardy; Common, J. Logue; Griffiths, White, Rooney; Meston, Jones, French, Martin, Stein.  Wrexham; Greatrex; Jones, Lumberg; Rees, Bellis, Graham; Longmuir, Hudson, Mays, Woodhouse, Gunson. 
J. Logan who is having a trial with Everton in this match, is an Old Xaverian, and the well-known cricketer who plays for Formby.  A good all-round athletic, Logue is a fast bowler who has met with considerable success in the Liverpool District competition, while he is reputed to be a cool and clever full back. 
The Arsenal visit Everton on Saturday, and as the clubs have appeared in some lively duels in recent years this meeting will be of special interest.  Since Buchan gave up those does not appear to be the same tonic about the side which was won but two out of eight games so far.  Still, they are likely to give Everton a good run on Saturday.  The champions are relying on the side which did duty against Liverpool.  The team is; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
BEE-OGRAPHY
Not so long since there were Liverpool F.C directors who wondered how this column got its new.  Came a day when the South Africans were visiting us.  I was on the phone to 134 Anfield.  Lines had accidently crossed, and I found myself in the middle of a converse between Secretary Patterson and Mr. Bainbridge.  At the end of their converse I chipped in “Excuse me, don’t go for a moment,”  This is a specimen of how we get our exclusive news. 
HOW EASY!
My telephoned report on the Cup-tie at Preston made me say, “Everton, playing the better, as on Saturday,” &c.  Liverpudians must have thought this was rubbing it in.  I phoned this phrase; “Everton, staying the better, as on Saturday.” 
Pair of gold pince-nez found in Anfield-road road stand of Everton Football ground, Saturday last.  Owner can have same from Mr. Thomas Campbell, 88, Anthony-street, Everton. 

WREXHAM 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
October 4 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
DEAN FLAGS FOR EVERTON IN ALF JONES MATCH.
Everton sent a strong team to Wrexham last night for the benefit of Alf Jones, the Welsh Club's popular captain. There was a large attendance, and the crowd loudly cheered "Dixie" Dean, when he accompanied the teams on the field to kick off, and afterwards took his place on the line for Everton. The opening half was even, Jones scoring for Everton before the interval. On resuming Mays equalised with a header from a corner, but later on French put Everton in front. After the match the Wrexham directors entertained both teams and officials to a dinner at the Wynnstay Arms. Everton: - Hardy, goal, J. Logue and Common, backs, Griffiths, White and Rooney, half-backs, Nelson, Jones, French, Martin, and Stein, forwards. Wrexham: - Greatrex, goal, Jones and Lumberg backs, Rees, Billis, and Graham half-backs Longmuir, Hudson Mays, Woodhouse, and Gunson. J Logue, who is having a trial with Everton in the match, is an Old Xavering, and the well known Cricketer who plays for Formby, a good all round Athletic. Logue is a fast bowler who has met with insuperable success in the Liverpool district competition while he is reputed to be a cool and clever fullback.

EVERTON WIN IN WREXHAM BENEFIT MATCH
Western Mail - Thursday 04 October 1928
WREXHAM 1 (MAYS) EVERTON 2 (JONES, FRENCH)
These teams met on Wednesday night at Wrexham before a large attendance for the benefit of Alf Jones, the popular captain of the Welsh club, who has made 205 appearances out of 210 League matches.  The opening half was very even, Jones scoring for Everton.  Just before the interval Mays equalised with a header from a corner kick, but French put the visitors in front in the second half. 

BEE-OGRAPHY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 04 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
One of the biggest world-wipe scoops I ever obtained was the charge against Sandy Young, who was charged with murdering his brother-in-law, in Australia.  How it came about is perhaps worth your attention.  In a three line paragraph of an Australian paper there was an announcement that Alexander Young, a footballer of the old country, had been charged with the offence named.  A friend saw it, sent it, and it was held up till Saturday’s night’s “Football Echo.”  No one know that I, who had made big the story, spent the whole weekend worrying out my soul-case fearing lest it should not be the player named.  These fears came across the mind in a flash and do not leave for a period of what seems eternity. 

EVERTON’SHOME TACKLE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 05 October 1928
ARSENAL THEN & NOW
Bee’s Notes
The results column tells its own tale, and when Everton have beaten Arsenal, as I believe they will, the Goodison side will have made further inroads into the victory column.  I feel that the victory over Liverpool was necessary to them to stiffen and steady their defence and the stifle the memory of the Manchester City rut.  That is why I am so confident about to-morrow’s affair at Goodison Park.  Naturally, the mind turns to a previous meeting, when Arsenal provided the wind-up for Charlie Buchan and the championship season, plus Dean’s 60th goal- a three-decker item that made the game memorable and historic.  Since then Arsenal have gone back a lot.  Hulme has not been the big force he used to be; Buchan’s absence is felt, although Charlie Jones the famous Forrester, who is such a lovely schemer, has been brought into the fold to attempt to shepherd the sheep.  The truth is that Arsenal’s defence and forward line have gone back a bit and they are searching hard for a forward. John can play anywhere but he has to be kept for half-back and full-back duty; there wise I should certainly suggest to my good friend, Herbert Chapman, he should make John the leader of men.  It should be good, hard football, because Arsenal having just beaten Huddersfield, form suggests that Everton will not be indulged in a walk-over, and one wants to see a revengeful act because of the vexatious Cup-tie defeat last January.  It is up to Everton to try to make every post a winning post.  These are the teams for what promises to be a bright game;- Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ricthie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  St. Dunstan’s tomorrow, don’t forget.  Collection at the Goodison Park ground. 
LIVERPOOL COUNTY F.A
The use of Goodison Park has been kindly given by the directors for the first round of the Northern Counties Amateur Championship and on Monday, at 3.30 the cream of the amateurs of the district will be pitted against the representatives of Cumberland.  For two seasons in succession the players of the latter county have had to bow the knee to our local stalwarts. 

TWO MORE POINTS FOR EVERTON?
October 6 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
ARSENAL LIKELY TO RETURN FROM GOODISON EMPTY HANDED.
London team provides Everton's opponent this afternoon –the Arsenal visiting Goodison Park. Everton, if records go for anything, should win fairly comfortably against the Gunners, who, apart from their victory over Huddersfield, have failed to make any great splash in their League engagements. They are at present 17 th in the table, and have scored only eight goals –not a very thrilling record. That they have talent in the team is admitted, but somehow the forwards do not seemed able to settle down to real concerned work. If they do this afternoon, Hart and Virr and Co. will have to be on the alert, for Lambert is dangerous on occasions, and the Gunners right wing is swift and forceful. Everton quite rightly –are content with the eleven which defeated Liverpool last week, and the teams will be: - Everton: - Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup. Arsenal: - Lewis; Parker, Cope; Baker; Roberts, John; Hulme, Brain, Lambert, Thompson, Hear (or Jones)
EVERTON PLAYER FOR CONNAH'S QUAY
Connah Quay the leaders of the Welsh National League, have signed on William O'Donnell of Everton to succeed Percy Thorbe, the captain who this week was transferred to reading. O'Donnell is a brother of the well-known Everton player. He is only 19 is 5ft, 8in; and weighs 11 st .

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 06 October 1928
ARSENAL PAY THEIR RESPECTS AGAIN
FINAL DAY MEMORIES
“STORK’S’ VIEWS AND COMMENTS ON GOODISON GAME
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Arsenal; Lewis; Parker, Cope; Baker, Roberts, John; Hulme, Brian, Lambert, Thompson, Jones. Referee; Mr. A.J. Weaver, Grimsby.  The last occasion on which the Arsenal visited this ground was a memorable one, for it was Buchan’s last match; it was also the occasion of Dean’s sixtieth goal, and also enabled Everton to win the championship.  It was grand to-day, and the game resembled that of last Saturday, for the rival teams were clad in blue and red.  The Arsenal opened with a staunch attack on their right wing, and when the ball was flashed across the Everton goalmouth it was fortunate for Everton that the Arsenal left wing had not moved up simultaneously with the other wing, otherwise an early goal might have bene placed on the register.  As it was Davies simply had to watch the ball travel wide. 
A PRESENT REFUSED
Lewis was yards away from his goal, and when Dean bumped him off the ball, there should have been a man on the touch-line ready to send it back into the middle; but as there was no one there, a possible chance went west.  A better chance of scoring came Dean’s way when Ritchie had beaten both John and Cope, and with his left foot presented Dean with a perfect opening, the like of which Dean seldom allows to go by him.  Some of the sprightliness of the Arsenal attack had vanished, and for some time Everton were the aggressors, but Parker and Cope, helped by Roberts, simply refused to let Dean obtain anything like a shooting position at that which had been offered him earlier on, for they knew Dean was not likely to make such another slip.  However, it was touch and go between them all when Cresswell, with one of his accurate punts, found “Dean” who immediately dashed forward, and was all but through until Harper and Roberts closed in upon him and shouldered him off. 
PRACTISING FOR A BULL’S-E-Y-E.
Dunn had two efforts at goal in a very short space of time, but on each occasion the ball was lobbed straight into the goalkeeper’s hands, and, as there was little or no pace behind it, there was no danger to Lewis in allowing it to get out of his grasp.  Ritchie also entered the shooting gallery, but he could not find the bull’s-eye, although he had a close inner, Lewis sticking his foot out in his desire to turn the ball away.  He was rather fortunate in completely missing the ball, for if he had touched it, there were one or two Everton men in close proximity ready to do the needful.  One could not understand what had happened to the Arsenal attack, for almost ten minutes elapsed before they crossed the half-way line, but when they did, Jones put in a wonderfully accurate shot, which, however, had been foreseen by Virr, who chipped in so that he could prevent Hulme from taking a shot in his stride. 
HOW RITCHIE SCORED
Hardly had I got this statement off my chest when Ritchie came along and scored a goal at the end of twenty-four minutes.  He got possession after a struggle with John, I must admit that I thought he handled the ball in doing so.  But that is beside the point, and a matter for the referee, who let him go on to shoot as good a goal as it was possible to see, for Ritchie had not a lot of space to shoot into.  A second later Dean went close with a back header which was full of merit, and Weldon hit a grand ball which was well saved by Lewis. The best shooting position so far was offered to Lambert, by Thompson.  There was an appeal for off-side, which was an unjust one, and Lambert should certainly have scored, for he had all the goal to shoot in, but was well out with his attempt. 
A TEMPORARY EQUALISER
Some the Arsenal passes, especially those of Thompson, the inside left, were delicious, but they were not made proper use of.  It was Thompson, however, who pushed the ball right across to Hulme.  It looked 1,000 to 1 against the winger keeping it in play, but he did so with a stab-in action, and Brian got the ball on the bounce and drove it into the top netting at the 34th minute.
DOUBLE BY DEAN
Another good goal came four minutes later, Dean getting a perfect pass from Dunn quickly under control and slamming it into the net before Lewis had time even to move it.  Lambert had a shot which was dead on the mark till Cresswell knocked it out, and then we had a sight of Dunn coupling up with Troup on the left wing.  With one minute to play Weldon slipped the ball right through to Dean, and the latter, without a moment’s hesitation, had it in the net-a grand shot that was a goal from the moment it left Dean’s foot.  Half-time; Everton 3, Arsenal 1. 
TWO DOUBLES AT GOODISON
DEAN AND RITCHIE
BRIAN AND JONES SCORE FOR THE GUNENRS
The football for the first quarter of an hour had been just as enjoyable and full of interest as had been the first.  The first item of note was a left-footed drive by Ritchie which Lewis tipped over, and then came a narrow escape to the Everton goal.  How the Arsenal failed to find the net as a result of this incident I can never understand.  My opinion was that Brian was a trifle slow to shoot, and so enabled Kelly to come tearing in and pick the ball away from an untenanted goal.  Brain was not nearly so slow the next time, as Davies had to make a sterling save.  Troup had one tremendous shot which almost knocked out Hart, and coming a second time the wee Scot was unlucky to find his shot cannon out. 
JONES BEATS DAVIES
Dean came along to assist his partner, but the Arsenal goal was so packed that it was well night impossible to find a space through which to guide the ball.  At the sixteenth minute a second goal came to the Arsenal, and it was due to the work of, to my mind the Londoners’ most consistent forward, Jones.  This left-winger had never wasted a ball, had supplied perfect centres, and he only got his deserts when he scored with a fast-rising shot that Davies could hardly be expected to have saved, such was the speed of it.  The goal made matters more interesting, and with the Arsenal out for an equalizer the Londoners launched many attacks that were distinctly a menace to the Everton goal.  Baker had everybody well beaten when he hit the face of the upright.  This was the forerunner to much Arsenal pressure, and the Everton defence had all its work cut out to keep their goal lead. 
DOUBLE BY RITCHIE
Hulme had a possible chance to equalize but Dunn had an even better one to put his side further ahead, but both of them missed, and with Lewis saving, after two attempts, shots from Dean, Everton went on to score their fourth goal through the Arsenal defenders’ over-anxiety to watch Dean in a belief that Ritchie was offside.  Thus Ritchie was able to amble forward with the ball, draw Lewis from his line, and shoot into the net at the seventy-eight minute.  Just prior to this, Davies had to save from Hulme, while Roberts did his best work of the day when he foiled Dean, who, however, could have had another go with the opportunity that he had.  Parker after being dazed, handled the ball in the penalty area, and, of course there was a repeated appeal for a spot-kick, but the referee gave the Arsenal man the benefit of the doubt.  Final; Everton 4, Arsenal 2. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 06 October 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

A WATCH ON DEAN.
Athletic News - Monday 08 October 1928
AND RITCHIE SCORES TWO GOALS,
ARSENAL FAULTS.
Everton 4 ARSENAL 2
By JUNIUS.
EVERTON returned to something approaching championship standard IN their game with Arsenal, but it was not until the second half was on Its way, and it may be said that it was due to opportunism, that they claimed the victory. They led at the interval by 3—l, but this was scarcely in accord with the general play. Arsenal had started in brisk fashion, were keener, moved with greater precision and flashed the ball from wing to wing with an accuracy that greatly harassed the home defence. But they contributed to their own downfall by Inability to utilize opportunities of which they had a fair share. Again, the Highbury defenders were occasionally caught in their own net when attempting to exploit the offside theory, and paid the penalty In the second half, at a time when the forwards, who had reduced the lead a goal, were making a big effort to get on terms. They ceased play when Ritchie raced on to score his second goal, which clinched the issue.
GIFT GOAL MISSED.
Arsenal missed a great chance in the first minute when Hulme presented Lambert with a clear opening when but ten yards in front Davies, but the ball was tamely placed across the goal, a failure that possibly altered the whole trend of the game. Everton were some time settling down, but when they did they were decidedly more accurate in the goal area, and Lewis was called upon to accomplish far more work than Davies. After 23 minutes Ritchie, from a Dean pass, opened the scoring with a great drive, but the sides were level ten minutes later when O’Donnell’s hesitancy enabled Hulme to screw the ball almost from the goal line for Brain to defeat Davies. Then followed two brilliant goals from Dean as the result of shooting at the psychological moment; still a lead 3—l at the interval was rather flattering to Everton. However, their exhibition following the Interval showed them as worthy winners and though Jones reduced the lead after 15 minutes, Ritchie, as I have Indicated, sped along to complete the scoring while the Arsenal backs clamoured for offside.
ARSENAL’S MISTAKE.
It appeared to me that Arsenal lost because they imagined that Ritchie needed little attention when there was Dean to look after. It was from the right wing man that most attacks came, and it was strange that John allowed the Scot the room he did.  Everton’s centre-forward, beyond scoring his goals—and they were of the brilliant type—was kept fairly well under subjection by Roberts, who not only held a tight rein on him but out-headed him. Lambert opened out the play quite able fashion, but his shooting when easy chances came along was lamentably weak. Thompson was the successful schemer of the line, and some of his gliding passes to the toes of Lambert were worthy of better results. Hulme and Jones were strong raiders, the former at times being too alert for O’Donnell, who had a variable day. Interpolating good work with moderate. Cresswell was the tactician, though he at times found Jones a difficult player to checkmate. It was in half-back play where Everton held a strong lead. Hart kept a firm grip upon Lambert, and with Kelly and Virr formed more redoubtable barrier than did the Arsenal Intermediate line. Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Arsenal; Lewis; Parker, Cope; Baker, Roberts, John; Hulme, Brian, Lambert, Thompson, and Jones.  Referee; A.J. Weaver, Grimsby. 

