EVERTON'S DEBATE 
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 01 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
Exchanged Hotel.  A secret meeting.  Press not even eyeing the keyhole or listening-in.  Chair taken by Mr. W.C. Cuff.  A full attendance.  Procceedings long, agenda ditto; reports from Scottish emissaries or missionaries.  Debates; here and there a sly, humourious touch.  Let the lighter fly have its fling in these dark days.  Main object; Picking the team.  Not quite satisfied.  Injured members report right; in they go-Thomson and Clark, weight added to the half-back line.  Attack –Arsenal’s style of shooting contrasted with Everton’s.  We lack the devilry of the Gunners fire.  Perhaps White’s introduction would make a difference.  He scored three at Portsmouth, you know, and he had perhaps four chances all told.  So be it.    White for Dunn.  Now the defence.  Ben Williams is fit after his international injury.  He makes his first appearance of the season in place of the man Bocking, who has done so well for his new side. 

RETURN OF EVERTON BACKS
October 2 nd , 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
For their match against Blackpool, at Goodison Park, on Saturday, Everton are making a few changes compared with the team that lost to the Arsenal. These alterations, in the main, are occasioned by the recovery after illness and injury to players, Williams, who has not played in the Senior team since he was hurt last season in the Welsh International match, has now recovered, and he will make his first appearance this term as partner to Cresswell, Bocking dropping into the second team. The wing half's Clark and Thomson, have recovered from illness, and displace McClure and McPherson.
In the Arsenal match Dunn received an injury to his leg and is not quite fit, so that White comes into the side as partner to Critchley. The team is Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. The Reserves team to visit Blackpool in the Central League is Holdcroft; Bocking, Lowe; Britton, Griffiths, Archer; Worrall, Cunliffe, Reed, Fryer, Rigby.

EVERTON MEET THEIR FORMER PLAYERS, WILKINSON AND O'DONNELL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton’s home-coming is to a set of spectators who have doubtless read a multitude of views about the defeat at Highbury. Let me tell you that the players and officials of the losing club very sportingly said on Sunday. “We were lucky to get off so lightly. It was good football and few clubs could have lived with that team on the form they showed. “That is better than banking on the verdict of 2-3, and trying to make ill-luck enter the situation.  You know my views; I do not need to recount them. It is my firm belief that Everton can win a number of matches if their forwards shoot. Every Gunner was a shooter; wing man, inner man, center man; they all had a fine free drive at goal when they got near. They got near through the cutest and most direct passes, whereas Everton were not sharp to the motion nor were they instant shooters in front of goal. There was no shooter who bad the bludgeoning shooting force of Bastin, and even James let out one care-free drive that was a veritable force. Everton have all their forward-card marked by such a game. In meeting Blackpool they will doubtless run into the defensive juggler, O’Donnell, and into Monty Wilkinson’s sinuous runs on the right flank. Blackpool have singed on players wholesale,  and no club has a bigger staff or a  more enthusiastic lot of men—led, of  course, by the man Hampson, the quiet  man off the field, but the quick snapper-up  of shooting chances on the field.  Hampson is deadly and had already got into the good books of the selectors of representative teams who have to choose between Dean, Waring, and Hampson-three of a kind-a differing kind.  It will be hard, relentless, rugged football, with splashes of fine football finesse tomorrow at Goodison Park, and I think the big gathering of spectators will enjoy a home victory of good margin-on one condition; The home forwards must each take a shot-share.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 
GOODISON MUSIC
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor Mr. Harry Wearing)-Programme includes Haratio Nicholls, latest big success.  “Time Will Tell,” which will be played at half-time.
March “Blaze Away” –Lawrence Wright
Waltz, “Put your loving arms around one,” Lawrence Wright
Grand selection “Oberon”  -Weber
Waltz  “Lucerne,- Lawrence Wright
Selection, “Zampa- herold
Fox trot “I hue Will Tell” -Horatio Nicholls
March, “Avondale,- Vernie

BLACKPOOL AT GOODISON.
October 3 rd 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Association rules is the visit to Goodison park, a club which has not altogether enhanced its reputation in its short sojourn in the First Divison, but today the team, representing the seaside club will make Everton play at the top of their form. The Goodison park team has under gone Four changes from last Saturday, recognised first team members having recovery from illness and injuries, and so Williams, the former captain of the side, returns to the team for the first time this season, following the injury sustained in the Welsh International match near the close of last season. Thomson resumes in the wing half position in place of McClure and McPherson. Dunn drops out owing injury, and while partners Critchley, Blackpool will led by the dangerous Hampson, and additional interest in centred in the appearance, of the former Everton players, O'Donnell and Wilkinson. The kick off is at 3-15, and the teams are; Sagar, Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Blackpool; Maggs; Grant, O'Donnell; Watson, Longsden, Tuffnell; Wilkinson, Upson, Hampson, McCleklland, Lax.