EVERTON 4 ARSENAL 2
October 8 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
LIVELY EVERTON FORWARDS
RITCHIE AND DEAN DEFEAT THE ARSENAL.
PENETRATIVE POWER WEIGHTS THE SCALES AT GOODISON PARK
Penetrative power is one of the finest assets any football team can possess, and it was this factor that caused Everton to overcome the Arsenal at Goodiosn Park. In a match of which 60 minutes are well worth remembering and 30 minutes forgetting it was the ability of the Everton forwards to seize opportunities and the failure of their opponents in a like phase which decided the destination of the points. Even then, all the final efforts of the champions were not exactly the models of perfection. The Arsenal came to Mereyside with a poor record, but they proved to the Goodison "fans" that they are a force to be reckoned with. As a matter of fact it is doubtful whether there is any team in the division which can boast such a potent pair of wingers as Hulme and Jones. There were occasions in this encounter when the Gunners served up lovely football, but as soon as they reached the penalty area they failed –many times ingloriously. With the champions, who incidentally, was full value for the brace of points it was different. One or two excellent chances certainly were frittered away but the fact remains that in Ritchie and Dean they had two men could find the net.
GOOD GOALKEEPING.
That Dunn and Weldon were not counted among the scorers was entirely due to Lewis, who gave a splendid exhibition of goalkeeping for the Londoners. It was a game in which attack had the better of defence, and consequently there was something of intense interest happening in either goalmouth for two thirds of the proceedings. What happened in the remaining portion is not worth recalling, for the ball was confined to midfield and neither side seemed to be able to secure that fair wind which would take them to close quarters with the opposition. The Arsenal backs could not cope with the opposition. The Everton forwards played really well, but none did better than Ritchie who served up his best exhibition since he joined the club. It seemed as if he was in the thick of the play every minute, and one can put this down to the fact that he was operating with absolute confidence. He had a fine reception after the match. It was fitting that Ritchie should have been responsible for two goals, the first and last and sandwiched in between were two brilliant shots by Dean, who made hard position appear simple by his accurate shooting. It was something to wonder at that he missed two much easier opening than those from which he reaped the fullest advantage. The Arsenal goals were secured by Brain –what a tremendous right-footed drive his was –and Jones, but if the forward line had possessed a more accomplished leader than Lambert, more goals might easily have accord. Lambert had the honesty of purpose, but that was all, and several opportunities were lost as the result of his inability to see a move ahead. Davies did well in the home goal, and the backs Cresswell and O'Donnell came out of one of the hardest afternoon's work they will have this season with credit.
DEAN WELL WATCHED.
Hunter Hart preformed quietly and well at centre-half and his vis-à-vis. Herbie Roberts, the ex-Oswestry player, can take every credit for having kept a careful watch on Dean. Ritchie was the best Everton forwards and next to him came his partner Dunn –a rare schemer and a delightful purveyor of the ball. Dean worked hard all through but had few opportunities of supplying his wingers with passes while the success of the right flank accounted for Troup and Weldon not seeing so much of the ball. The line as a whole, though was good. Lewis preformed wonders in the Arsenal goal. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart and Virr half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean Weldon and Troup, forwards. Arsenal: - Lewis, goal, Parker and Cope, backs, Baker Roberts, and John, half-backs, Hulme, Brain, Lambert, Thompson, and Jones forwards.

EVERTON HANG OFF WHEN LEADING
Liverpool Echo - Monday 08 October 1928
By Stork
RITCHIE’S BEST
The most pleasing feature of the match at Goodison was the display of Ritchie, and his two goals and all-round fine game will seal the mouths of his critics, who had got a deep-rooted idea that the ex-Hibernian player was going to prove a costly failure, like many another “big” man who has joined the Everton staff.  To a degree their opinion was justifiable for up to the Derby game Ritchie had not proved himself above the ordinary; in fact, he had only performed moderately, which was not sufficient for a man of his reputation, but at the same time many had convicted him without a fair trial.  Fortunately, the directors had looked deeper than the surface, and were fully aware that the form he had shown was not his real form, and he more than confirmed that belief on Saturday, for he was undoubtedly the best forward on the Everton side, and John, usually the bright spot in the Arsenal half-back line, had a worrying time against the Scot, and never at any period got the upper hand of his rival.  Ritchie has regained his confidence, has speeded up, and has gained a knowledge of what is required in English football. His centring ability had never been in doubt, for even on his worst days he could middle a ball with accuracy.  By his display, Ritchie has got right into the hearts of the Everton spectators, and all should be well with him from now onward. 
FULL OF WISDOM
As I stated after the Bolton match, Dunn and Ritchie, once they had settled down, would do good work for the Goodison club, and that seems assured, for they made a perfect pair against the Arsenal, although Dunn was not quite so good as he was against Liverpool.  Still, I love to see him offering a pass, for it is full of wisdom and above all is put along the “carpet.”  Did you see how he gave Dean his first goal a takable ball that did not require a lot of maneuvering –it was practical football.  The Arsenal were a strange mixture of good and bad.  They had two ideal wingers in Hulme and Jones, but they lack the personal touch the inspiring influence of Buchan, who has been allowed to retire from the game all too soon.  Personally allied to ability in a side is a tremendous asset.  Dean is a personality.  Does he not draw everyone to him; then sheer ability enables him to defeat their object.  He got two goals- bonny ones they were, too- despite the attentions of a half back who could give him inches in height, but Roberts was never his master with the ball on the turf.  Where the Arsenal were let down was at inside forward and wing half, for while the former were able to engineer an attack their shooting was woefully weak, Jones, who swerve his way through, offered Lambert, and Thompson may chances with ideal centres, and although Brian scored there was just a wee bit of luck that he got his toe to Hulme’s stab centre, Lambert, however, was the chief weakness, for he had offerings similar to those given to Dean by Dunn and Weldon, but did not even test Davies as he should, and it was left to Jones to conclude a good day’s work with an excellent goal.  Baker was unfortunate with his shot that hit the post, for no Everton player could have kept that ball out had it been but another inch to the right.  John had a poor afternoon; in fact, it was the poorest display I have ever seen the Welsh International guilty of.  Hulme came into his best in the second half, but Baker did not give him the best of support, and a lot of heavy work fell on Cope and Parker and they were not able to cope with it.  If Dean had not missed a couple of “sitters” and Dunn had put some beef into his shot which he put to Lewis’s hands Everton’s victory would have been a more handsome one.
WAS IT A PENALTY?
It was a spotlessly clean and good game, but I thought there should have been one penalty when Parker pulled the ball down with his hands; part from that the referee had an easy task.  Not for the first time I seen the Arsenal stop playing when they claimed offside, and this fault of not “playing the whistle” led to Ritchie’s second goal.  Weldon had one pile-driver saved, but I would ask Everton to keep pegging away, however big their lead.  Arsenal nearly got on level terms before Ritchie’s final goal.  While all the half backs played well, I would like to pay tribute to Hart, who got few bouquets; I am sure there are few centre halves who play such studied football.  Cresswell and O’Donnell were faultless, with Davies well able to handle the little amount of work he was asked to do.  Lewis had twice the amount of the Everton keeper, and did it well. 

TOMORROW’S CENTRAL
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 09 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton Reserves have a very attractive game at Goodison Park tomorrow, when they play Huddersfield Reserves at 3.15.  The Everton side is a strong one, including Martin, Critchley, and Stein.  Team; Hardy; Common, Bain; Griffiths, White, Rooney; Critchley, Easton, French, Martin and Stein. 
RIGBY’S INJURY
Arthur Rigby, who has scored eight times for Blackburn Rovers this season, and obtained the two goals by which the Rovers won at Huddersfield on Saturday, met with an accident during the game.  Rigby had a blood vessel in the left shin broken during the match, the extent of the injury being discovered later in the day.  He will be unable to play in the Lancashire Football Association Jubilee match at Bolton tomorrow, and his place will be filled by Page, of Burnley.  There is also a fear he may be unfit for the Rovers game against Everton at Ewood Park, on Saturday. 

HOW EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL CLUBS FIGURED IN LANCASHIRE F.A. HISTORY
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 10 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
Today the Lancashire F.A celebrates its jubilee, detailed on another page.  Here are pages fro the fine book of history that has been produced to mark the event;  When it is stated that Everton unsuccessfully applied to be included in the Lancashire Cup competition there is no joke intended, the statement is true even though it be curious. The minutes of the Association for August 5, 1886, contains the following record;-
Resolved- “That Everton be not allowed to play for the Senior Cup until they show proof of their ability,” and therefore the club stayed in the Junior Cup competition and played Fleetwood Zingari. However, on September 6, 1887. We read “The application by Everton F.C to play in the Senior Cup competition be granted,” but the club’s experience was not altogether a happy one for a long time.  In November, 1897, Everton applied to play a “mixed” team or to “scratch,” but permission was refused.  The following year there was a further application to “scratch” which was again refused.  So far back as 1893, the club had trouble with the Association I connection with a Senior-cup-tie with Blackburn Rovers, and in 1886 the club must have been evading the competition rules in some way, because it is recorded that the club be written to for an explanation.  No details are given, and a little later we read “The reply from the Everton F.C. is not satisfactory.”  In 1898 Everton withdrew from the Lancashire competition but applied for re-admission the following year after the Association had passed a resolution “That the Lancashire F.A consider playing Lancashire Cup-ties on week days, other than Saturdays.”  It was thought that the playing of the Cup-ties on Mondays would bring peace where there had been unrest and rebellion, but such was not the case, indeed, it was evident that clubs played “weak” teams, and the secretary was instructed on October 4, 1905, to “write all the clubs who do not play their full strength,” and this policy brought about a most remarkable state of affairs, the Association being determined to keep faith with the public, in securing the proper playing of the matches, or to deal with the offending clubs. 
BATTLE OVER WEAK TEAMS
One of the keenest fights waged against the Lancashire F.A was made by Everton F.C, in 1908-09.  The matter arose out of the club’s disinclination to play its “full strength” in the Senior Club competition.  It should be recalled that up to 1899 Lancashire Cup-ties were played on Saturday, then came the power and influence of the Football League clubs, and they petitioned for the matches to be played in mid-week, and that change was made for season 1899-1900.  For a time the matches were well attended and well played, but eventually it became apparent that certain clubs were breaking and evading the Cup rules.  Everton F.C was evidently regarded as one of the guilty clubs, for a fine of 25 pounds was imposed on November 4, 1908, because of weak teams played v. Burnley in the second round, and v. Blackpool in the third round; but the real tug-of-war commenced when the semi-final ties were played on November 23, 1908, Everton being drawn to play Liverpool at Goodison Park.  On the previous Saturday Everton had played the following team in a League match v Blackburn Rovers;-
Scott; Balmer, Macconnachie; Harris, Taylor, Makepeace; Sharp, Coleman, Freeman, Young, George Barlow.
But on the following Monday when they were required to play their “full strength,” the following team stepped on the field;-
Bury; Strettle, Balmer; Rafferty, Borthwick, Adamson, Buck, Coleman, Jones, Young, Dawson. 
INSPECTIONS DECLINED
Incidentally, the team for November 23 was identical with that which played on November 21.  Before the kick-off and during the Cup-tie played on November 23, officials of Everton F.C., were full of excuses for the weak team on the field, and an assurance was made and often repeated “that all the players would be triers.”  A request was also made that the regular players, who were not playing because of alleged sickness and injuries, should be inspected.  Mr. R. Watson, a member of the L.F.A., who was present was invited to view the sick and lame, but he adroitly refused on the grounds that he was present as a linesman of the match, and that the inspection of injured players outside his duties.  Mr. E. Little, then a divisional member of the L.F.A., and now a vice-president, was also present at the match, but he also was not anxious to accept the commission, and he declined on the grounds “that he was a medical man.” Mr. Hargreaves, who was present on behalf of the ten secretary, “Dick” Gregson, refused the invitation to inspect the cripples, but suggested that medical certificates should be sent to the Association.  The game was a poor one, and Everton lost by two goals to none.  The Everton F.C sent medical certificates referring to certain players, and the matter was reviewed by the council at a meeting held on December 2, 1908, when it was decided to fine the club the sum of 100 pounds and also to fine them the amount due to them as their share of the “gate” receipts, 99 pounds 0s 9d.  The Everton F.C then began a vigorous protest, and eventually the council decided to call a special meeting to reconsider the case.  The meeting was held on January 6, 1909, when it was decided to adhere to the fines imposed.  The following day, Mr. W.C. Cuff, who was then the secretary of Everton F.C., lodged an appeal with the F.A., which was heard on April 2, 1909.  The late John Lewis stated the case for Lancashire F.A., and Mr. W.C. Cuff for Everton F.C., and the decision of the F.A, was to reduce the fine to 100 pound, which implied that the definite fine imposed was quite in order, whereas the resolution to deprive the Everton club of its share of the “gate” receipts was not in order, and so ended the only appeal by any club against the Association. 
POINTS FROM THE POST BAG
I left my car outside Goodison Park and paid a fee which is charged by disabled ex-service men-not for parking, but for the services of the attendant (writes “Oxford”) On returning to the car after the match I found that a silver-plated match-box which is a standard fitting in the car had been taken.  If ex-Servicemen accept money “for attendance,” owners of cars have a right to expect that attendance to be given.
CURISOTIES
Mr. Robert McGregor, of Oxton-writes;- Re your “Bee-ography” of Sandy Young.  Well I do remember the Saturday morning I brought the news to you.  I did not know you, but my friend, Mr. Dawson, escorted me to your “palatial” office, on the 6th floor back and introduced me to your “shyness.”  The furnishing part was certainly unique, as I sat on a chair the back of which had gone on its holidays, and one leg, by the aid of string, was able to keep to the parent body, while the Axminster carpet, you explained, had only that morning gone to the cleaners.  However, it was a nice half-hour, and I am glad the friendship has continued so long, and it was one sort of boy scouts’ good turn.
EVERTON UNCHANGED
Everton Reserves team to meet Liverpool Reserves, at Goodison Park (3.15), will be; Hardy; Common, Kennedy; Griffiths, Bain, Rooney; Critchley, Easton, French, Martin, Stein. 

EVERTON RES V HUDDERSFIELD RES
Yorkshire Evening Post - Wednesday 10 October 1928
Everton took an early lead in their Central League game with Huddersfield Town Res, at Goodison Park, this afternoon, through Easton, but before the inside right netted, Walton had saved smartly from Critchley.  Huddersfield were dangerous on the right, where Raw and Fogg combined well.  Everton, however, were generally on the attack, and it was largely due to the goalkeeping of Walton that the lead was not more pronounced.  However, Brown levelled the scorers in 23 minutes, after a great run, in which he caught the home backs off their guard.  This success was short lived, as within a minute French had put Everton ahead again.  Shanks retired to have a cut head plastered, and returned to see Martin give Everton a third goal.  Cumming reduced the margin again when Hardy blundered and dropped the ball.  Just on the interval Martin got Everton’s fourth point, following a corner.
Half-time; Everton Res 4, Huddersfield Town Res 2. 

EVERTON RESERVES 4 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 3
October 11 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 9)
Everton Reserves won their Central League game with Huddersfield Town more easily than the score would indicate. They were always on top, and the comparison between the work of the Everton forwards and halves and those of the visitors was so great as to cause wonder how the Town came to net three times and also to go within an ace of "stealing" a point. The only explanation was weak play both by Bain –for which there was some excuse, as he is not looked on as a full-back –and Hardy. The goalkeeper, had he done himself justice, would have saved the three scoring shots whereas he came near giving away the equaliser when he ran out and missed the ball.
THE GILT-EDGED CHANCES.
This was the gilt-edged chance of the match, but Brown was so surprised that he merely kicked the ball behind the goal. Everton led 4-2 at the interval, Easton, French, and Martin (2) scoring and Brown and Cumming obtained the Town's points. After the interval Raw put on a third for the visitors. Shanks and Martin of Huddersfield, were both damaged, the first named playing for three-parts of the game with a bandaged head. French, Martin, and Griffiths did well for the winners . Everton: Hardy, goal, Common and Bains, backs, Griffiths, White and Rooney, half-backs, Critchley, Easton, French, Martin, and Stein, forwards.

TOWN JUST ONE DOWN.
Leeds Mercury - Thursday 11 October 1928
Scorers; Everton—Easton, French, Martin (2) -4 goals. Huddersfield Town —Brown, Cumming and Raw  -3 goals.
By the odd goal in seven Huddersfield Town were defeated by Everton yesterday in a Central League game at Goodison Park.  Everton obtained all their goals in the first half, and but for clever goalkeeping of Walton, the Town goalie, would have been further arrears. The second half was of a lively character, and the Town appeared to miss a goal when Brown shot behind with Bain out of his goal.

DEANS TWO GOALS
October 11 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
Lancashire F.A. X1 6 F.A. X1 5
The unofficial trial at Burnden Park, Bolton yesterday, produced a glut of goals, Dean scored (2) and Tommy Johnson (3), and 6,000 spectators watched the match.

BEE-OGRAPHY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 11 October 1928
The biggest football joke of the century was the case of one David Ashworth, then a Liverpool manager.  He attended Everton F.C match, saw a player there, borrowed a signing form from the Everton Club, and promptly signed the man Everton were about to sign.  To borrow the club’s form and then take away their player is surely the height of effrontery.  At the time there was bitterness, but to-day once can afford to forget the “Kane” and remember the story with a chuckle. 

EVERTON MOTOR TO BLACKBURN
Liverpool Echo - Friday 12 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton take the high road and I take the low; they go to Blackburn per motor, having found this a quicker and more convenient way of travel in these modern days.  It will be a big battle, because Rovers have already won at Huddersfield where Everton lost pretty thoroughly, and as one is the Cup-holders and the other the League winners the match naturally assumes an unusual frame; for instance, the pair of them meet for the F.A Charity Shield on Wednesday week at Manchester, and the gathering of Cup and League victors always leads to stern football, because each is out to gain the vintage against the other side wearing the stars and stripes.  It is almost unnecessary to add that Ritchie has become Everton’s outside right, and has pleased the spectators to the point that they have already cast aside the memory of the early days of the season.  Ritchie has dug in, and could sing with the songster.  “Have you forgotten love, so soon? “  Spectators are not blessed with long memories, unless it is that some of them have convenient memories.  Last season Blackburn had just struck their best, and though they failed with two penalty kicks they won handsomely against Everton.  I saw Puddefoot two days ago and he looked rather tired –he has had family bereavements, &c., that had taken toil of his strength.  He is the danger-mark of the Rovers side, and they have a sturdy defence.  It was in January that Everton failed at Blackburn –this began the ferocious fall that almost continued to the end of March.  May tomorrow’s turn be a tide-mark showing an upward glance.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Blackburn Rovers; Crawford; Roxburgh, Jones; Healless, O’Dowd, Campbell; Thornewell, Puddlefoot, Roscamp, McLean, Rigby. 

RAITT'S DEBUT.
October 13 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EX-EVERTON MAN TO FACE OLD COLLEAGUES.
Were not one expecting every day the entire transportation of the Blackburn Rovers team to the nearest sick bay one would expect a further slip on the part of Everton in today's squabble at Ewood Park. The Rovers are hard hit, but from the point of view of Merseysiders alone, their bagful of woes has produced one happy occurrence. This is the choice of Raitt, the ex-Everton full-back, in place of Roxburgh (who in turn was picked to fill Hutton's place). Roxburgh with a leg injury, was declared unfit yesterday. Raitt has many friends in the Liverpool district, some of, which will no doubt swell the ranks of the crowd at Ewood to see him make his debut in the Rovers' first team. Everton, who are unchanged, will find the going much easier in consequence of the domestic trouble at Blackburn, but if they only draw they should be satisfied. The match is of course, a Lancashire "Derby" and between the League champions and the Cup-holders. Again what more do you want? The teams are: - Everton: - Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup. Blackburn Rovers: - Crawford; Raitt, Jones; Healless, Dowd, Campbell; Thornwell, Puddefoot, Roscamp, McLean, and Rigsby.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 13 October 1928
CHAMPIONSHIP SIDE V. CUPHOLDERS-BY STORK
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Blackburn Rovers; Crawford; Raitt, Jones; Healless, O’Dowd, Campbell; Thornewell, Puddlefoot, Roscamp, McLean, Rigby.  Referee; Mr. W.P. Harper, Sourbridge.  The meeting of the champions and the cup-holders created interest in Blackburn, while the first appearance of David Raitt in the Blackburn team was an added joy to the big circle of Liverpool people present.  It was an ideal day, there being just a nice nip in the air.  Blackburn’s team showed a number of changes.  One missed the smiling face of big Jack Hufton, while Rankin was a noticeable absentee.  There was a big attendance, and there was nothing startling in the opening moments, if exception is made of the fact that there were one or two mistakes, due to the bouncing ball.  The first item to being a thrill was a run and a shot by Rigby who forced Davies to stop a full-blooded drive.  Davies could not hold on to it, but he did the next best thing, turned it out of his goal, with the result that there was a scrimmage in front of the Everton goalmouth.
A HOT FUSILLADE
This was not cleared for some minutes, and when Rigby forced a corner off O’Donnell it meant hard work a bit of luck for the Everton defenders, for several shots were cannoned out.  But the luck came when Thornewell, well placed five or six yards out with only Davies to face, shot the ball on to the goalkeeper’s legs.  So far, Everton had not tested the home keeper with a likely scoring shot, although Crawford had to handle from Troup.  O’Dowd was keeping in close touch with Dean.  So much so that it was some considerable time before the Everton centre forward got a chance even with his head, and when he did Troup was not there to give a helping hand.  The Rovers were feeding Rigby on every possible occasion and I must say that the winger responded willingly, and twice in succession he beat Kelly by perfect ball control and trickery, but his centres and passes were not utilized.  His colleagues either hesitated or shot wide.  Campbell, who tried to emulate Cresswell with as pass back to the goalkeeper, created a sensation, for his lob nearly sneaked inside the angle of the posts, and Crawford had to make a quick and sure jump to save his colleague’s face. 
RAITT IN CONFIDENT MOOD
Raitt was kicking with every confidence, and from one of his clearances the Rover’s front line got moving, and it was only an off side infringement that pulled up Roscamp when he was going through. Puddefoot’s footcraft and passes were excellent. Once he pushed the ball right up the middle for Roscamp to take it in his stride, but the Cup hero sliced his drive over to the left.  Rigby dashed in and hit a tremendous ball, which, however, went off Kelly’s body.  Mclean had almost as good a chance, but shot over.  Blackburn’s pressure was such that it took the Everton defence all they knew to keep them out. 
RIGBY’S REJOINDER
They did it for just twenty-one minutes when it was at that point that Rigby opened the score.  Rigby had been the danger spot of the Rovers’ line, and when he hit a lengthy shot Davies could only pat it out to the shooter, who instantly crashed it back into the net.  The Rovers had been full value for their lead, for they had been the more forceful side, and but for bad shooting and some good defensive work by Cresswell and O’Donnell-the latter once kept Roscamp out by a clever overhead kick- might have held a more commanding lead.  Everton’s attack had little scope, while they lacked the assistance of the half backs, who were too busily engaged helping to stave off the Rovers’ attack.  Roscamp and Davies engaged in a curious affair.  Davies after saving, was bouncing the ball when Roscamp nipped in and took it away from him.  Davies went after him and, finding that he could not use his hands he was outside the penalty area-he tried to dribble his opponents, both being near the corner flag.
DEAN AT A STANDSTILL
The winger won the duel and offered Rigby a chance to put into the empty net, but on this occasion his direction was all wrong.  Everton could not get going.  In the first place O’Dowd curbed Dean to such an extent that the latter could not move for him.  Once O’Dowd went to the extent of clutching Dean by the jersey when the Everton man was flashing by him; but the free kick was badly placed.  Ritchie had a poor time against the speedy Jones, and even when he did get an opportunity his centre was pulled far back.  It is a long time since the Everton defence was so hard worked, Cresswell in particularly having a warm time against Rigby.  Dean was penalized for jumping at the goalkeeper, and the free kick led to some more hard work for the Everton defence, and if Mclean had not got so much elevation on his shot Davies would have had some difficulty in keeping it out.  Troup, after beating Raitt, made an excellent centre, which, however, came to nought; and then the Everton goal had another narrow escape when Roscamp shot on to the crossbar.  The half concluded with Blackburn attacking strongly. 
Half-time; Blackburn Rovers 1, Everton 0
FIERCE ATATCK BY THE ROVERS
RIGBY’S STAR TURN
DEANS SCORES BUT PUDDEFOOT DECIDES THE ISSUE
The first ten minutes of the second half were almost featureless, but the crowd was delighted to see Young O’Dowd-who is only twenty –hold up Dean; but at the same time it should not be overlooked that the Everton man rarely got a takeable pass-they were all high in the air.  Dean once did clash between Raitt and Jones, and at the same time cause Crawford to lose his grip on the ball, but the goalkeeper soon regained his hold and cleared.  Everton were doing a little better, but Ritchie was not wise when he attempted a long-distance drive which passed outside
DEAN EQUALISES
Hart, Ritchie, and Dunn collaborated in a movement which culminated in the second named shooting high and strong for goal, Crawford turning the ball away for a corner, which did not help any.  The Rovers’ attack had gone right out of the picture and the only time they gained any territorial advantage Thornewell swept across a centre, which was dropping right to Rigby’s foot when Kelly dashed in, and there was a claim for hands against Kelly which the referee would not listen to.  Twice Crawford fisted the ball off Dean’s head, but he was left helpless at the sixty-first minute when Dean took up a pass from Virr, hooked it over Jones’s head, whipped round him, and shot wide of Crawford and into the far corner of the net.  Again Crawford took one off Dean’s top-piece and in a quick dash for goal Dean crashed into Healless, who was temporary knocked out.  Ritchie put across some sparkling centres, and the game had taken a complete turn, the Rovers being over-played just as Everton had been in the first half.  It was Everton’s turn to be unlucky, for after a wonderfully clever little bit of play Dunn tried a snapshot and saw a grand effort bump against the foot of the upright, with Crawford a well-beaten man. 
PUDDEFOOT HEADS IN
A free kick against Everton, taken just outside the penalty area, proved fatal to Everton, for Rigby’s kick was perfectly placed and Puddefoot, jumping high, headed it into the net.  Roscamp should have scored another with a glorious opportunity.  Final; Blackburn Rovers 2, Everton 1. 

EVERTON RES V LIVERPOOL RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 13 October 1928
GRIFFITHS AND EASTON SCORE FOR HOME SIDE
A glance at the team provides one of the explanations for the great crowd for the first local junior Derby to be played on a Saturday for quite a few season.  Everton; Hardy; Common, Kennedy; Griffiths, Bain, Rooney; Critchley, Easton, French, Martin, and Stein.  Liverpool; Riley; Lucas, McKinlay; Shears, McBain, Murray; Lindsay, Clarke, Reid, McNeil, and Kelly.  Referee; Mr. Atkinson, of Blackpool.  Everton’s was a very spirited opening, and its quickness completely deceived Liverpool’s defence.  Critchley went straight away after gathering the game’s opening pass, and the winger played a centre on to MacKinlay to gain a corner.  This Critchley placed so well that Griffiths was able to take a rebound off an Everton player and score from close in.  Liverpool were undaunted by Everton’s early success, but Clarke might have tried to get closer in when he elected to shoot, for Hardy easily gathered the ball Everton were much the livelier in general forward movements, and again Critchley rounded Liverpool’s left flank to finish with a shot that Riley punched over.  The home right next gave the Everton inside forwards a great scoring chance, and after French had missed, Martin made Riley effect a great save.  The Liverpool halves had to this stage been completely overplayed by the swiftness of the home attack, but a triangular bout of passing took Liverpool near enough to make matters uneasy for Hardy.  Rooney had little difficulty in dispossessing Lindsay, who next centred square, but Common headed clear.
Everton continued to be very dangerous on the right.  Critchly shot straight at Riley and Easton was left with a golden opportunity that he lost through hesitancy.  Kelly made a brilliant run, but carried the ball too far forward, the final angle being too acute to squeeze a goal. 
TWO FOR EVERTON
Clarke pushed a pass through for Reid to try a shot, but the centre missed the ball completely.  Away went Everton to score a second goal against a defence that was finding the sun’s glare a bother.  Critchly beat MacKinlay, and Stein placed a strong centre back in the goalmouth for Easton to drive a fast ball past Riley.  Everton continued to harass Liverpool by their speed, but the Liverpool attack revealed some pretty movements when they did advance.  Everton were lucky in not being debited with a goal, when Liverpool made a really desperate effort, and hardy fumbled a shot from McNeill.  Hardy tried a double-fisted punch, and Bain ballooned the ball dangerous near his own goal, but Griffiths prevented any danger, and Everton went away, only to fall into the offside trap set by Lucas and Mackinlay.  Riley was glad to see a Stein shot glance off the bar, and Reid made a great spurt that was foiled by Kennedy kicking back to Hardy.  It had been a most interesting first half, full of incident, and Liverpool were finding Everton’s speed very trying.  Half-time; Everton Res, 2, Liverpool Res 0. 
A goal to Martin, Everton’s best forward, and two extra brilliant saves by Riley from Rooney and Griffiths, and Common putting through his own goal gave a point to Liverpool. 
MARTIN THE STAR
Incidents of the second half were Lucas stopping a hot shot from Griffiths, the Everton attack carrying elaboration in coordination, to excess in the opponent’s goal area and McNeil and Clarke having good shots knocked down.  The Liverpool defence lack co-operation with the halves and consequently Riley was kept busy, but would have been busier had the home forwards shot with more accuracy.  Reid scored a second for Liverpool.  Final; Everton Res 3, Liverpool Res 2.
EVERTON A v. BOOTLE ST. JAMES
Webster scored after five minutes, Hooton made a good attempt to equalize, but Maher was safe.  Templeman added a second and third for Everton, and just before the interval Webster obtained the fourth.  Half-time; Everton A 4, Bootle St. John 0. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 13 October 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

COUNTY COMBIANTION
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 13 October 1928
Everton “A” journeyed to Wavertree in their return match, and were again victorious, thus taking four points from Wavertree inside a month.  On each occasion Wavertree played very good football in the first half, only to fall short in the second half. The shows lack of training. 

BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 EVERTON 1
October 15 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EWOOD PARK TRADITION OF ILL-LUCK HOLDS FOR EVERTON.
BLUES BACKS BEAR THE BRUNT.
PUDDEFOOT'S VICTORY LEAP AT BLACKBURN.
Ewood-Park, Blackburn, may well be described as one of Everton's unlucky grounds, for one has to go back to season 1912-13 to find Blues gaining both points there. The frowns of the gods accompanied the Champions on their mission to Ewood on Saturday, when the Rovers, last year's F.A. cup winners, beat them by the odd goal of three and so tradition was maintained. Everton were unfortunate to return with nothing tangible in the matter of points; in fact the men had to console themselves with the thought that they had done well and been denied that which was due to them. They deserved a point. One yes, two, no. At any rate they have often played worse throughout an encounter and yet landed both the points at stake. Still, there is another aspect of the situation, and that is that the Blues had only themselves to blame, for not being wholly successfully. They embarked on their task apparently without methods, and with the minimum of skill, so that during the first half one saw the Rovers attacking practically the whole of the 45 minutes.
FOOLISH HESITANCY.
It speaks volumes for the Everton backs and Davies that during this period the home side did not find the net more than once just it was primary due to the fact that the home inside forwards would wait for gilt-edged openings instead of replying on their own shooting ability to make the best of the opportunities which fell to them. There was only one team in it before the interval. The respite came and went, and, whether there was a serious conference in the Everton dressing-room during that off-period, or not one will never know, but no sooner had the second half started than one saw a marked difference in the entire play of the team. Every man seemed to set his teeth and tried to show that the first half play was all wrong, so that instead of the lords of Blackburn playing the role of dictators they were forced to wear the mantle that the Blues shouldered earlier on. The expected equaliser soon came, and this only served to spur the Blues on to greater effort. They looked winners all over and then, just when success appeared to be within reach, the Rovers had the audacity to break away and secure what proved to be the winning goal.
INTENSE EXCITEMENT.
It was a game well worth watching, for when the end hove in sight, and the sides were level, the excitement was intense, and both sides put in their all to turn the scales. Even when the Rovers forged ahead the second time they were by no means secure for the Blues kept pegging away in the face of adversity, and with ordinary luck, would have succeeded. Rigby gave the Rovers the lead in the first half, netting after Davies had brilliantly saved a great shot from his own foot; but Dean, by cleverly deceiving Jones, Levelled matters at the end of the hour. Twelve minutes from the end Puddefoot jumped a foot higher than three Everton players to head home a free kick taken by Rigsby, and so secure the points. Just prior to Puddefoot's goal –which incidentally, was the first goal scored by a Blackburn inside-wing forwards this season –Dunn had struck the foot of the post with a brilliant shot, which everyone though would fine a haven of rest in the net. Rigsby was the outstanding Rover. He led Kelly a terrible life early on. Puddefoot, Mclean, Healless, Jones, Raitt and Crawford were others to shine for the winners. Teams: - Blackburn Rovers: - Crawford, goal, Jones and Raitt, backs, Healless, O'Dowd, and Campbell, half-backs, Thornwell, Puddefoot, Rosscamp, McLean, and Rigsby, forwards. Everton: - Davies goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2
October 15 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 10)
In view of Liverpool's fine form this season, their display against their local rivals was frankly disappointing and Everton's superiority was more marked than the score would suggest. The Liverpool wing halves failed to hold the fast-moving and cohensive Everton forwards, McKinlay and Lucas being overworked, Mckinlay found Critchley's speed troublesome, but although chief danger came from this quarter the craftsman of the line was undoubtedly Martin, who has rarely played better. The Liverpool attack was ragged, with Clarke the best of the line. Kelly receiving little latitude from Griffiths, who was best in a fine intermediate division. In the first minute of the game Griffiths had rammed home a short-range shot following a corner. This was augmented by another from Easton, but Liverpool were unfortunate when Hardy scooped the ball away when it seemed to have been well over the line. After Martin had scored Everton's third, they were inclined to over-elaborate, and Liverpool became more dangerous. An attempted back pass to Hardy by Common found the net, and in the last half-minute Reid scored a second goal. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Griffiths, Bain and Rooney, half-backs, Critchley, Easton, French, Martin, and Stein, forwards. Liverpool: - Riley, goal, Lucas and McKinlay, backs, Shears, McBain and Murray half-backs, Lindsay, Clark, Reid, McNeill and Kelly, forwards.