GOODISON PENALTY INCIDENTS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 October 1931
REFEREE’S ROUND OF LECTURES
EVERTON FILCH LEAD FROM BLACKPOOL
By Stork
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clarke, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Blackpool; Maggs; Grant, O’Donnell; Watson, Longden, Tuffnell; Wilkinson, Upton, Hampson, McClelland, Lax.  Referee-Mr. W.E. Rycroft, Nelson. 
Back to summer! At least it was a summer day, and we have had all too few this year. Naturally a big crowd came to see Blackpool and O'Donnell, for Johnnie was a very popular lad when he was at Everton.  You all know of Everton's team changes, so there is no occasion to repeat them, but I would like to say that Jimmie Dunn's foot injury is going on nicely.  Dean came very near to repeating his Derby game goal when he got clear of the Blackpool backs and appeared likely to go through with the good work, but failed when he tried to edge Critchley’s centre over towards the left.  O'Donnell was soon in the picture in a heading affair, and then loomed up largely when he and his colleague, Grant, nearly got caught in their own offside trap.  Dean was palpably offside. He knew it, too, and refrained from moving so as not to commit any infringement.  Critchley, however, had the good sense to see at least he was all right, and he easily beat O'Donnell and others in the race for the ball, and subsequently got across a centre which, however, caused little or no concern to Maggs, the Blackpool goalkeeper.  A corner to Everton perfectly placed by Stein, and Dean had also perfectly placed himself to receive it, and it was a smart catch by Maggs, which kept the Everton centre's header out of the net.  Blackpool were centring upon their  crack scorer, Hampson, and there was  no getting away from the fact that he  was a very live proposition when there  was any shooting to be done, for he  once brought Sagar down to his knees  to a shot taken as the ball was moving past.  Some of Everton's passing movements were cleverly conceived, and the referee made two sterling decisions when he first gave Critchley offside and then White when there were open goals facing the two men named.  Gee stopped a forward rush by the Blackpool inside forwards by stabbing the ball just as Hampson was about to hit it. The Seasiders brought some pressure to bear, so that the Everton defence could show its full worth, but McClelland was well offside when he put a shot into the Everson goal. 
SECOND OFFSIDE GOAL 
Offsides were unusually common, end for the second time Blackpool found the net, this time through Hampson.   Dean's passing was just perfect, and Johnson, too, was putting them well up to his men, yet, for all that, Maggs could not be called a busy man so ably was he covered by those immediately in front of him.  O'Donnell was knocked flat by a “beefy” White charge, but no damage was done. Hampson showed commendable sportsmanship when he refused to have anything to do with Sagar when the Everton goalkeeper, after having pulled down a centre, slipped up and came to earth.  Hampson simply stood alongside and watched Sagar rise to his feet, but immediately he got in an upright position the Blackpool centre charged him.  So far the game had been quite  entertaining, if not brilliant, and I  should say that the Blackpool goal had  more escapes; one when, with a cluster  of pairs in front of goal, Johnson tried  to find a way through the only available  opening. The direction was good, but there was no speed behind the ball. Dean tried to put a little more pace behind it, but Maggs was able to turn the ball away from his goal.  Blackpool were a lively set. They took little time to turn the trend of play; one minute they were defending heartily, while the next they were contesting the issue with the Everton rear-guard men.  Dean, who had a penchant for working  over to the left wing, went that way  when he defeated Longden, and  although he was badly angled when he  made his shooting stroke, his shot,  which went cereal the goalmouth, would  have to turned into a goal if any of his colleagues had been up with the play. 
McCLELLAND NETS 
If Blackpool lacked the artistry of Everton they were extremely dangerous when they launched an attack. At twenty-six minutes it was through sheer persistency that they took a goal.  One or two forwards had tried their skill at goal-making, but the Everton defence had proved equal to all calls until a weak clearances found its way  to the feet of McClelland, who,  without any hesitation whatever, shot past the flying Sagar, who had no  chance despite his effort.  Not for the first time the weight of White and O'Donnell clashed, and the latter made an appeal to the referee, following which Everton were awarded a free kick which was taken by Clark.  The half back hit a tremendous shot, Maggs making a brilliant save.
A PENALTY SQUABBLE 