ROVERS CUP-HOLDERS AND LEAGUE LEADERS
Athletic News - Monday 15 October 1928
BLACKBURN ROVERS 2, EVERTON 1
By W.H.C
The Rovers of Blackburn have every reason to be satisfied with their recent performances.  Only a week ago they confined the Cup Final form, and on the ground of their opponents, too, while on Saturday they beat the League leaders.  On the top of that they had a record gate for two seasons of 1,900 pounds, so that everyone, connected with the management had every reason for being on good terms with themselves after the match. The game itself was rather a curious one, as during the first half the champions were totally outclassed, and it looked as if the Cup-holders were simply going to walk round them.  Two things prevented this, and perhaps the most important was the tenacity of the visiting defence, Davies made some excellent saves, but he had two good men in front of him.  Cresswell never hesitated and O’Donnell gave him every support.  They had no easy task, for in the first half it was practically a battle between the attacking brains of the Rovers and the defensive brawn of Everton.  One man who shone in the latter department was Kelly.  Throughout he played a vigorous game and never spared himself, but in McLean and Rigby he had a very tricky wing to deal with.  Rigby has few, if any, superiors at outside left, but Kelly came out of the ordeal well, and was not responsible when Rigby scored, 
SUITING THE STYLE
Another interesting battle royal was that between O’Dowd and Dean.  The former played wonderfully well at Huddersfield last week, and on this occasion he fairly held the record goal-scorer for a big part of the game.  The change in the character of the match came in the second half.  Everton apparently realized that the close game they had been playing was no use against the wide sweeping Cup-tie tactics of the Rovers, and so they commenced to play them at their own game.  What is more, with a little bit of luck they might have beaten them at it.  They did draw level, and if Ritchie’s fine low drive had been a few inches wider they would have taken the lead.  It was during this period the Everton forwards were seen at their best, Dean was always trying to force his way through, and Dunn and Ritchie were rather more dangerous than the other wing.
MISSED CHANCE.
Thornewell missed one good chance, but the real life of the attack rested in Rigby, although it is doubtful if he is too well, and at times seemed afraid fully to trust himself.  Once, however, he darted through, weaved his way towards the centre, and shot hard along the ground.  Davies smothered the shot with his legs- he could do nothing else-but Rigby had guessed what might happen and, working inwards, gave no chance with the second shot.  Weldon once came near to scoring, while Roscamp hit the bar.  The changed tactics of Everton in the second half altered the character of the game, and for a long while the Rovers’ defence had an anxious time.  Then Virr lobbed the ball over the head o Jones with a fairly long kick.  This was the chance for Dean, and, dashing by, he pounced on the ball and Crawford never saw it.  Dunn nearly gave them the lead, but there is always Puddefoot to reckon with.  A free kick for quite a technical offence was given against Everton, and Rigby placed the ball nicely towards the goal.  Puddefoot with his height and reach, jumped, just met the ball with his head, and the Cup-holders had beaten the champions.  Blackburn Rovers;- Crawford; Raitt, Jones; Healless, O’Dowd, Campbell; Thornewell, Puddefoot, Roscamp, McLean, and Rigby.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. W.P. Harper, Stourbridge. 

EVERTON’S BOGEY GROUND
Liverpool Echo - Monday 15 October 1928
WHY ISN’T DEAN PLAYING?
AN ANSWER TO A BLACKBURN QUERY
By Stork
There is no greater joy in life than victory whether it be in sport or commercial life, and while Blackburn football followers were elated at their team’s success over the champions, I am sure there was more joy over the display of O’Dowd, their youthful centre half-back than there was over the bare result.  “O.D” is just twenty or one year younger than Dean whom be opposed, but the latter’s fame, ability and greater experience was considered to be too much for the former Bradford boy, and the spectators expected “O’Dowd to have a sorry time.  Imagine the feeling of the crowd when they saw their “idol” put the stopping block on the English centre-forward.  One wag went so far as to question me thus; “Why is Dean not playing to-day?”  That query can be answered like this.  O’Dowd had no pretentions to playing football in the real sense, but he was determined not to let dean play either, and in the character of “policeman,” he undoubtedly held up the Everton centre-forward.  But it was only destructive football that he employed, for I cannot recall one solitary case where he attempted to help a colleague with a pass.  He was always at Dean’s side, and once, finding himself beaten, he grabbed his rivals jersey and held him back.  Destructive football is much easier to play than constructional, but at the same time O’Dowd must be given credit, for it is no small feat to successfully shadow Dean, as many centre half-back will tell you. 
DEAN’S ONE CHANCE
Dean had only one real chance and it was the result of a ball on the ground; most of the passes had been high in the air, and this played into O’Dowd’s hands, for he is a tall youth.  With the call at the toe Dean could beat his opponent, but he was not called upon to do so when he got his goal, for he had outwitted O’Dowd when Virr sent the ball through to him, but even then had to face such a fine back as Jones, over whose head Dean had to lob the ball ere he could get a shooting position.  The game was a grand one from an onlooker’s point of view, and while Everton were a little unfortunate to forfeit full points, there can be no denying that the Cup holders should have a bigger lead at the interval, for they had enjoyed fully 75 per cent of attack, but could only boast a solitary goal- a peach by Rigby.  This came about through the fine defensive work of Cresswell and O’Donnell and two bad misses by Thornewell and McLean.
 A LEAP TO POWER
During the interval the Everton supporters began to wonder what was in store in the second half, for the team had been given little encouragement to anticipate such a turn of events, and what a turn round took place!  Everton became masters of ceremonies and called the tune, and when Dean’s goal arrived the Rovers crept into their shell, obviously rattled by Everton’s leap to power, and it was rank bad luck when Dunn hit the base of the upright, for a goal at that period of the game would almost certainly have meant victory, for Everton were well on top; on top through their sparkling football, and there was every prospect of a victory until a free-kick enabled Puddefoot to Rigby’s pass into the Everton net, which left only twelve minutes to play.  O”Dowd then found it difficult to hold Dean, and he had to call in the help of Raitt and Jones, which allowed Ritchie a free hand, and the winger had one great shot turned aside by Crawford, but despite their territorial advantage Everton could not find that equalizer.  It had been a hard game –a game of two halves, some missed chances, and fine defence, liked the Blackburn side, which is powerfully built, pushful, and speedy, with two good defenders –David Raitt was as good as any of the four defenders.  Rigby was the Rovers’ star forward, and he gave Kelly and Cresswell much work, but his inside forwards were wasteful with the chance offered.  Ritchie was again Everton’s best forward, with Dunn backing up incessantly.  Dean you know about, and I have seen Troup play better, but I would like to see Dunn and Weldon up in the forward line a bit more.  These were times when Dean headed back to them to find that they were not there.  Hart’s telegraphic address must be consistency; in fact, the whole half-back line did uncommonly well against a swarming horde, but Kelly seemed to feel the effects of his first-half grueling forwards the close of the game. 
THE LATE START AT EVERTON
Expressing the view that sufficient allowance had not been made for delays in Saturday travelling, the management committee of the Football League, at their meeting, have fined Manchester City 25 pounds for arriving late at Everton, for their match with the club on September 15. 
Numbered and reserved tickets for the international match, at Goodison Park, next Monday, may be obtained from the Everton Club office, Goodison Park, or Sharp’s Whitechapel. 
FOOTBALLERS AT THE THEATE
Mr. Wal Langtry, who is producing the musical comedy.  “The Red Lamp,” at the Pavilion Theatre, Lodge-lane, this week, has invited the members of the Everton football team and the officials of the club to Wednesday night’s performance, and those of the Liverpool team to Friday’s night’s.  The invitations have been accepted.

ALEX WALL AND A SOUTHERN CLUB
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 16 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
Alec Wall, ex-Everton, who did such great work for Swindon, has given up football through injury.  His father’s business also calls for his attention owing to father being ill, Alec twice broke aleg
Will he tell me why Everton did not get 4,000 pound for Jones, their right winger? Everything was in order when Jones said “No tanks, I don’t want to go out of this fine city.”
TOM KEATES AND WILL BOLTON
A word of memory.  Tom Keates attended the “afterthought” of the Everton F.F annual meeting, and told us all about the history of the famous club.  Now he has passed to his rest at ripe old age.  At the same moment I learn from Mr. W. Eyton that yesterday Will Bolton the half back of long ago Everton was laid to rest.  Bolton was one of the pioneers of the club, and there is a request that in such cases the club should pay their tribute to a former player.
“BROAD”HINT
Mr. Ivie McWhinnie, writes;-
Dear Sir,- I am glad to see the misapprehension with regard to football clubs forbidding broadcasting has been cleared away.  The Everton Club, I am given to understand are quite prepared to accede to a request for further broadcast.  I am well aware, as a result of a conversation with a number of St. Dunstaners at their reunion in Liverpool that to them, at any rate, the talk of football were a real Godsend, and one which they are very loth to lose. Many of them attend matches with a friend who sets out to tell then all about the match, but who, at a critical point, becomes too excited and forgets!  A running commentary by an expert like “Bee” enabled blind men, as they put it, to see the match for themselves.  It would be a real shame to deprive them of such a real pleasure. 

BEES’ NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 17 October 1928
In view of the England v. Ireland game at Goodison, on Monday, I recall the day we were returning home from Ireland with Bill Scott, brother of Elisha and others.  Race gangs from the Irish meeting also returned by the same boat, and tried all their known tricks upon the public. They marked down for special kindness the late Mr., Charles Crump, and nearly sank him ay Holyhead.  Dr. Whitford, the former Everton chairman, still alive, brought out his Irish brogue and his massive frame, and stopped the bother, but it was an ugly situation to find an F.A Councillor likely to be pitched into the sea. 
ANFIELD HISTORY
Your review of the history of the Liverpool Football Club makes one, who is old enough to remember certain facts, blink in astonishment, and it seems very necessary to hear Mr. John McKenna’s story-in fact, after your remark it seems imperative that he should tell it.  I am simply an ordinary spectator, who has spent over forty years attending matches and paying his tanner of shilling, and all I know is what was common talk at the time and as such as reported in the “Echo”  You say “the club started with trouble when Everton went to Goodison.” When Everton went to Goodison there was no Liverpool Club.  Their trouble arose when they commenced to form a club.  Then you say “it fought for its ground.|” For a travesty of facts this statement will take some beating and explaining.  Everton for years had battled bravely for a position and support in Liverpool.  I have attended matches at Anfield, standing on the grass or mud with only a slim rail to keep us out of the field of play, with perhaps a gate of 400; on one side was the grand stand, like a glorified hen roast.  Gradually through grim perseverance they built respectable stands and were just getting their heads above water when a bomb was thrown at them.  The ground was urgently wanted for building purposes, and unless they brought it, at, I believe 7s 6d a square yard, that would be the end of Everton.  Fortunately for Everton, they were guided by men of acumen and courage, one especially, only a young man then, stood out boldly and Goodison Park is a monument to their herculean efforts, and I don’t think it cost them the price I have named.  You say “they had to fight for its name”; they had to fight for a name; I say fight, but there is another name for it, it was a higher power who settled that for them.  The other things you say they fought for “Financial strength” and “every honour the club has won.”  I imagine you will agree that these are common to all clubs, and the club that goes out for honours without having to fight for them has yet to be found, says J.S.R (Wallasey). 
 A GREAT CRICKETER RETIRES
Tributes to Harry Makepeace, of Liverpool, the famous Lancashire cricketer and former Everton footballer, who is retiring from county cricket, were paid at the Lancashire C.C championship dinner in Manchester, Sir Home Gordon said Makepeace was the Wilfred Rhodes of Lancashire.  He had played cricket with two generations of the team, and had never let the team down.  Col. Green, who is retiring from the captaincy, said, Makepeace had not only been a tremendous asset on the field- and he could not say what they would have done without him- but off the field players had only to go to him to find what they wished of manners or deportment or anything else.  Mr. H.D.G Leverson-Gower, of the M.C.C., paid a tribute to “one of the greatest professionals who ever walked the field-Harry Makepeace.”  He often thought that the professional cricketer of to-day owed his position to Makepeace, Wilfred Rhodes, J.T. Tyldesley, and Jack Hobbs.  “We fancy Makepeace will be observed on the eve of the next Yorkshire match to be buckling on his fighting armour yet again.”  (adds the “Manchester Guardian”). 

BEE-OGRAPHY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 18 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
I was talking of Billy Scott, the Irish and Everton goalkeeper, and brother of Elisha, in yesterday’s Bee-ography.  I mind the time when we returned from a long journey and became hot and bothered thirsty and hold.  The railway refreshment room was invaded.  Bill Scott came back with a big cask of something bearing a famous name.  The train steamed out and he prepared to show his pals his special pick-up, when, to his astonishment, he found he had brought out a dummy bottle of Bovril! 