It was just after this that Everton got the equalizing goal.  It was not a satisfactory one either, because it was taken through a penalty award, a righteous one, for Longden undoubtedly knocked the ball down with his arms.  The referee had some trouble over this spot kick, for four and sometimes five  Blackpool men surrounded Johnson, who was deputed to take the kick, and as he  was placing the ball on the spot, first  one turned it over and then another,  until the referee went among them and  commanded them to stand back.  Dean also objected to the position of the goalkeeper, and before Johnson scored with the kick the referee had to go and have a few words with Maggs. 
WHITE INCREASES
This was the forerunner of strong Everton pressure, and Dean was not far off with an oblique shot that passed wide.  White also headed on to the cross-bar, and at the fortieth minute the same player scored a second goal for Everton after staunch work by Dean and Critchley, the winger pushing the ball along the ground to White, so that the latter could take a first time drive.  Just previously Sagar showed just how good he can be with balls that are in the air, and Lax displayed an impetuosity for shooting when a ball in the middle would have been of much more worth than a ball behind and in the crowd.  Johnson was pulled up for offside when in my opinion; he was well on because he had been running up all the time.  Half-time- Everton 2, Blackpool 1. 
EVERTON HUSTLED
BLACKPOOL PLAY OPEN GAME
SECOND HALF TALE
A PENALTY INCIDENT AT GOODISON PARK
Blackpool made a more determined fight than many had expected, and even though their methods were not so brilliant, their open game took them far, and in the And Everton had to do some hustling to gain full points.  Blackpool undoubtedly had most of the luck of the game, their second goal was practically given to them, yet one had to admire their fighting qualities.  Maggs made several great saves, but there were times when Dame Fortune smiled upon him, for shots struck him when he could have known little about them.  For the greater part of the second half Everton were right on top of their rivals, and fully deserved their victory. 
In the first half, McClelland, Johnson, and White scored.  The exchanges were just as rapid in the second half as they had been previously, and after Maggs had been hurt by White and Dean had cleverly kept the ball in play to no purpose, Blackpool drew level in a simple sort of way. 
A FATAL PASS BACK 
They had been attacking for some minutes and were giving the Everton defence a hot time, so much so that Johnson was working in the capacity of third full back, and it was he who made Blackpool’s second goal possible.  He made a short pass back to his  goalkeeper, which was not a good plan,  considering that the goalmouth was  packed full of players, and although  Sagar dashed out to take this pass, he  had little chance of getting it before  McClelland, who nipped in and shot  into the vacant net.  Everton should have gone ahead again, for Johnson, this time figuring at inside right, crashed a shot on to Magg’s legs, the goalkeeper having little knowledge of what was going on.   This brought out more fire from Everton, and for a long spell they kept O’Donnell and Company moving about at a quick pace in their efforts to save Maggs from being troubled.  They were successful to a point, but Dean must be considered unlucky with two fine efforts, the first of which cannoned away from the advancing Maggs, the second being smartly saved by the former Villa keeper.  White nearly beat Maggs with a shot low down, which the goalkeeper fell upon and only just prevented passing him. Ben Williams made a timely tackle to check the progress of Hampson, and Dean offered yet another shot when he nodded the ball back to Stein, who, however, got underneath it.  Dean Misses so few opportunities that it was surprising to see him kick round a Critchley when he was only six yards from goal. The explanation of this miss was that Dean had not anticipated a return from Critchley.   Lax made two good dribbles and two equally fine passes to McClelland. O’Donnell revelled in his hard work, and Critchley found him ruthless men when he came to gripe with his former colleague.  O'Donnell tried to be a clever, and Critchley took advantage of it to supply White with a fine scoring opening, and the latter hit a ferocious drive that could not have been more than an inch outside the upright.
JOHNSON DECIDES
Everton were undoubtedly on top at this period, and but for a slip Dean would most certainly have scored from a perfect pass down the middle by Gee. The Third goal, however, was not long delayed, and at seventy-eight minutes Johnson, who had worked over to the right, ran up to accept a pass by Stein and shoot into the net.  Some said Johnson was offside.  It could not have been so, for he had to run some yards to get to the ball.  Williams and Hampson crashed their heads together in a heading bout, but fortunately neither had to retire.  Just on time O’Donnell handled the ball and was undoubtedly inside the penalty area, but was canny enough to move up a step or two and save a penalty kick, the free brought no advantage to Everton.  Final; Everton 3, Blackpool 2. 

BLACKPOOL RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, October 3, 1931
Blackpool had the advantage in the first half owing to smarter forward play, and many times Everton’s fate depended on the excellent game being played by the goalkeeper Holdcroft.  Martin scored for Blackpool after eight minutes, and although the home side continued to have the better of the game they were not able to find the net again.  After half an hour’s play in the second half Ramsey increased Blackpool’s lead.  Final; Blackpool Res 2, Everton Res 1. 

STUD MARK
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 October 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• Have Blackpool found the O-zone at Goodison today?
• The former would also have liked Gordon Reed, the young Spennymoor United centre forward secured by Everton. 
• When Everton got their first goal at Anfield recently Dean was left uncovered, and Scott without visible means of support!

EVERTON 3 BLACKPOOL 2
October 5 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Blackpool Test Everton.
Johnson's late Goal, decides issue.
By "Stork."
It took Everton a long time to overcome Blackpool, who, to most minds, were not considered strong, and in the end Everton had to fight hard to obtain an odd goal to give them the full points. Blackpool were imbued with a fighting spirit, and their determination caused Everton many unsettled moments. They actually scored the opening goal; led at the half stage only to level matters in the first two or three minutes of the second half, and then held on until Everton threw the whole of their weight at their defence and scored a winning goal at the 78 th minute.
Superior Craftmen.
It was not a brilliant game, but there could be no disputing that the Goodison Park side were the superior craftsmen in the matter of scientific football, 'yet here they were fighting for a winning goal. It was Blackpool's open play, which made them a dangerous side. They turned the play with one kick, whereas Everton wanted to do it with two or three. Whatever luck they was in the game in doubtedly went to Blackpool, for there were occasions when Maggs, their goalkeeper, had the greatest fortune in getting in the way of shots that were bound for his net. Twice the ball rattled against his legs when he had no idea as to its whereabouts and he was well beaten when White headed on to the crossbar. Still, there were times when he made great saves, one in particular from Clark, who had driven in a swift shot. It was in defence that Blackpool showed their strength, O'Donnell save a sound exhibition at left back. At one point he was inclined to be ultra-clever, and was made to suffer in consequence and if a goal had come from Critchley's centre no one else would have been to blame for that goal, but O'Donnell, Blackpool's goal could have been prevented. Their first was made possible owing to a weak clearance from which McClelland scored the ball and sent it flashing into the net. The second was the direct result of bad tactics. Blackpool were attacking in hearty fashion, and to help the stave off the pressure Johnson fell back among his defenders. A pass went astray however, and McClelland scored.
Johnson Makes Amends.
Johnson made ample amends with two goals. His first from a penalty which might easily have caused trouble. Longden undoubtedly "armed" the ball, and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a spot kick. Then the trouble started. Johnson deputed to take the kick, placed the ball on the spot, but was immediately surrounded by Blackpool players. It was a case of trying to unsettle the shooter. Two minutes passed before the Blackpool players would stand off, then Dean objected to the position of the goalkeeper, who seemed to be standing in front of his goalline. Mr. Rycroft had a word with Maggs before Johnson scored. Wonder what the English selectors would have thought about the opposing centre-forwards? They were there, but they could hardly select Hampson, on this showing, for the Blackpool centre played a poor game. I doubt he had more than two shots, and he was not nearly so good as Dean as a distributor of the ball. Dean was luckless with his shooting. But he did considerably more than Hampson, who was not "shadowed," nearly so effectively by Gee as Dean was by Longden. Longsden, standing at Dean's should almost throughout, headed the ball in every conceivable way so long as he kept it away from Dean, which meant that Dean had few chances.
Sporting Gesture.
White was the one Everton forward to take a first time drive, and apart from his goal he had many worthy efforts. He and Critchley made the better wing, but Johnson worked hard in all parts of the field. He got the winning goal from the inside-right position. Gee and Clark were the best half-backs, for Thomson seemed to lack his usual fire. Cresswell and Williams were a sound pair, and Sagar, on his present form, cannot be moved. There was one sporting gesture by Hampson, when Sagar, after catching a high ball, fell, but Hampson refrained from tackling him. Standing looking on until the goalkeeper rose to his feet; then he challenged him. Lax, the young Lincoln outside-left, impressed, but the Blackpool defence was its strong point. Teams; Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Blackpool; - Maggs, goal; Grant and O'Donnell, backs; Watson, Longden, and Tuffnell, half-backs; Wilkinson, Upton, Hampton, McClelland, and Lax, forwards.

BLACKPOOL RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
October 5 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 8)
Everton Reserves were not very convincing in attack at Blackpool, and much useful work was thrown away by faulty finishing. Blackpool held the upper hand in the first half, but after the interval Everton rallied strongly and Rigby scored, after two goals had been disallowed for offside. Griffiths, Britton, Fryer, and Rigby were outstanding players. Everton; - Holdcroft, goal; Bocking and Lowe, backs; Britton, TP Griffiths, and Archer, half-backs; Worrall, Cunliffe, Reed, Fryer and Leyfield, forwards.
Everton "A" 2 Bootle 6
Liverpool County Combination.
At Stopgate Lane. Robinson gave a fine display in goal. The visitors took the lead after ten minutes, Everton replied strongly, and the Bootle goal had narrow escapes. Walker, McGovern and Webster making good efforts. The Visitors opened strongly after the interval and had the bulk of the play, and further goals were scored by Jones (penalty), Brown (2), Milward, and McKenna, while Webster and Holmes netted for Everton. The visitors fully deserved their success it was Everton's first defeat.

NO ROOM TO MOVE
October 5 th 1931. Evening Express.
Dean and Hampson have a thin time.
Blackpool make Everton fight.
By the Pilot.
Two England centre forwards were mastered in the match between Everton and Blackpool at Goodison Park, which the Blues won by the odd goal in five. With Hampson and Dean leading the respective attacks it was expected that the English centre forward problem could be partially solved, but instead we saw two centre half-backs, who laid claims to representative recognition. Gee and Longden were the men, who were holding up these two goal scorers, a dominated the centre of the field that much of the fire and life was taken out of the attacks. Gee enhanced his reputation in this game, and Longden, a converted forward, showed that he can "police" a player thoroughly. He was not such an accomplished intermediate as Gee, in fact, Dean had a much better game than Hampson. It is true to say that Dean did some justified individual raiding early on and always led the line with skill and judgement, but his scope was limited owing to Longsden's unceasing attention and quick intervention. These duels were the features of this game, which carried much that was trilling, but a lot which failed to satisfy the carving for scientific endeavours.
First time tackling.
The first half was remarkably fast, and Blackpool were adapting to the first-time tackling and meaceuvre. They were lively and snappy, and though Everton displayed the greater thought and deliberation, they lacked directness in method. Everton's work was patchy, take the attack, for instance. The left wing work was good, though Stein hardly received so many chances as usual. This was due to the fact that Thomson had an off day, and Johnson had to fall back in order to cover. Dean was a zealous leader, and White display brilliant shooting ability in the first half, after which he faded away somewhat. Critchley's touch line work was excellent, but his old fault of indifferent finishing ruined his display.
Clark Shines.
Thomson seemed uncertain of himself, Clark considerably strengthened the middle division, his attacking work in the second half being superlative. Williams made a successful, though not perfect, return, and Cresswell shared with Jack O'Donnell the back honours, Sagar was good in goal. Magg made some glorious saves in the Blackpool goal, and Tufnell's compensated for the lack of inches. McClelland was the best forward, with Lax and Wilkinson dangerous wingers. There have been many better games at Goodison Park.