EVERTON AT WEST HAM
Liverpool Echo - Friday 19 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to town to tackle a side Liverpool have already visited and made good for a draw.  They should have won, it is up to Everton to add their points taking effects. West Ham have poor backs, but there is this difference as compared to a fortnight ago; They have Eddie Hufton back, and Eddie more than any other goalkeeper I know has fashioned a means for stopping Dean on his own account.  He goes right out his lair; he catches many a ball sent up towards the Deanery, and thus gives practical aid to his backs.  Ruffell and Yews are the danger marks of the side, with Stan Earle rather below form thus far.  I shall be keen to have a second look at Danny Shone, and I shall be happy to see Griffiths playing at half back, because I remember the last time he played out of place was Switerland, when he made a very useful deputy centre-forward.  Everton have not been convincing themselves or their supporters; but to-morrow they have a really ripe plum offered to them.  Let them take it with both hands.  Teams; Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 

EVERTON AT WEST HAM.
October 20 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON CHANCE'S.
One of the greatest goalkeeper's in the land will be faced by one of the greatest centre-forwards of all time at Upton-Park West Ham United Today, when Everton will strive (they have a great chance of succeeding) to go one better than Liverpool who drew with the Hammers in London. Hutton, who will keep the home goal is at the top of his form, but his defenders may let him down. Danny Shone, the ex-Liverpool man, will be another interesting figure; he is doing wonderful things for the Londoners, Victor Watson who was injury at Bolton, is not fit yet, so Vivian Gibbons will lead the attack. Everton will play Griffiths for Kelly at half-back. It may be a hammer-and-tongs affair, but look out for the bolt from the Blue. The sides will turn out as follows, the kick-off being at 3-15: - Everton: - Davies, Cresswell, O' Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup. West Ham: - Hutton; Earl, Cox; Collins, Barrett, Cadwell; Yews, Earle, V. Gibbins, Shone, and Ruffell.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 October 1928
THE CHAMPION VISIT WEST HAM
By Bee
Everton; Davies; Cresswell (captain) , O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  West Ham; Hufton; Earl (captain), Cox; Collins, Barrett, Caldwell; yews, Earle, Gibbons, Shone, Ruffell.  Referee; Mr. Moon, Bristol.  Everton v. West Ham became unusually important because Everton have lost a number of their away engagements, and because Barrett, England’s new centre-half, who plays on Monday at Goodison, was on view against Dean.  A year ago there was a windstorm, and early this morning there was an anniversary celebration of the same character.  The wind howled and rain beat down, and the outlook was wretched.  Moreover, at eleven o’clock West Ham had thunder and lightning, and rain- so had that the goalmouth had to be sanded.  Yet at Tottenham the ground was dry as a bone.  Everton made one change from what is the customary side.  Kelly was hurt, and Griffiths, who was signed on as a centre half has since been drafted to right half back, and has become an automatic selection.  Jones, ex-Bournemouth was the reserve.
THE WEATHER TRANSFORMED
When the teams turned out before 30,000 spectators the day had blossomed into a perfect summer’s day.  The big stand here always ensures that half the ground is shaded from the sun, for which the footballers should be thankful, because there is nothing worse than punting when the glare of the sunshine is troubling one.  Cresswell and Earle tossed, and Earle won.  Mr. Moon, Bristol, probably the tallest referee on the list, was in charge, Hart at once put the ball high up the field, where Weldon handled.  O’Donnell cleverly back heeled a throw-in, and later made a punt, Earle handling and reliving the pressure, only for a minute. 
GOAL BY SHONE
But a sensational arose in two minutes.  A player put his foot into Virr and play proceeded, and it was fatal to Everton, the first time Ruffell touched the ball.  Ruffell beat Griffiths rather easily and passed inwards.  Shone made a tender sort of shot, and O’Donnell running across the goal to try to clear blotted out the view of Davies, the goalkeeper, and the goalkeeper, and the ball trickled to the right-hand corner of the goal and narrowly squeezed in.  This was a shock, and was nearly added to when Ruffell shot without luck and Gibbons just over.  But there was pleasure in store. 
 A DAZZLING SEQUENCE
Ritchie, who had opened brilliantly with a dribble, was prominent with a really beautiful centre, and Weldon joined in the affair to make a change for Dunn who scored with a beautiful easy action and a sort of place kick.  Nor was this all.  Dunn made a corner.  Cresswell made a huge punt, but found Dean offside, but that did not prevent him heading to goal to show what he would have done.  Dunn, with a cannon-kick tackle, nearly placed Dean for a goal the centre slipping up, otherwise he must have scored.  The ball never really came out of West Ham’s corner, and Weldon, after hesitating a second as though to find a pass for someone, eventually made a glorious drive, one of the brightest and best, and the ball flew into the net to make the score 2-1 in eight minutes.
FOUR GOALS -12 MINUTES
Nor was this all, for when Weldon and Troup combined with effect, Dean was only a yard from reaching what would have been a simple goal. A free kick for hands in the centre of the field was taken by Hart, and Dean scored No.3. so that is twelve minutes four goals had been scored, and there was promise of more, because Everton had recovered from the blow of a goal in two minutes and were now giving one of the most polished exhibitions of practical football seen from them this season.  Everton have not played better since this time last year.  They got unstained praise from the crowd, which crowd took a special delight in Dean’s goal, because it was a priceless example of Dean’s genius for heading.  Hufton went up for the ball plus two backs.  Yet Dean, practically on the line, beat the three and back-headed the ball over the line.  Weldon, encouraged by his goal success, went on to have another pop at goal, and Hufton thumped the ball out for a corner.  There was a quiet period, followed by an interlocking case between Weldon and Barrett, the latter being hurt.  Fortunately the fear that Barrett might miss his first cap was set at rest when he resumed.  Davies made a good save of a slippery ball, in spite of O’Donnell rather troubling his chance by cutting in.  Now there was a case of Griffiths centring for the goal line, and the ball surprised and hit Dean on the legs.  This was a “chance,” as they say in cricket. 
WEST HAM’S DEFENCE KNOTTED
Ritchie simply toyed with the opposition after this, and West Ham’s defence got into a knot.  Ritchie joined in the shooting with a right and a left, but neither time did he get a complete hold of the ball.  Virr and his backs were holding West Ham’s right wing, yet Gibbons was near the mark with a header, and West Ham, in their slap-dash methods, had a spell of movement in the Everton ranks. 
DOUBLE BY DEAN
Perhaps it was well the irresistible Everton attack resumed operations, because the first sign of life from them produced another goal.  It was a simple, strategic cameo.  Weldon was expected to pass to the left wing.  Instead, he pushed the ball up the middle for Dean to take and place in the net for a 4-1 score.  Four out of the five goals scored in half an hour had been driven into the right-hand side of the goal.  West Ham replied earnestly, and Ruffell had the ill-luck to crash a ball against the upright.  Hart made a magnificent header in the goal area.  Then the crowd gave a special cheer for Dean and Ritchie.  Dean nearly broke through, Hufton, by running out to the penalty box, saving a goal, and Ritchie weaving in and out of the opposition made a brave effort to raise the sixth goal, Hufton went on the knee and rolled over before getting a long shot from Weldon away from the line. 
WONDERFUL DISPLAY
I say unhesitatingly that his had been the best all-round display the Everton forwards had given for nearly a year.  Ruffell made Davies go down to the knee in slush to stop a goal- a lucky save.  Ritchie and Dunn wound up the first half by finding each other with an ease that startled the Londoners. 
Half-time; West Ham United 1, Everton 4. 
A DAZZLING SEQUENCE OF GOALS
DUNN-WELDON-DEAN
REMARKABLE SCENES AT UPTON PARK
In the second half the sun went down, West Ham’s centre was closeted by Cresswell, and one noticed some improvement in the Hammers’ half backs, who were playing in a more determined fashion.  Naturally the game had lost some of its beauty by reason of the margin gained by Everton.  In fact, the Londoners took more interest in an ambulance case than in the game.  Troup tried to enliven the proceedings by joining the scorers, only to pull his shot.  Yews now gave Davies a chance to show his catching powers.  Earle and Yews improved on their first half dullness, and Griffiths used his long, raking stride to scoop up the ground to make a perfect pass to Dean, a corner being the outcome, and from it another try by Griffiths, Dunn heading the ball over the bar.
THE DOCTRINE OF ATATCK
Ritchie’s first work of this half was a defeat of Earl and a centre that was of the agenda for conversion.  Virr joined in the shooting, and you will readily understand by this that Everton were preaching the doctrine of attack being the best defence.  Ruffell was still the star light of West Ham and twice put the ball behind with some pace.  For the second time in the match Hufton stopped Weldon scoring by diving at the ball and falling awkwardly in the process.  Shone could do little against his old city neighbours.  Dean was bursting for goals, and in the new conditions of rather heavy turf tried a trifle, otherwise Hufton would have again picked the ball out of the net, Ritchie being the starting point of the move.
CRESSWELL’S HIGH DRIVE
Troup made Hufton push the ball into the air direct from a corner kick, and Ruffell at the other end did something similar for Davies.  Corners were of no avail to West Ham, and the crowd took more interest in a pass made by Dean when the player was lying on the floor.  Cresswell broke all local records by putting a ball out of bounds, that is to say, on top of the grandstand.  Dunn hurt his knee and many of the West Ham players damaged their reputation.  Cresswell put the first ball of the match out of bounds over the little stand on the dock side.  It was strange that in the first half an hour of the game there should be five goals, and in the second not one thus far and no sign of one.  Round after round of clever passing, with Weldon one of the stars, gained from the London spectators rich applause.  Dean ended one of the bouts by heading hard towards goal, the much-bespattered Hufton helping the ball over the bar, the only thing he could do in the difficult circumstances.  Gibbons scored for West Ham after 87 minutes.  Final; West Ham 2, Everton 4. 

EVERTON RES V LEEDS UNITED RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 October 1928
Everton lost Rooney after a few minutes with a knee injury, and to the interval the home side fought with commendable pluck, and did not deserve to be a goal in arrears.  Armand was the Leeds scorer after 15 minutes, after Bennett had made a brilliant ran and centre.  Martin, as a semi-half-back and forward, was good, and had scoring shots saved by Wilson and the woodwork.  Forshaw was a schemer and was unlucky on one occasion to find a cleverly-devised header go over the goalkeeper and strike the upright.  Critchley, with his speed, had the better of the United left flank and his centres would certainly have brought the equalized if the home attack had been playing five forwards.  Everton frankly did not deserve to be behind.  Half-time.- Leeds United Res 1, Everton Res nil.  Rooney bravely resumed at outside left, but was really a passenger, and Critchley made a great shot that Wilson turned round the post.  Martin equalized from a penalty, and Critchley added a second to give Everton the lead. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 October 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBIANTION
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 October 1928
Bootle St. James C.Y.M.S were no match for Mr. Kirkwood’s team, who commenced to score in the first five minutes and gave the St. James’ defence a grueling time.  The Everton boys, especially the forwards who are very young, were very nippy indeed and simply toyed with the opposition, scoring eight goals without any response from the visitors. 

WEST HAM UNITED 2 EVERTON 4
October 22 nd 1928. The Daily Courier.
BLUES STARTLE LONDON.
MARVELLOUS DISPLAY AFTER EARLY SETBACK.


Everton silenced the croakers with about the most superb display of football ever seen in London. The Champions provided a marvellous exposition in face of one of the most disconcerting setbacks any side can receive. In less than two minutes they found themselves a goal down –Danny Shone, the ex-Liverpool player had screwed a snap goal from Ruffell's pass. Before nine minutes had passed, however, fine goals by Dunn and Weldon had transformed a debit into a credit balance, and than Dean though it was his turn, so that, in almost less time than it takes to tell he had given Hutton another chance to empty' his net. Before the interval Dean obliged with another, but there was no more scoring until just when Referee Moon –a capable official by the way –was looking at his watch; then Gibbons obtained a goal for the Hammers. On the Everton showing in this match they are not only equally as good a combination as they were last year, but infinitely better. Their football was of the lesson-book variety with a hundred and one other delicate and brilliantly engineered moves added. Every man give of his best and did just the right thing all through.
HAMMERS OUTCLASSED.
The Hammers were outclassed fore and aft, but the chief cause for they impotency was not so much lack of ability on their part as being reduced to a state of ineffectiveness by the sheer brilliance of the champions. Everyone expected to see a thrilling duel between Dean and Barrett, who, with Ruffell, were the men in the match, and who, will appear for England in today's International at Goodison Park, but it did not materialise. There was no duel, for Dean not for one moment allowed Barrett to take up a foil. Dean led the pivot an awful life, and often made Barrett, look more like a second-rater than an England centre-half. Of course, Barrett was not the only member of the home rearguard who was made to chase from pillar to post by the astute Blues, all in vain, for only Collins, the right half gave one the impression of being capable of standing up against the Everton flood-tide. One of the most gratifying features was the auspicious debut of Griffiths at right-half. After some minutes in which to settle down he proceeded to give an excellent exhibition of honest football, coupled with some tenacious tackling and a serious of delightful accurate low passes down the middle. He gave Dunn and Ritchie admirable support and fitted in well with Cresswell.
GREAT EVERTON ATTACK.
It was in attack that the champions were more scintillating, because those in the van had more of the ball, but the backs did excellently. The halves were excellent too. Forward, Dean possessed every attribute, which went to make up the true spearhead for two of the cutest wings in the game. The Londoners were a toned at his clever leadership and one shooting abilities and he so upset the home defence that every time a back or half was in possession he kept only one eye on the ball. The other was keeping care of Dixie. Dun and Weldon were the masterminds, and Troup and Ritchie sent across scores of terror-laden centres. Teams: - West Ham United: - Hutton, goal, Earl and Cox, backs, Collins, Barrett, and Cadwell, half-backs, Yews, Earle, Gibbins, Done, and Ruffell, forwards. Everton: - Davies goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Griffiths, Hart and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 LEEDS UNITED RESERVES 2
October 22 nd 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 11)
After two minutes Rooney was compelled to retire with a knee injury, and although he returned after the interval playing at outside-left, he was virtually a passenger. The depleted forces of Everton put up a great flight, however, and when Martin neutralised a goal by Armand, from the penalty it was well deserved. Critchley later gave the blues the lead, and although Armand headed a second Critchley won the game for his side with a placed cross drive. All the home forwards did well, and the defence including Maher the "A" team goalkeeper was strong against a good Leeds attack. Everton: - Maher, goal, Kennedy (captain) and Common, backs, White, Bain, and Rooney, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, French, Martin, and Stein, forwards.

WILLIAM BROWN
Derby Daily Telegraph - Monday 22 October 1928
William Brown, who left Cambuslang Rangers in Scotland to play for Everton in 1914, has a son of 13 years of age who is a very keen admirer of his father's play, and keenly enthusiastic to follow in his footsteps.

WEST HAM IN MINOR KEY.
Athletic News - Monday 22 October 1928
TWO GOALS IN FIRST FIVE MINUTES.
SHONE’S SURPRISE.
West Ham United 2 Everton 4
By WANDERER,
THE promise of an attractive game between West Ham and Everton was amply fulfilled, even if the home men were compelled to play second fiddle for the greater part of the time. It might be imagined that an early goal would have given West Ham the necessary encouragement, but such was not the case. The champions. Indeed, retaliated so brilliantly that before the game was half an hour old, the issue appeared to be in Everton s keeping.  A spectacular shot by Shone took O’Donnell and Davies by surprise when the match was only two minutes old, but three minutes later Dunn levelled matters with a neat left-foot shot. Then came a glorious effort on the part of Weldon, who deceived Collins with a body swerve, tricked Earl, and left Hufton helpless.
Dean's Pair
Dean obtained the third within a quarter of an hour of the start, a real opportunist's goal following Hart's beautifully placed free-kick, and when the West Ham ’keeper was beaten for the fourth time Dean’s left foot proved responsible after Weldon had contrived a beautiful opening. By comparison with the earlier play, the closing half lacked brilliance, but just before the close Gibbins reduced the home team’s arrears. Careless at close quarters and frequently unfortunate with their finishing efforts. West Ham undoubtedly disappointed their many admirers, yet with Everton in one of their most dominant moods it would be unfair to criticize the home side too harshly. The skill and generalship of the Everton forwards made the West Ham defenders—Hufton always excepted-appear very moderate, and Collins alone lived up to his reputation.  Cox, a capable half-back, was happy at left back and could make little of the right-wing pair opposed him, while Cadwell also found the scheming of Dunn and Ritchie beyond his power.  On the home right flank there was more solidity, for Collins stuck to a thankless task in gallant fashion and not only succeeded in limiting Troup's effectiveness, but created numerous openings for Yews and his partner. 
Too Much Power
At times the West Ham forwards played fast, purposeful football, Earle being particularly untiring in his endeavours to bring about the downfall of Davies's charge, but, as often as not, the home movements broke down in most disappointing fashion, chiefly because Ruffell and his colleagues put too much power behind the final pass -a bad policy on a greasy surface.   Dean and the Scottish supports. On the other hand, kept the ball commendably close and made every use of their skill in maneuvers and close dribbling to outwit the West Ham defenders.  England's centre-forward received a fine reception and pleased everyone, while the wiles of Dunn and Weldon, and the skill and resource of Ritchie commanded admiration from friend and foe alike.  Hart proved a pivot of the highest class, skillful alike in attack and defence, and he had worthy helpmates on either side of him.  Cresswell and O'Donnell maintained the same distinguished standard of the rest of the side, and Davies who was not unduly tested, always inspired confidence.  Altogether it was an impressive display on the part of the champions, embracing team work, individual and combined skill, and the ability to finish off movements as represented by the irrepressible Dean and the subtle roving of Weldon.  West Ham United; Hufton; Earl, Cox; Collins, Barrett, Cadwell; Yews, Earle, V Gibbins, Shone and Ruffell.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup.  Referee; C.F. Moon, Bristol. 