EVERTON EXTENDED 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 05 October 1931
BY STORK
Everton 3, Blackpool 2. That does not read like an easy victory. Neither was it, for it was not until the last twenty minutes of the game that Everton definitely got on top up to  that point Blackpool had given just  as much as they had received, and  most of us had settled down to a drawn  game, even though Everton were pressing  in solid fashion.  Blackpool were expected to help Everton to win the sweep. Everton  never promised to do that; in fact,  Blackpool were quite the equal of their  more famous rivals in the first half,  even if they did not explore the avenues  of the game as did Everton. Their one thought was to get the ball into the Everton goal area quickly and with the least amount of work, so that Hampson would have his chances. The full backs and half backs were successful in this, but when the ball landed in the front line there was no w body there capable of doing anything with it.  Hampson is snappy little player, full of vitality and verve, but he had a poor game, and the English selectors could not have been satisfied, despite his goals against the Irish League.  True, he not well served, but even so, Dean, who was "policed" much more effectively, was far and away a better leader than Hampson. I don’t think Hampton had more than two shots: one was a good one, for it was a difficult matter to connect up with a fast-moving ball coming up from behind and hit it as it sped pact him.  He did not link his line together as Dean did, so the selectors' task was made more difficult by Hampson’s display
BAD JUDGMENT—& PENALTY 
Both Blackpool’s goals were "made’ for them. The first was the result of a weak clearance, the second a tactical error by Johnson, who was acting as third full back during a hearty Blackpool attack. He put the ball back to Sagar when there were several Blackpool forwards about, and Sagar had no chance. Everton, too, had a gift offering in the form of a penalty kick. Longden  had "armed " the ball, of that there  was no doubt, and when the ball  was spotted several Blackpool players  surrounded Johnson, no doubt in an  effort to unnerve him for his task, and  turned the ball about when Johnson  had placed it. This went on for a full two minutes until the referee commanded the players to stand back.  Then Dean found out that Maggs was  “stealing" a few inches in front of  his goal line, and Mr. Rycroft had to  go and speak to him before Johnson  was able to score. The referee should have taken stern measures at the start, for it is not cricket that the shooter should be intimidated.  Blackpool's defence was its strength, but Maggs had a lot of good fortune, for several times he was “at sea " with shots that had beaten him. Dean and Johnson rattled his shin guards with pile-driving shots, and White bumped the ball on to the crossbar when Maggs was standing at the other side of the goal. He did make many fine saves, and undoubtedly kept the game "warm” until the end, for Everton, after being no better than Blackpool, came with a rush in their search for a winning goal, and crowded on top of the Blackpool defenders.  Still, a draw seemed as if it was to be the result until Johnson, who was all over the place, lending a hand here and there, scored from inside-right and won the game.  Everton should have had a second penalty, for O’Donnell was well over the line when he pulled the ball down with his hand. "O’D.",  however, showed his presence of mind by  stepping forward as he did it to finish  on the right side of the line, and  Everton got nothing more than a free  kick. 

EVERTON'S THREE'S."
October 6 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
A strange coincidence attached to Everton League games so far this season, has been the number of occasions in which the figure three has figure in their results. To date the Goodison park side has played nine games, and on seven occasions the winning side has scored no more or less than three goals. The results of these games giving Everton's score first are; - Birmingham (h) 3-2; Portsmouth (a) 3-0; Sunderland (a) 3-2; v. Derby County (a) 0-3; v Liverpool (a) 3-1; v. Arsenal (a) 2-3; and Blackpool (h) 3-2. On each of four of the seven occasions one play secured the three goals. The two exceptions of which "3" did not appear in the result were played at Goodison Park, where Manchester city prevail by 1-0, and Derby County were beaten 2-1.

THEY MEET AGAIN TOMORROW
October 6 th 1931. Evening Express.
Everton and Liverpool both bent on vengeance.
By Ijay.
Although the teams have not yet been chosen for the Everton v. Liverpool Lancashire Senior Cup second round match, to be played at Goodison park tomorrow, two things are certain. The first is that there will be changes in the Liverpool side, from that which has figured in the last two League games, and the second is that the holders of the trophy will make a double-edged bid to keep their grip on the bauble, and at the same time take their revenge on Everton for their recent League defeat at Anfield. The strange thing is that Liverpool seems to play better football in these "Derby" games when the match is staged at Goodison Park. In this same competition last season Liverpool beat their rivals by 5-0, and went on to win the final of the competition at the expense of Manchester United by four clear goals. In tomorrow's game, therefore both clubs have a score to pay off, and being on vengeance bent should provide a close interesting game. Dean is now likely to be allowed the room that Bradshaw gave him in the League match. On that occasion the Everton leader scored three goals –his only success so far this season. Both clubs will choose their teams at their weekly directors' meeting tonight.

EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL MEET TOMORROW IN LANCS. CUP TIE 
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 06 October 1931
McPherson Wants To Leave Everton
Bee’s Notes
TO-MORROW'S “DERBY" 
To-morrow football will turn us towards the Cup-ties. For weeks now the English Cup-tie has started on its long winding Marathon course, and by April we shall know the final two.  Meantime, there is a meeting of the  Cup final winners, West Bromwich  Albion, and the League winners,  Arsenal, at Villa Park, to-morrow, for  the Sheriff of London Shield—a shield  Liverpool won in the days when  Parkinson was centre-forward. We have also to-morrow- the meeting of Everton and Liverpool—a breezy gathering of friendly foes—in connection with the Lancashire Senior Cup, second round.  It is necessary that first team members shall be chosen—a law of the Association and players value medals more than any one imagines; they are tokens and signs of their historical battles, for the family that comes after their playing days.  Anything tabulated Everton v.  Liverpool, carries a special mark of interest to the legion of football followers in this city, and I doubt not that the mid-week date will not lead to the fervour of the game becoming any the less.  The round competition.  October 17 the disposal Council The game is at Goodison Park, 3.15 kick-off. Perhaps Lachlan McPherson will be playing. If he is, there will be some scouts watching his work, asked to be put on the transfer list  nearly a month ago, which cuts out the  thought that he was on the list through  being taken for the first team after the  match at Highbury. Actually,  McPherson has been playing lively  football as wing half-back, and it is a  surprise to find at this stage that he has  thoughts of moving off from a city he  has been living in a mere two years  or so. 

TODAY'S CUP-TIE AT GOODISON.
October 7 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
The Lancashire Senior Cup, second round Cup-tie at Goodison Park, today between Everton and Liverpool is likely to provide another match, with the sides strongly represented. In the Everton team the only changes are that Lowe takes' the place of Cresswell and Rigby comes in for Stein at outside left, for Liverpool Charlton partners Done in place of Lucas and with McPherson resuming Wright goes to centre-forward. The Kick off is at 3-15, and the teams are; Sagar; Williams, Lowe; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Rigby. Liverpool; - Scott; Done, Charlton; Morrison, Bradshaw, McDougall; Barton, Hodgson, Wright, McPherson, Gunson.

PENALTY GOAL FOR LIVERPOOL
October 7 th 1931. The Evening Express.
Johnson missed penalty for Everton.
By the Pilot.
The second round Lancashire Senior Cup-tie between Everton and Liverpool did not attract a large attendance, there being only about 4,000 present when the teams took the field. Riley was in goal in place of Scott. This was the only change in teams as announced. Teams; Everton; Sagar; Williams, Lowe; Clark, gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Rigby. Liverpool; Riley; Done, Charlton; Morrison, Bradshaw, McDougall; Barton, Hodgson, Wright, McPherson, Gunson. Referee W. Bunnell (Preston).
The opening move when Dean neatly robbed Bradshaw a few yards forward and let go a high shot, which was well off the target, brought to memory the Anfield game between the clubs. Everton took the lead in eight minutes, White's quick shot bringing the point. From Critchley's centre the ball dropping nicely for White to crash into the roof of the net from point blank range, Riley having no chance. McPherson's heading was good when he screwed in a Barton corner, but Sagar intercepted by the post. A wry kick by Thomson led to the Liverpool forwards sweeping down in a line, Wright unfortunately took the ball off Hodgson's toes just as the South African was about to shoot. Crithcley and Clark combined nicely for Rigby to try a header, and when Thomson adopted the swinging pass Critchley cut in and fired against the post, the ball travelling behind.
Wright checked.
From Critchley's corner Johnson ran through, but could not get direction on his right foot shot and the ball cannoned against an opponent. Critchley's speed and ball control was a feature, a feature, and now he ran to the line and placed clean across the goalmouth with no one there to do the necessary. Next Johnson got in the way of one of White's "expresses." It was noticeable that Bradshaw rarely left Dean's side. Bradshaw was injured in the face in collision with Dean, but was soon able to resume. Liverpool should have drawn level when Hodgson and Barton had an open goal, following good work by Gunson. They got in each others way, so that Hodgson in his haste, placed straight to Sagar. Everton's tackling was tenacious. Critchley was having a field day. After one centre had traveled too far, Riley came out to gather the second. In half an hour Liverpool were awarded a penalty when Gee fouled Wright as the centre-forward was shaping for a shot. Done took the kick and equalised. Morrison left the field limping while the kick was being taken. Morrison was forced to retire from the game, and Barton went right-half.
Dean Neglected.
Dean was having an unhappy time, due to the fact that he never got a good pass. The Liverpool attack was the more dangerous, but their defence was not so good as that of Everton. Right on the interval Everton had a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, and Johnson's shot looked like a scoring effort until Riley flung himself out and flung the ball away. There was a scramble, in which McDougall handled and Everton were awarded a penalty. Johnson took the kick, but placed outside. Half-time Everton 1, Liverpool 1. Gunson placed into Sagar's arm when Liverpool resumed. Morrison was back in his customary position, but limping. Last report.