EVERTON’S CLASSIC DISPLAY
Liverpool Echo - Monday 22 October 1928
By Bees
Dean was not alone on Saturday in his success; the whole frontal attack of Everton’s was commanding and convincing;  West Ham were made to look mere commoners by a complete attacking force which carried bulk at outside right and centre-forward and scheming attractiveness at inside forward, plus the delicious hanging centres delivered by the best investment Everton ever made.  Imagine Troup as a two thousand man and then tack on six years of consistency and solidity, you have a perfect of a wise purchase with a man who has paid for himself over and over again.  I believe that attractiveness in football will always be a charm to spectators and draw them, whether the side wins, losers, or draws.  Everton’s display in attack was such that the Londoners voted them the best five they had seen there this or last season.  And the contract between the winners and the losers was very marked,. West Ham were frankly disappointing, and one has to consider whether Everton won because they played against a bad side or whether they made West Ham into a bad side by their super-play. 
AT THE PEAK
It is my belief that Everton would have beaten ninety-nine out of a hundred teams on Saturday.  There was a fine understanding between the forwards, allied to good shooting and heading.  The ball was kept on the ground; there was method as compared to madness; Ruffell tried to bring the London club to some semblance of skill and sense, but he was the only forward they had; end really one was, for the second time, rather troubled to picture the glowing things we had heard about Shone, though possibly Shone will never give his best against the men he knows, Everton and Liverpool.  Yews was variable and Gibbons could not help scoring late on when Davies had made a gallant half save against Earle, the latter having lost much of his fine dribbling and initiation ideas.  Barrett, England’s centre half-back, did not act the slavish part of policeman against Dean; he suffered as a consequence, but at least he was their best half-back and he was not blameworthy, albeit he did not play the same game he offered up to Liverpool F.C- a great, forcing game for a pivot.  Undoubtedly the rainfall was a blessing to Everton; their working of the ball was the more easy through the absence of the curse of the game the light ball, which beats most men, I imagine the good work will continue, for the inner forwards are collecting goals, and Weldon having registered a bull’s eye never stopped working and worrying; he carried more effect in this game than in any game I have ever seen him play in the club’s colours.  I am only sorry the game was not at Goodison Park because then the crowd would have been in ecstasies over such a display.  Weldon must show them at a later date exactly what he did at Boleyn Castle. 
RITCHIE’S MANNER
Ritchie did more than most of the side in the early stages of play.  He and his twin partner are as unlike each other, physically as one could picture.  Ritchie rather labours his dribble, but once he has the ball under control he rarely gets tackled with success.  His manner of dribbling back is only one phase of his play; he calls up that device only when he must do so.  He is no slave to the winging way.  His centres were beauties; his offertory was persistent and he had three shots at goal none of which produced danger simply because he did not happen to get the ball in the right manner.  He applied screw to it.  This shows me that, in due course, he will collect goals.  Troup had one similar shot with the same “pulling” result.  No’ it was the whole line of attack that carried the war into the Hufton camp and, believe me, the score might easily have been seven or eight.  Everton eased up after taking a lead of four one in half an hour.  It is good to think Everton believe in themselves to the extent that they are not, on this showing, unduly worried about a slip-goal in two minutes.  Dunn saw to the equalizer and then Weldon, the outstanding forward of the field, help himself to a good goal, and Dean got his two- typical goals.  Naturally people of the city will want to know how Griffiths got through at right-half.  His second half display was magnificent.  He is wonderfully strong o’ t’ foot, and he placed the ball with such precision.  He was taken off his normal guard through having to face Ruffell, and having the remembrance of the first goal of the day.  He probably felt that he was on a hiding to nothing, but in the end he played masterly football forcing the pace, scooping up the ground, finding touch like a thoroughly good Rugby player, and helping in the shooting department which I contends, is what a half back should do.  All the Everton halves played well.  Cresswell and O’Donnell in their own special ways, succeeded; one buoyant and breezy, the other staid, full of cold, and playing in icy fashion.  Davies reached out for some awkward stuff and kneed other efforts of a team that did not lack shot, yet was rather easily held.  It does not do to imagine this victory will carry the side to honours again; at least it is encouraging and convincing as far as it goes.  It was a year ago this week, when Everton were sixth on the League chart, that I prophesied an Everton championship season.  Dare I be so foolish as to suggest at this stage of the season that another medal is likely to come this season>?  Yes, I think so. 
BEE-OGRAPHY
Time was when a game was “clocked” by thousands.  We went to see South Liverpool v. Wrexham in a Cup-tie, which the latter won, but the game had to be re-played because the referee played short time.  Then we went to Wrexham, and again he played short time!  Finally we had to go to Chester to see the end of it, and Sandy Young scored a marevllous goal. 

SCOTT SAVES DEAN PENALTY.
October 23 rd 1928. The Daily Courier.
ENGLAND 2 IRELAND 1
AT GOODISON PARK
There was a row when "Dixie" Dean missed a penalty kick for England yesterday at Goodison Park, where Scott in the Irish goal, brought off a sensational save, it was the Everton centre-forwards, first kick from the "Spot" in the present season. He however, scored the deciding goal later in the match, in front of 30,000 spectators.

THAT IS SPORTSMANSHIP
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 23 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
It did one good to join in the football national yesterday.  Apart from the result there was splendid sporting spirit shown by everyone.  Here’s an exclusive for you; Earle, the West Ham captain, sent round to the Everton dressing-room on Saturday night to express on behalf of his team their appreciation of the magnificent game Everton had given them –they had pasted the London side by 4-2.  And think of this one; Elisha Scott and Dean, like many other footballers, often meet in the Hive and joke each other like pals.  When Everton and Liverpool met recently Dean went into the Anfield dressing-room and sat there talking with the rival camp as if he was one of them.  Yesterday afternoon, the international bout between Dean and Scott in which Scott won, spite of the dramatic goal which gained victory being taken by Dean, the pair of them walked off the field shaking hands with each other-a crowning glory to a game that was a football relish, even if it had a dull twenty minutes after half-time.  The rousing finish made us forget that slump; and Charlie Buchan put it this way, “I was so interested in the flow of the game that I forgot to get on with my journalistic work.”  The hand shake business was absolutely genuine, and suggested we all break into the chant.  “So here’s a hand, my trusty friend.”  Yes, football is a great game; and when one recollects the now three-year-old football feud between Elisha Scott and Dean, it is good to think that after the battle the pair of them are, as before, good friends.  Would that spectators could be so tolerant as these players. 
TOMORROW’S GOODISON ATTRACTION
Great interest is certain to be evinced to-morrow at Goodison Park when Orwell Wednesday meet Police in the semi-final of the Hospital Cup. 

FORSHAW FOR DUNN
October 24 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON CHANGES FOR TODAY OLD TRAFFORD MATCH; F.A..CHARITY-SHEILD.
The Champions will be without Dunn for the meeting with Cup holders at Old Trafford today, in the annual F.A. Charity-Shield clash. Forshaw takes the Scots place at inside-right. This is the only change made by Everton from the team who won so brilliantly at West Ham and the present selection will also be employed against Leeds United at Goodison Park on Saturday. Griffiths tried at right half-back on Saturday was such a success that his retention in the team was expected. Blackburn Rovers will find the following team hard to hold on neutral ground: - Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.

CUPHOLDERS V. THE CHAMPIONS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 24 October 1928
EVERTON PLAY BLACKBURN ROVERS
By Bee
There was a shockingly poor crowd at Manchester, there being no more than 4,000 spectators present when the game started for the Charity Shield between the Cupholders (Blackburn Rovers) and the League winners (Everton).  Everton opened brightly and well through Weldon and Troup, the latter middling the ball with rare effect, and Griffiths producing a shot that eventually became a further chance for Troup, who hit the side net.  Dean, who was not expected to play through injury, turned out and faced Baxter, a young boy who is making his debut in senior circles.  O’Dowd, who did so well a fortnight ago against Dean, being moved on to the wing.  Thornwell had the first shot of the match.  There was no strength in the shot and Davies saved readily.  Cresswell was prominent with a number of clearances.  Ritchie, having beaten one man, attempted to beat a second, and found Jones too strong for him.  Needless to say, the play and the spectators were extremely quiet and the match failed to produce enthusiasm and the right atmosphere. 
A YARD WIDE
There were medals for both sides of the same kind and character, so that the incentive to win was simply the joy of victory.  A foul on Forshaw led to Hart producing his usual goalmouth effort for Dean, who was nudged off his chance of heading, and as a consequence was a yard wide of the ball.  Weldon produced the best shot so far, with a ball that seemed to be travelling all the way to goal with Crawford well beaten.  However, the ball pulled outside.  There followed a Dean shot, Crawford saving a bumping ball, following which Mclean shot hard but found Davies had left his goal to make a good catch, McLean repeated the dose a minute later. 
A PENALTY SAVED
Dean charged Roxburgh more than once, and on one occasion caught him in the back.  The ball travelled for a throw-in, and Dean went to throw it in quickly, but Roxburgh barged into him.  This was only one of half a dozen rather awkward situations that had not been looked for.  Weldon and Troup were a fine wing and unlucky not to get a goal, but following an unsuccessful tackle by Griffiths on Rigby, Hart handled in the penalty area and Rigby’s penalty kick shot was brilliantly saved by Davies.  After Weldon had a drop kick at goal, Hart, with a lovely pass, set Ritchie moving, and the centre was poorly headed by Dean.  However, just before the interval, when Jones had given a corner kick through trying to pass square to his goalkeeper with a free-kick, a thing unheard of before, Weldon, with a back-heel touch brought out a chance for Troup to centre, and Dean nodded a goal.  After that Weldon made a magnificent drive that Crawford caught, but the ball carried over the line- or so it seemed- and Crawford, scrambling back, recovered possession, the referee ignoring the claim for what happened to be a good goal.  Half-time; Everton 1, Blackburn Rovers 1.
SECOND PENALTY SAVED (Bee’s Next day reported this was a mistake, no penalty was given-Bluecorrespondent)
Thornwell had a readymade chance of equalizing at the fifty fifth minute.  After an appeal for a penalty against Griffiths had been answered in Everton’s favour, Virr offered Forshaw a chance, and Crawford by his save spendidly the penalty save of the first half by Davies. 

PARTICK PLAYERS TRANSFERRED.
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Thursday 25 October 1928
HAIR AND SALISBURY GO SOUTH.
English football agents, who have been hot on the track of several Partick Thistle players during the past few weeks, were to-day successful in fixing two of the club's players. Hair, the Thistle's sharp-shooting Centre forward, has been signed by Everton, while Salisbury, the outside-left, has been up by Liverpool. Several other English clubs have been forestalled by Everton and Liverpool, Hair especially having been in great demand, particularly Preston North End. The amounts of the transfer fees have no* been divulged, but they should large. Salisbury went to the Thistle some eight or nine years ago from the junior ranks, and he has been the team's recognised outside-left during all that period. He is a clever and useful player, who may do well in England.

CHAMPIONS WIN F.A. SHIELD.
Sheffield Independent - Thursday 25 October 1928
Cup-Holders Beaten in Charity Match.
DEAN’S TWO GOALS.
EVERTON 2, BLACKBURN ROVERS 1.
FAST, keen game for the football Association Charity Shield ended in favour of Everton, the League Champions, who defeated Blackburn Rovers, holders of the English Cup, by 2-1 before 16,000 people on the ground of the Manchester United Football Club, yesterday afternoon.  The Everton attack was weakened by the absence of Dunn, the Scottish International, while the Rovers included Baxter, at centre half-back.  Goalkeepers took chief honours in the opening play, many excellent shots by each set of forwards being saved in brilliant fashion. Davies, for Everton, specially distinguished himself when, after 35 minutes, he saved a penalty kick for hands. Everton went in front just before half-time, Troup centring accurately for Dean to head through and for some time afterwards the game proceeded evenly, neither side being able to claim any pronounced advantage in attack. Gradually, however the Rovers settled down and pressure brought them an equalizing goal, a long cross shot by Thornewell taking effect. Davies had much to do after that, but he cleared admirably on several occasions and Everton regained the upper hand. Forshaw nearly beat Crawford with a fine effort, but the goalkeeper only just succeeding in punching the ball away, and with five minutes remaining, the Champions gained the deciding goal.  Troup again had a hand in the score.  Dean taking a pass from him, dribbling past two defenders and sending in a magnificent shot. 

EVERTON 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 (Charity Match 1)
October 25 TH 1928. The Daily Courier.
CHAITY SHIELD
DEBUTANT'S SHARE IN PARTIAL ECLIPSE
EVERTON CENTRE MANAGES TO NET TWICE
GREAT GOALKEPERING.
A young Blackburn Rover Baxter, who was making his first appearance in senior fooball, played the prime part at Old Trafford yesterday in the effective holding of Dean, the England centre-forward. Dean however, was able to win the F.A. Charity Shield for Everton in a game that was somewhat disappointing. The Everton centre scored both the winners' goals, but he did not play as well as one usually expects him to play. True, his effort in the last five minutes was a brilliant example of opportunism. He snapped up a long pass and cleverly beat Jones, and finished with a shot which Crawford made no attempt to save. It is doubtful whether he even saw it. Troup played a great part in the goals. Thornewell scored the Rovers' goal. Constructive work on, both sides had been strikingly poor, and if anything, the Rovers showed more method.
RIGBY'S PENALTY MISS.
The penalty which Rigsby failed to utilise would no doubt have made a great different occurring as it did midway through the first half. (Hart handling-Post and Mercury) There was some brilliant work by both sides, but it only came in flashes, and taking the game right through the moderate crowd had little to enthuse about. Perhaps the most striking feature was the good goalkeeping shown by Crawford and Davies. The Rovers custodian was fortunate on one occasion, when he dropped the ball and it appeared to go over the line before he could recover, the referee giving the benefit of the doubt. As the scores indicate, the defence on both sides was particularly strong. Baxter played soundly but he could not be blamed for Dean obtaining the two goals. The teams originally chosen were: - Everton: - Davies goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Griffiths, Hart, Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Crawford goal, Roxburgh, and Jones, backs, Healless, Baxter, and O'Dowd, half-backs, Thornewell, Puddefoot, Roscamp, Mclean, and Rigsby, forwards.

AT LAST BEAT CUP-HOLDERS
Liverpool Echo –Thursday 25 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
The F.A helped to swell the takings at the F.A Charity Shield tie by paying a cheque for their tickets.  This was very handsome of them.  One would rather have seen them issuing an order for the meeting of the Cup holders and League winners in this Shield game to toss for choice of grounds or else play on a neutral ground in this city.  Mr. Bob Crompton, the former Blackburn player, and now honorary manager of the side, told me after yesterday’s game at Old Trafford that they would willingly have come to either of our city grounds, because they knew the gate would be bigger and therefore charity would gain a good sum.  Judging by conservations with the F.A leaders present I can see future matches of this character being played in a city that counts- not that Manchester doesn’t count, but it does seem absurd to expect a Manchester man to go to Old Trafford to see teams from other towns or cities engaged in an academic display.  After all, charity should be at the rock bottom of the sides, and tossing for choice of ground would have encured that the sides had some vocal support.  Actually the game became dull at times simply because the crowd had no special favour for players not belonging to them, and they sized up the football situation from an entirely unpartisan point of view-which takes a bit of doing at Old Trafford if I know anything, having had some “noise on” just behind me in the press box. 
GRIFIFTHS COMES ALONG
The match gave us some pointers.  It showed a lack of understanding in defence on rare occasions, but on such occasions the danger from the laxity was immense.  Indeed Blackburn, having missed a penalty, thanks to Davies’s fine save, had chances to win, with no answer from Everton.  Thornwell and Rigby did not take their chances, and Roscamp showed once more that he is a winger or half-back, but certainly not a centre-forward.  Everton looked on Blackburn as one of their bogey teams, so the change in the register will be welcomed.  Everton deserved to win-understand me aright –but there was a point at three-quarter-time when they should not have been allowed to win it.  Blackburn must take the blame of this.  Everton certainly took pride in the method of their game; the close combination, the working of the ball, the continual movement upward by the round pass, and the electric goals of Dean, allied to the excellence of the left wing pair.  Dean’s goals made the crowd of 4,000 –some said 12,000, but my estimate was right; receipts 300 pounds- stare with astonishment.  One man put the first one this way; “I can’t tell yet how he came to head Troup’s centre when Crawford had both hands at it.  Weldon started this goal.  Troup helped it along, and Dean applied the headgear.  We in this city are getting used to that type of goal.  Here was a man who declared he was not fit to play, but turned out and eventually scored the winning goal with an electric display.  You remember Jones, the fastest back in the game, the wee man with the baldly head and twinkling feet?  Well, Weldon once again provided the pass, and Dean, never losing control, heading the ball down to his feet en route, raced Jones and drove in a smasher.  Jones, seated on the turf, looked on in blank astonishment.  It is all very wonderful.  But one has to remember that all the players of the side shaped well; none better than Cresy and Davies, with hart doing many fine things, and Virr, of getting into the referee’s free-kick stride, certainly finished the day with lasting power and precision.  Forshaw at inside right did some of the best shooting of the day, and got nothing for his pains and his direction; he hit the crossbar and Crawford made a great save from him.  Indeed, some people still vow that Crawford is the best goalkeeper England can call upon.  Griffiths had a big job on hand in tackling Rigby, and for the first quarter he was struggling to know where this man was going to take him in his drifting manner.  Eventually Griffiths took charge of Rigby and smothered him; aye, he did more, he tackled resolutely and made fine passes to his wing men.  Ritchie, who was not unduly prominent yet got to the middle some lovely-length centres. 
There is only need for another word.  Blackburn played Baxter, a boy, at centre half, and took O’Dowd to the wing.  There was a mis-statement of fact in my report I said last night that there was a penalty kick, and afterwards Crawford made a save to balance this penalty kick save by Davies. 