TWO CUP DERBY PENALTIES
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 07 October 1931
THE SIDES EQUAL AT HALF-TIME
By  Bee 
Everton and Liverpool, at  Goodison Park, fought out a  Lancashire Senior Cup-tie, and at  half-time were square, White  scored in ten minutes, and Liverpool, playing ten men for a long  spell through Morrison's injury,  scored from a penalty kick, and  Everton missed one.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Lowe; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Rigby.  Liverpool; Riley; Done, Charlton; Morrison, Bradshaw, McDougall; Barton, Hodgson, Wright, McPherson, Gunson.  Everton scored the opening goal in ten minutes by a neat and consecutive piece of combined play.  Told in simple but truthful language, it was made first by Clark making a very effective hook or lob pass to Critchley, whose centre went far to the left. Dean and Rigby tried to head the ball, which was eventually turned to White, who drove at a ferocious pace into the net.
A PRETTY SCHEME 
Play had begun with Dean beating Bradshaw and making a shot that could only be called a try on. Morrison and Williams, the full backs, introduced a back-heel process with excellent results apart from the prettiness of the scheme, and Gee and Lowe, ex-Southport, made tackles of splendid judgment.  Bradshaw brought the dummy “into play, Thompson shot over, and a free-kick by Lowe on Barton ended in Macpherson sending over. Wright and Gunson gave Liverpool a suspicion of attack, after Sagar had been sent over the line with the ball in his possession for a corner.  Liverpool should have scored from this melee, but lost their chance when two forwards got into each other's line of flight.  The sun went down as Everton went up with resumed attacks, Clark being a prominent figure with a centre to the far side of the field, where Rigby was near emulating the Dean type of heading.  White was keen to shoot with either foot at any angle, and without encouragement, and Critchley hit the upright with an oblique shot. So far the football had been most interesting.  The game went on smoothly until Wright was spoken to by Referee Bunnell regarding a foul, the referee, as usual, handing the delinquent a peppermint.  Lowe made a thrilling tackle on Wright, and Barton made a chance for Hodgson, whose shot curled round the goal post. White might have got another goal if a comrade had not been in the way. McDowell made the heat individual run of the match, a dribble half the length of the field. Morrison made a deadly pass to Gunson, whose centre was kicked high over the bar by Wright. 
PENALTY EQUALISES 
Liverpool, indeed, had many  opportunities to equalise, a further  case arising when their forwards were  placed for an easy goal, Lowe and Sagar  falling to the ground, and Hodgson  copying them he went up to shoot.  Liverpool were attacking so hard that the Everton backs called in the aid of offside tactics. Liverpool appealed for a penalty when Gunson went to earth, and Referee Bunnell would not agree.  I However, there was a penalty a moment later when Gee stopped Wright having a shooting shot by fetching him down.  Done scored. Morrison at this stage went off the field with a damaged leg.  DANGEROUS PLAY 
Barton went half-back and there was a mild scene when Dean struck with his foot in an attempt to get the ball when it was in Riley's grasp. Riley made a charge at Dean, and the referee made a free kick against Dean for dangerous play.  The same men were concerned in a line heading and a fine saving bout, and Riley followed this with a save high up from a fast shot by Johnson.  Liverpool, with their ten men, should have been in a useful lea, but they had not finished their work satisfactorily.  Sagar saved from Gunson, and the second penalty of the game came after Riley had made a magnificent save.  McPherson handling and Johnson shooting outside.  Half-time.—Everton 1, Liverpool 1.  Morrison resumed in the second half, but was limping. The weather broke down, and there were many sharp showers. The ball was now wet, and awkward to time. 

TO THE MIND'S EYE 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 07 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
“Slow Coach " writes I’ve never referred to your column before, so if I get stung let it be light. Being a supporter of the Everton Club, as well as an active athlete, I was greatly interested in the letter “V.A.T. “sent from Vienna, and more especially in the reference to athletes and speed on the football field.  I agree with “V.A.T” that the secret of success in “soccer” is speed. Given ten men with plenty of natural football ability, I am convinced that a good trainer would make them the greatest team in the country, if he indulged them in more sprinting practice. I do not  mean that they should necessarily all be  able to accomplish ten or eleven seconds  per 100 yards, and race off, maybe, without  the hall, but they should be much  quicker in, getting " off the mark," and  not be so easily beaten for possession of  the ball. I have seen Everton several times this season, and I have come to the conclusion that there are far too slow in thinking. Mind and muscle do not co-ordinate quickly enough. There is no better cure for this fault than to make the players, when in training, “get off  the mark " time and time again, until  the mind is alert. I think most athletes will agree that Everton lost versus Manchester City by half a yard all through the game. I make an exception of Cresswell, because his brain IS alert.  He does not have to get there quickly, he is usually there already.