EVERTON’S BIG-GATE-SEASON AND THE REASON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 26 October 1928
LEEDS CANNOT FORGET
Leeds have already given us a taste of their quality this season at Anfield.  They are the second of the promoted sides to come to Goodison Park. Manchester City can never be forgotten.  Will Leeds follow in their wake” who knows. Certainly Everton gained for themselves a following of enormous quantity, thanks to their style of play and the personality of the side- indeed their gates look like breaking record again.  It is not surprising, because the standard of play has been high, even if it has not been so convincing as last season.  The players themselves had admitted that they have not touched their best, but, with the return of wet weather, their style soon showed itself to the public at large, and London positively reeked with praise for the men of Goodison Park.  Such praise often goes before a fall, and it is up to the Everton men to show their own people how well they played at West Ham.  Dunne’s absence leads to Dick Forshaw being given a further run, and Griffiths will “show” a leg” for the benefit of those who have not seen him operating admirably on the right wing operating table.  Leeds have always said they went to the Second Divsion through a faulty penalty kick decision.  They will be keen tomorrow to wipe out the memory of this match the first ever broadcast from Liverpool, I you remember.  These are the teams;- Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor Harry Wearing);- Foxtrot  “One night more”
Waltz  “Was it a dream”
Foxtrot  “Nobreasks”
Foxtrot  “Playground in the sky”
Waltz  “Together”
Foxtrot  “Blue Bird”
Foxtrot  “Oh Doris”
Foxtrot  “How long has this been going on.” 
All by Campbell ad Connelly
EVERTON “A” TEAM
Everton “A” who lead in the County Combination table, play Bootle Celtic, who are second in the league, at Strawberry-lane, tomorrow, at 3.15.  Everton; “A” will choose their team from;- Calvert, Chapman, Pratt, Slater, Jones, Curr, Roscue, Webster, Vaughan, Templeman, Lewis, Heggarty, and Fender. 

GOODISON WAR OF THE ROSES
October 27 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
Such ordinary people as League Champions are likely to be overlooked in these days of the transfer boom, that doesn't but we must not forget Everton's Red Rose responsibility at Goodison park today, with the team who claim that a penalty kick alone sent them to the inferno of the Football League. Still, they are on the same plane now as the Dandy Evertonians, who brilliant spiking of the Arsenal, glided gun has give their supporters hope of a victory over the tough Leeds people. Dunn will be missing from the Goodison van on account of an argument, which Scotland have with Wales at Glasgow, and Forshaw fills the breach. Reed (broke no longer) will play the left-half waltz for the Yorkshiremen, and Cochrane continues in their attack in place of Mitchell, who is still on sick parade. The latest war of the roses will be contested by the following, there being the zero hour: - Everton: - Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup. Leeds United: - Potts; Townsley, Menzies; Edwards, Hart, Reed; Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscott, and Coachrane.

ERIC McGOVERN
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 27 October 1928
Eric McGovern, who has been playing at outside right for the Shell Mex, has signed professional forms for Wrexham. McGovern should be as acquisition to his new club for on his day, he is very clever and has a good shot though he will do better still if he will infuse more “fire “into his work.  McGovern, last season, played with Everton “A” and as he is still quite young, will in all probability do well with his new club.  He has also appeared for Chester. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 October 1928
SPRIGHTLY LEEDS SIDE’S VISIT
By Stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Leeds United; Potts; Townley, Menzies; Edwards, Hart, Reed; Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscoat, Cochrane.  Referee; Mr. A.J. Caseley, Wolverhampton. 
Remembering the importance of this game last year, there was naturally a tremendous crowd at Goodison to-day.  Forty thousand would not be an unjust estimate, and this big concourse of people saw a thrilling opening.  It was not in the nature of a goal, but it was never being so, for Dean tried to crowd through the backs and shot, the ball striking Menzies and going off the full-back’s body to Martin, who instantly let out a drive of power, pace, and direction, and Potts had to do a juggling act before he safely negotiated the trouble.  Edwards, who had been the man of the moment in the international match here on Monday, was not quite his own self during these opening minutes, and he was rather easily beaten, which is unusual for this player.  Having overcome Everton’s surprise tactics, Leeds settled down, and playing good football, got within range of the Everton goal; and when Cochrane made a lob centre; Davies found the ball running through his fingers, but before Jennings could take up the offer Davies had put the ball over his goal-line for a corner.
QUICK SCENE CHANGES
For some minutes Leeds dominated matters.  The game was extraordinarily keen, the manner in which the scenes of action were changed being rather sensational.  First it was Leeds that was having a tilt at the Everton goal; then the boot was on the other foot, and Everton had a go; and during one of the Leeds attacks, Davies had to make two starling saves, one from Cochrane, high up in the air, and another from Tunstall, which was extremely awkward because of the fact that the ball was going away from him.  However, Davies clutched at it and held it as is a vice-grand save which did not pass unnoticed, Dean, through a falter on the part of the Leeds full backs, Townsley and Menzies, was supplied with a possible goal.  I am sure Dean could not have seen how well placed Martin was at the moment, for if he had, I feel certain he would have slipped the ball across to his inside right, who was standing all alone in a perfect scoring position.  Leeds were very quick and Cresswell and O’Donnell had to be very sure both in tackle and clearance to prevent the swift-moving forwards from getting through.  Martin was very clever in his passing, but so far Ritchie had not had a lot to do.  Virr made a pass to Dean which, if it had reached him, would have undoubtedly placed the Leeds goal in jeopardy.  Townsley had foreseen this, and he nipped in as Dean was about to collect Virr’s pass.  The Everton goal had a narrow squeak when the Leeds right wing launched an attack, and when White shot from close in, the ball struck Davies ere it banged up against the upright and out to Turnbull, who was not nearly quick enough to accept a gorgeous opening. 
LEEDS RECRUIT
Dean once made a dribble, beating three men on route, but when he came to apply the finishing touch to the movement he found his shot cannon off an opponent. He came again a second time with another fine dribble, but was charged off the ball as he was wending his way goallward.  Jennings with a judicious pass gave Turnbull an opportunity to slip away from O’Donnell and make a shot that was full of fire, but not direction.  However, Davies was not called upon. Cochrane’s, a useful left winger, who was making his second appearance for Leeds, was one of the side’s shinning lights.  He had speed, ideas, and centres a ball perfectly and judged on this form, there should be a future for this boy.  Martin was fouled just outside the penalty area, and Griffiths, who was playing strongly, shot high over the bar from the free kick.  Potts was very safe, particularly when he had to take a ball in the air when Dean was hovering round.  Then we saw Troup bamboozle Edwards and Cochrane offer Wainscoat a chance which the outside left spoiled by pushing the ball a shade too far forward. Potts was nearly surprised by a ball that travelled between the legs of a lot of players and had to drop on top of it to save.  Dean showed rare opportunism when he let loose a drive from practically the same spot from which he scored his goal for England earlier in the week.  Potts, however, went full length, and edged the ball away to a full-back, who was able to make the necessary clearance Martin was not far out with a header, and Wainscoat was injured for a time.
DAVIES SAVES SPLENDIDLY
Dean and Martin between them worked out a position for Ritchie, which the latter wasted, and then Cresswell saved a certain goal when he kicked away a ball that had been lobbed over Davies’s head, and which was dropping into the Everton goal.  It was again the work of Cochrane which had been instrumental in providing this danger to Everton.  Just on the finish Davies made a brilliant save when a ball seemed to have defeated him, but his lengthy right arm enabled him to edge the ball around the upright.  This was practically the last incident of the half.  Half-time; Everton 0, Leeds United 0.
FAIL TO DO THEMSELVES JUSTICE
WAINTSCOAT’S GOAL
LEEDS UNITED CARRY AWAY BOTH POINTS
There was a roar o surprise when Liverpool’s half-time score became known, and the volume of it was only beaten when Dean headed on to the crossbar from a perfect lob pass by Martin.  Wainscoat made a header which was no trouble to Davies; but when Turnbull shot right across the Everton goal it looked distinctly bad, but, fortunately, from an Everton point of view, Cochrane could not quite reach the ball.  White cleverly kept the ball in play; in fact, he gave Davies an awkward ball to punch away, but Leeds were very determined, and for some time play was confined to the Everton penalty area, but that wasas far as they got, although Cochrane got the better of Turnbull, but found O’Donnell a stumbling-block.  Dean, in trying to kick the ball out of Potts hands injured the goalkeeper to such an extent that eh dropped like a lob, but it was good to see him recover in a minute or two, and a foul was given against the Everton centre-forward.  I do not like to be dogmatic, but I must say that Everton should have had a penalty, for, when Edwards handled the ball, he was undoubtedly well inside the penalty box.  This was the forerunner to at least ten minutes of hectic football, ten minutes crowded with thrills and escapes, and the crowd were thrilled to the bone.  It started when Ritchie put the ball into the middle, where Dean shot, and Potts, with his hand, edged the ball onto the upright.  The next incident was a shot of some power by Troup.  Potts went out to it, but lost his grip on it, and the ball was trickling over the goal-line, until Potts got his hand to it and turned it round the upright.
GOAL BY WAINSCOAT
Some say it was over the line.  I am not one of them.  Still, Everton commanded the situation, and a shot by Ritchie had Potts well beaten, but Menzies had stepped into the breach and was able to kick clear.  As so often happens, the outcome of a burst of this character, a goal comes to the other side and such was the case to-day, for at the 78th minute some work on the Leeds right wing, which to my mind should have been cleared long before the goal arrived, ended by Turnbull making a centre close in and Waincoat was able to head beyond Davies.  Final; Everton 0, Leeds United 1. 

STOCKPORT C RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 October 1928
Six thousand spectators watched a well fought game between Stockport County Res and Everton Res, at Edgley Park.  Stockport had rather the better of the exchanges, but it was not until 35 minutes had elapsed that Lambert, their new centre forward opened the score. Lambert put the home team further ahead just after the interval. 
EVERTON A V BOOTLE CELTIC
Jones gave Celtic the lead.  Gaskell added a second.  Templeman reduced the lead.  Half-time; Everton A 1, Bootle Celtic 2. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 October 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

COUNTY COMBIANTION
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 October 1928
Bootle St. James’ C.Y.M.S keep plodding along, unsuccessfully, and Mr. McAleer must have a large heart for sport.  It is enough to put any man’s heart down when he sees his team beaten week after week.  Everton “A” boys were the opposition at St. James’Park and they also took toll, winning easily by five goals to one.  H.L.

EVERTON 0 LEEDS UNITED 1
October 29 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
WAINSCOTT GIVES LEEDS VICTORY AT GOODISON PARK.
EVERTON POLICY WRONG
CHAMPIONS TARDY AGAINST LIVELY OPPONENTS.
It was the delivery of the first blow, which decided the destination of the points in this game at Goodison Park. Sad to relate, the Champions had an inclination to wait for the ball to come to them instead of going to meet it, whereas the visitors knew that it was a case of the first come the first served. Time after time one saw Everton players hanging back obviously waiting for the ball to come to them. Did they imagine that the visitors were content to let the ball bounce and go to an opponent? Apparently so, but in any event the Leeds were not quite so obliging and made it their business to step in and secure possession before the Blues had a chance to wait for that final hop. The second part of Everton's mistaken policy was the almost continual feeding of Dean or should it be said, the attempts to feed Dean. No matter the angle from which the ball was received, each of the other four forwards and the intermediates endeavored to find "Dixie" and this was merely playing into the hands of the Leeds defence.
LEEDS IN LUCK.
Of course, one could justifiably go so far as to say that the Leeds men were a trifle fortunate to secure both points in fact, a division of the spoils wonld have been fairer. But it stands to the credit of the visitors that they put their all in from start to finish and were able to do the things that matter –score a goal. This goal came only ten minutes from the end when a mistake by O'Donnell gave Turnbull the opportunity to cross a perfect ball to Wainscott who scrambled the ball into the net with Davies already beaten by the centre. The Champions it must be admitted had hard luck on one or two occasions when the frame work was struck and other shot only just missed finding the resting place in the net by a matter of inches, but the display as a whole was totally unconvincing. Dunn was missed from the front line. This fact must be appreciated, although Martin tried his level best to wear the mantle of the International. However, there was no understanding between the right flank of the attack, and with Weldon not quite in form, Troup was not able to give the opposing defence as much work as he is able.
DEAN OVERWORKED.
Dean was obviously overworked with passes which rarely looked like affording him the long awaited chance to score, and so the attack appeared ragged against the best line on the field – the Leeds half-backs. In the trio one saw men who stopped at nothing except questionable tactics their tackling and feeding being a source of sheer delight. Edwards was excellent, but Hart and Reed contrived to keep on the heels of the international on the point of merit. On the Everton side an intermediate was the star performer this being Griffiths, who throughout displayed undoubted skill in all phases of the game. Hunter Hart and Virr were hardly up to standard, although they fought hard to bring about an improvement in an attack which from first to last was disjointed. Everton can take consolation in the fact that they were beaten by one of the liveliest sides in the First Division. Teams: - Everton: - Davies Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Griffiths, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Leeds United: - Potts, goal, Townsley, and Menzies, backs, Edwards, Hart and Reed, half-backs, Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscott, and Cochrane, forwards. Referee A.J. Caseley.

DUNN'S GOAL FOR SCOTLAND
October 29 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
SCOTLAND 4 WALES 2
Wales, though beaten at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, put up a creditable show, Dunn of Everton was one of the success of the match, who scored the fourth goal after jack had taken the ball through and given him a perfect pass.

STOCKPORT COUNTY RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 0
October 29 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 12)
Lambert, the new Stockport centre, was responsible for the "hat-trick" at Edgeley Park, where play in the first half was fast and strenuous with the home side the better by one goal. In the second half both sets of forwards flagged and play lacked much interest. The Stockport backs and halves played a bustling game and occasional raids by the Everton forwards were always speedily repulsed. Stockport were well worth the victory. There was a crowd of 6,000.

A LEEDS LEAP
Athletic News - Monday 29 October 1928
UNITED IN ROLE OF CLASSIC PLAY WITH WINNING CHALLENGE TO CHAMPIONS
TEAM TOGETEHR
EVERTON 0, LEEDS UNITED 1
By Impressionist.
When a team of Everton’s caliber are beaten at home, the general question is that something went badly wrong, or they were the victim of some grievous misfortune.  Let such thoughts take wing on the of illusion with reference to their downfall at Goodison Park.  Leeds United, only just promoted from secondary football, by your leave, being the conquerors.  The champions have experienced inferiority.  Maybe they will do so again; such is the psychology and the fortune of football .  Further to that I assert they will not this season be beaten by so intrinsically able a team, one with the qualities entitling them fully to be matched with the side riding on championship honours.  It would not be a case of smug complacency on the part of Everton, did they tell themselves that, come weal or come woe, no team can play the football just like they are capable of. They might go further, and say that the championship was gained by the survival of craft as against brilliancy.  This latter viewpoint at any rate is well founded.  Any admirer of football’s realities without partisan oppression will concede to Everton the will to provide the best which has been traditional of the club from the eighties. 
AMBITIOUS LEEDS
Now, all this comes back to Leeds United, a mushroom growth compared with the old originals, a mounting to this; that in another centre of the football universe there is the desire to promote the game’s highest plane of science and efficiency.  Leeds United went down to the Second Division a good side. Coming through that severe probation, they are in the class which gives room for their conception of the classic and the correct.  They not only hold their elevation, but are on the high way to reaped the performances of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in going straight from promotion to the leadership of the League.  The higher the quality of the opposition the more it appeals to Leeds United.  Consequently Everton had a shock finding opposition every piece as good as themselves.  For more than a half of the champions were, under the Leeds superiority complex.  Every artistic they made had a counterpart in the United, done with a little more expedition, a quicker grasp of detail and probability.  In occurred to me that Everton were over wrongly dismembered by the very methods they have used on others to annihilating purpose. A majestic effort was made by the champions to prove their worth by winning through in the end.  Faith was restored and just when it appeared certain to take concrete form, Leeds obtained the only goal. Taking all the near things into account-the hair’s breadth difference which mortals discriminate between good luck and bad luck, and gaping gifts which willing enough feet did not turn just the right way- everyone would have been satisfied with a draw. 
LEFT TO DEAN
Until, and after the goal came, Leeds United did nothing quite so contingent to getting the ball through, as when Dean headed on to the bar and again sent the ball trickling on to the post.  Moreover, Troup came on to the ball at the half-volley, and Potts rose to goalkeeping heights in falling to it and clutching at the second attempt.  Some argument, around and about, arose as to whether in this incident the ball passed over the line, I had a clear view.  Not a part of it did; and the law says the whole must be over for a goal to be scored.  Similarly it is high time linesmen realized that the ball is not in touch unless the whole of it is over the line.  Leeds United were vividly near scoring.  Just inches mattered.  The positive escape was when Jennings’s head diverted the ball with Davies nowhere near to stay it, and Cresswell saved a goal by kicking away a foot or so in front of the line.  Still one had an idea that Leeds might deliver the fateful blow.  During the best period of their attacking Everton’s temperamental stability, strikingly apart from the rest, was shown by Hart, Cresswell well and O’Donnell.  All through this trio was hard worked.  Once Jove nodded.  The ball squirmed off O’Donnell, and Turnbull lobbed it against the far post.  Wainscoat followed the flight better than Davies, the goalkeeper, and carried it into the net with him.  This happened too near the close for Everton to recover- against the Leeds class, at all events. 
THE OLD FOUNDATION
Two wings of diversity in penetration as embodied in Turnbull and Cochrane, and two strategic inside men in White and Wainscoat –with the last named the mobile personality above all- are something to found an attack on.  In a close scrutiny of the teams, however, the secret of success to my mind was the Leeds half-backs, who revived a memory of the past when half-backs combined among themselves.  A feature of this game was the unexpected and progressive exchanges between Edwards and Hart, the two paramount in their divisions.  As to Edward, he is, in my opinion, the best half-back playing.  Townsley, besides being a fine back, tackling and fighting a rearguard action, participated in these cunning interludes, while Menzies on the other flank made short work of Everton’s right wing, from which, of course, Dunn was absent.  The Everton drawback is forward, for Griffiths lends distinction to the middle line, and it is Dean’s ability and reputation that are suffering through inside forwards who will not shoulder some of the finishing responsibility themselves, and do some uncovering play on his behalf.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Leeds United; Potts; Townsley, Menzies; Edwards, Hart, Reed; Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscoat, and Cochrane.  Referee; Mr. A.J. Caseley, Wolverhampton. 

UNITED RISE TO THE OCCASION
Leeds Mercury - Monday 29 October 1928
WAINSCOTT’S GRAT GOAL
POTT’S CHARMED LIFE AT EVERTON
Scorer; Leeds United –Wainscoat-1 goal, Everton nil.
Leeds United delighted the spectators at Goodison Park by their brilliant exhibition of first-class football, and though they may have been a trifle fortunate to take both points there was no denying that they played a more effective style at game than the Everton side.  Wainscoat was the only scorer of the day, and as is often the case his goal came after the opposing side had been indulging in a hot attack.
THE DECIDING GOAL
Menzies cleared on the goal line after Potts had been beaten, and Leeds, dashing away on the right, ran through the home defence in spirited fashion.  Turnout provided the centre, and Wainscoat with a beautifully placed header put the ball beyond the outstretched hands of Davies.  Everton considered themselves unlucky, for they claimed that the ball had gone over the line at the other end when Menzies cleared.  In the first half Leeds were the superior side.  Their work bore the unmistakable stamp of class, and they had Everton “on the collar” for the full forty-five minutes, without, however, being able to force home their advantage, thanks to the stubborn defence of Cresswell and O’Donnell, and the brilliant goalkeeping of Davies. 
HEROIC WORK OF POTTS
After the interval, the boot was on the other leg.  Leeds faded out somewhat, and with Everton improving every minute the United goal underwent a heavy bombardment.  Potts, however, rose to the occasion in splendid fashion. He seemed to bear a charmed life and saved on numerous occasions when a goal seemed certain.  Townsley and Menzies were equally as good and stood up in praiseworthy manner to all Everton’s onslaughts.  The home side lost mainly through their persistence in playing to Dean, who was completely “bottled up” by Hart and Townsley, assisted when necessary by Edwards.  Dean was never given a solitary chance, but still Everton continued to ply him with passes instead of opening out via their wings. 
HART’S STORMING WORK
Hart, in particular, played a storming game against the home centre, and in the first half found time also to give a hand with the attack.  Edwards was not so prominent as in the International match at Goodison Park on Monday, but nevertheless managed to nullify the efforts of Weldon and Troup, while Reed did similarly with his opposing wing.  The best of the front line were Cochrane and Turnbull, who proved themselves speedy and dangerous wingers.  The former was constantly in the picture with fine individual runs and was responsible for a succession of accurate centres which should have been made better use of by the inside men.  Wainscoat was a persistent raiders who always followed up on the off chance, and though Jennings and White did nothing to distinguish themselves individually, they kept their colleagues supplied with opportunities. 
THE BETTER SIDE
Taking the play all round the points went to the better side.  There was not a great deal in it, and Everton deserved some recompense for their second half display.  But the United showed more method and combination in their work.  It was a fast game, keenly contested from start to finish by two sporting sides, and it provided one of the brightest exhibitions seen at Goodison Park for a long time.  On this showing, Leeds are the best team Liverpool spectators have seen this season, and they are good enough to put forth a strong championship effort. 

EVERTON’S HOME FAILURE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 29 October 1928
THE CAUSE AND EFFECT
By Stork
Though most of us anticipated a desperate struggle from the meeting of Everton and Leeds United, nobody anticipated a Yorkshire victory, with the exception of one lady in the stand, who also had the audacity to back her words with pence.  How she worked it out I cannot say, for Goodison Park had until Saturday been a graveyard to Leeds United, who have never before won at Walton.  The past few seasons, however, have proved that home advantage is of little account, and how people get twenty-four correct results with such topsy-turvy form as a guide is beyond me.  True, Leeds were somewhat fortunate to get their goal ten minutes from the end, for to my way of thinking Turnbull’s centre should never have reached Wainscoat, but that is just how matches are won and lost.  One might say that if the Leeds crossbar had been higher, and that if the post had not stood in the way.  Everton would have won.  I do contend, however, that the “Blues” should have had a penalty kick, for when Edwards handled he was distinctly inside the forbidden area, and if it was a foul at all it could have bene but one thing a penalty.  Still all these things apart Everton helped Leeds on to victory by their tactics which have been all too prominent this season- the over-feeding of Dean.  Now, as everybody knows, Dean is the most closely watched man in football today, but his colleagues will persist in sending the ball to him even when it is apparent that he has no chance of getting through the fortification built up against him, whereas a ball to the wing men must of necessity take a defender away from Dean and thus lessen the weight thrown against him.  If one man is going to be entrusted with all the shooting does it not follows that the opposition has but to concentrate on this solitary member with more than an outside chance of victory.  This was apparent against Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers, and in a lesser degree against Leeds on Saturday, and that to my mind was one of the causes of Everton’s latest defeat. 
UPWARD AND ONWARD
The above is not written to disparage Leeds’ success for up to a point they were worth the victory, for they employed open tactics, exploited their wings so that the Everton defence was constantly on the move eluded away from the inside men, and their passing was done instantly, without any endeavor to double back or wheedle round with the ball.  That was the big difference between the sides.  Upward and onwards was their motto, and in the first session they had the better of the argument, and Davies had to make many thrilling saves, one in particularly late on in the half which would have beaten many goalkeepers.  Potts greatest trouble had been at the start and finish of the half, when he had to save from Martin and then flung himself at a Dean shot a similar shot to that which defeated Elisha Scott in the International match.  Leeds had undoubtedly done well, especially at full back, where Townsley, a former half back, played a magnificent game, time and again nipping in to intercept a pass that was intended for Dean.  Menzies was little removed from his partner, while Edwards and Hart in the half-back line were simply great.
LEEDS ON THE KNEE
For fifteen minutes in the final fling Everton simply overwhelmed Leeds, and the United goal had some lucky escapes, once when Dean headed on to the crossbar, again when Potts fumbled a shot from Troup and saw it trickling over his goal line, and in his frantic endeavor to snatch it back he pushed it on to the post and out of play.  Then Menzies kicked out a certain scoring shot from Ritchie.  There was no doubt that at this point in the game Everton and Leeds on their knees, and it seemed only a question of how long a goal would be delayed, but when it came it was not from the source anticipated –it was a goal to Wainscoat, who headed in a centre by Tunstall.  Turnbull and Cochrane were Leed’s best forwards, although Wainwscoat was a clever schemer.  The rest of the side you know about.  Now to Everton.  Martin was clever in the initial half, but Ritchie was not so good, his centring being at fault, while Troup was not up to his usual good standard.  Weldon like the rest of the line, suffered from “Deanitis,” and there you have the whole line in a nutshell.  The defence was good with the one exception when Leeds got their goal.  Griffiths on his form cannot be moved.  He only made one error and that was the giving away of a corner.  When that is obliterated from the memory it leaves the opinion that Griffiths was splendid, and with Hart, was joint favourite for half back honours. 

DEAN UNFIT FOR TODAY.
October 30 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON'S LANCASHIRE CUP CHANGES.
"Dixie" Dean is one of an Everton batch of "casualties" announced yesterday, and on account of not being fit he will not, with Ritchie and Weldon play in the third round tie of the Lancashire Senior Cup Competition at Boundary Park, Oldham today. The sides drew at Goodison Park. White has been introduced to the Everton team as deputy for Dean, Martin takes Weldon's place, and Critchley plays at outside-right instead of Ritchie. Team: - Davies, Cresswell, O'Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, White, Martin, and Troup.

EVERTON CUP-TIE AT OLDHAM
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 30 October 1928
Everton meet Oldham Athletic to-day in a Lancashire Cup tie at Oldham, but owing to injuries Ritchie, Dean, and Weldon will not be able to play.  White is to take the centre forward position, while Critchley and Meston are to be inclined in the team. 

LANCASHIRE CUP
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 30 October 1928
EVERTON’SBID FOR ANOTHER TROUPHY
Dean was an absentee from the Everton side which met Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park, this afternoon, in the third round of the Lancashire Cup competition.  Four changes in the forward line were made by the visitors, Martin crossing over to inside left, White deputizing for Dean, Dunn being at inside right, and Critchley at outside right.  The Athletic were with Grundy, and Porter was introduced at left back.  The Athletic were early away, and Pynegar came near scoring.  Everton forced a corner, and Dunn looked a certain scorer, but gained the upright.  In reply the home left wing went away, but Watson spoiled a great opportunity by over-kicking.  Watson next had a golden opportunity, but with a terrific shot, taken on the run, he skimmed the bar.  The Everton forwards were showing clever footwork, and several times bewildered the home defenders with their ground passing.  Fifteen minutes from the start Hargreaves tried a surprise shot from well out, and Davies had to throw himself full length to get at the ball. He merely turned it aside, but recovered sufficiently to hold a smart return shot from Watson.  A minute later Watson dribbled forward and lifted the ball across to Dyson, who failed to bring it under control when only three yards out, and a great chance went abegging.  A header by Harris caused Davies to run well out of his goal, and the danger only being partially cleared Harris had another chance, but he was given offside- a decision which was resented by the crowd.  At the end of twenty minutes Everton opened the scoring as a result of a clever passing movement which resulted in Whyte beating Hacking with a high shot which lodged in the roof of the netting from close range.  The Athletic appealed for offside, but the referee was against them.  Dyson should have equalised, but slipped in the act of shooting.  A little later the right winger sent in a hard shot, which Davies had great difficulty in holding.  Near the interval Everton came near getting a second goal when Dunn stuck the post with a hard drive.  Naylor forced a way through the Everton defence and offered to Dyson a chance, but he shot tamely into the hands of Davies.  Martin and Troup combined cleverly in a passing movement, but the former sent just wide with an oblique shot.  Half-time; Everton 1, Oldham Ath 0.

OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1 EVERTON 1
October 31 st 1928. The Daily Courier.
LANCASHIRE SENIOR CUP THIRD ROUND
OLDHAM'S LATE EQUALISER
A crowd of 5,000 saw Oldham drew with Everton, at Boundary Park, in the third round of the Lancashire Senior Cup Competition yesterday, and the result was a fair reflex of the general play. For a long time it seemed as if Everton would win through by a single goal scored 23 minutes after the start by White, while the Athletic defenders were vainly appealing for offside. A quarter of an hour from the end, however, following a centre by Watson, Dyson trapped the ball neatly and beat Davies with a rising shot. Everton were with Dixie Dean Ritchie, and Weldon, and their attack there by lost a good deal of it sting, but in the first half the forwards were always on the look-out for scoring chances, and Hacking in the home goal, was called on to make a number of fine saves. As a line, the Everton attack was rather more virile and purposeful than that of the home team. Though White notched a goal he was only a mediocre substitute for dean, and could not always hold the line together. Dunn was the better inside forward, his snap shots giving some trouble and Troup generally finished his work in excellent style. The halves assisted the attack in constructive work and Cresswell was the better back, his clearances being cool and his positional play good. Considering their lowly position in the Second Division, Oldham played by no means badly, but their old weakness, bad finishing was apparent. Dyson assisting one or two excellent chances. They had as much of the play as their opponents, but their forward combination was not of the best. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Griffiths, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Dunn, White, Martin, and Troup, forwards.

CUP DRAWS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 31 October 1928
Bee’s Notes
There were two cup draws yesterday; one was irksome, because it was that obtained by Everton at Oldham, and this means yet another mid-week game for a side that has had, one might say, far too many already. The other was a cup draw in connection with the handling code.  Everton could consider themselves somewhat unfortunate not to win against Oldham Athletic, at Boundary Park, in the third round of the Lancashire Cup competition, yesterday; but, on the other hand, it might be said that Oldham deserved the draw if only for their courage and determination against odds.  During the second half their centre-forward, Harris, was little more than a passenger on the wing, owing to injury.  The visitors took the lead twenty minutes’ play, when White scored a fine goal following some clever work by the Everton forwards.  They maintained the lead until a quarter of an hour from the end, when Watson, the speedy home left winger, ran the ball down and centred across the goalmouth for Dyson to beat Davies with a hard drive.  Whenever the Everton forwards got near the goal they were decidedly dangerous.  They took every opportunity of a shot, and were mostly on the target.  The fine custodianship of Hacking defied their best efforts, but had Dean been leading the line there is little doubt about what the result would have been.  White made a creditable substitute, but there were times when the good wing work by Troup and Martin should have been turned to better account by the centre-forward.  Both the Everton backs and half-backs played aggressive football, and Virr especially was a clever and resourceful wing half-back.  After their goal Everton gave the impression at times of trying to be too clever, as it were.  Had they swung the ball about a little more on the heavy ground they might have gained from it.  Davies had at least three really brilliant saved to his credit.  Cresswell was the star back of the day, his coolness under pressure, his well-judged placing of the ball, and his magnificent tackling were features of a game which will rank as one of the best of the season at Boundary Park. 
WEAVER MOVES
Walter Weaver, the ex-Everton, Burnley and Wolverhampton player, has been signed by Bolton Wanderers.  He plays for their reserve side on Saturday.  Weaver is an old Birkenhead schoolboy player, who went to South Liverpool, and then partnered Cross in a memorable Burnley wing partnership. He had a free transfer from Wolverhampton, who protested to the Football league when Bolton attempted to get his signature.  The League, however, saw no reason why the player should not go to the Lancashire club.  A knee injury had kept him out of the game for some time, and recently Weaver had been on the League compensation list.  Now, according to a specialist, his knee is quite sound.  Bolton have a good man at no cost. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 1928