EVERTON 2 LIVERPOOL 3
October 8 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Tale of Three Penalty Kicks
Liverpool Win County Cup-Tie.
By "Bee."
Lancashire Senior Cup-ties do not often produce much enthusiasm or interest, but the meeting of Everton and Liverpool, at Goodison park provided five goals, much novelty, and some unusual features, the most notable being three penalty kick offences, two of which gained goals and the other a bad miss by Johnson, who gave up the spot kicks when Everton got a second chance. This time White's shot struck the foot of the upright, rolled along the line, and touched Riley's foot to turn over for a goal. White scored the one good goal in ten minutes, including a round of wise work with a very good shot. Gee brought down Wright for a penalty kick . Done, the full back, scored. At half-time all square, and Everton had a chance to make a goal with the last kick from " spot " Johnson kicking wide. In the second half Hodgson scored twice, and White was entrusted with a further penalty kick , this time for hands against McPherson –a goal already described, Hodgson's winning goal was the most curious. It was a centre from the left and the ball dropped to Hodgson's back and landed into the goal without the score's knowledge!
Twists and Turns.
Thus the game had peculiar twists and turns. Yet for a cup-tie of the character it was quite good sport, and there was a doubt about the result to the final sound of the whistle by Referee Bunnell, whose only troublesome moment in the matter of heat was when Wright was spoken to about a foul, the referee, as is his custom, offering the offending player a sweet to charm the evil influence away. For such a game as this first team must be played. Here and there a reserve man was included, and with good result, especially where the Everton defence was concerned, Lowe, ex-Southport, making a fine defensive game and tackling with a fine sense of touch and time; in fact, there could be no fault with the Everton defence, in which, Sagar did many big things. At half-back, however, Everton were not steady, Gee being below par, and Thomson seeming to still find the effects of his influenza illness, curbing his normal game. The Everton forwards started off in a manner suggestive of a further defeat of Liverpool, but they were unsettled and over-finessing in their style; they were poor in front of goal, and only White and Johnson lived up to their names. On the other hand, Liverpool merit high marks, for their persistence and for their gradual improvement. Where they had seemed to have little chance they became stronger and stronger, and finally called the tune. A little steadiness in front of goal and they must have won handsomely, instead of a mere goal in front. Their football earned them a high marks in the second half at a time when they had to change Barton and Morrison positionally through Morrison's injured leg. It was then we saw how well Morrison can play as a forward on the wing –and how he can shoot-and also how well Barton can shape at wing half-back.
Riley's Saves.
Riley took Scott's place in goal, and was never at faulty, while some of his saves of the rare header from Dean-who did little if anything else –were especially worthy Done and Charlton the latter a reserve team back, did their part well with a ball that was very wet after the heavy rainfall and rarely passed their kick while Bradshaw kept a hold on Dean, and made judicious passes. This was probably McDougall's best game, thus far this season, and the forwards line shaped very differently from the display they gave at Chelsea at the week-end. McPherson out through injury, had come back to link up with the left wing, and Wright was moved aside a pace to centre-forward, and a striking game he played, indeed he has been the outstanding forward of the side this season. He carried the war into the opposing camp, and if Barton had not been called up, for reserve duty the attack would certainly have shown the type of game they played at home against Middlesbrough. Gunson was the most dependable forward on the field, curling his centres cunningly and once running in to ask for a sure open goal account, but Wright elected to shoot at Sagar. Clean football with a bit of bite in it at times, and although there were three penalty kicks, two were for handling cases and there was no suggestion of anything other than the usual sporting game between these two local sides. Teams; Everton; Sagar, goal; Williams and Lowe, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson and Rigby, forwards. Liverpool; - Riley, goal, Done and Charlton, backs; Morrison, Bradshaw (captain) and McDougall, half-backs; Barton, Hodgson, Wright, McPherson and Gunson, forwards. Referee Mr. W. Bunnell, of Preston.

GOAL THAT SURPRISED THE SCORER.
October 8 th 1931. Evening Express.
But it put Everton out of Lancs.cup
By the Pilot.
Hodgson scored a goal at Goodison Park yesterday and did not know it. That goal gave Liverpool a 3-2 victory over Everton in the Lancashire Senior Cup. The goal came in this manner. Sagar jumped up to fist a centre from Gunson. Hodgson was in attendance, but when Sagar jumped Hodgson turned his back to the Everton goal. Sagar punched hard enough but instead of the ball sailing away up the field of play, it struck Hodgson on the back of the head, bounded up and then dropped slowly into the back of the net. Hodgson stood still for a moment or two looking round bewildered. He had no idea where the ball had gone, but you can imagine his joy when he found it in the net. No one could grumble at the result neither could they complain that there was not plenty of thrills. The game will be remembered as "the tale of three penalties." Everton were awarded two spot kicks, and Liverpool one. Johnson missed the first for the blues and White was entrusted with the second. He scored, but not until the ball had struck an upright, then Riley's prostrate body, and rolled slowly over the line.
Red; s Superior attack.
Everton shaped like a winning team only during the first half an hour. During that time White gave them the lead and Done penalty brought matters level. When Johnson missed from the spot the Blues fell away, and with the Liverpool attack playing better football than at any time this season, the result was never in doubt. Hodgson gave the Reds the lead from a goalline scramble in the second half, but White's penalty again levelled matters. Then came Hodgson's freak goal to settle the issue. Liverpool's forwards work was delightful in its speed, precision and accuracy. Wright was a grand leader, who was alive to every possiblity, and received fine support from McPherson and Hodgson. Gunson too, did well, but the fault of the line was their poor finishing. In the haste they blazed at the ball and sacrificed for pace. Still, had it not been for some marvellous goalkeeping by Sagar I think Liverpool would have won by a margin of two or three goals. It was noticeable that the Reds adopted entirely different measures to those used in the recent league match between the clubs. Bradshaw "policed" Dean so effectly that Dean had a really unhappy day. The Liverpool halves kept better position than did the Everton trio, though Gee was always working well and Clark did many good things with the ball. McDougall was a rare spoiler and an artistic dribber, but Morrison was handicapped by a leg injury in half an hour. Williams and Done were the outstanding backs, and Riley made some superb saves in the Reds' goal, although he was not so busy as the brilliant Sagar. This was undoubtedly Liverpool's day. They were balanced and always dangerous, whereas the Blues were scrappy and much slower on the ball.
Everton teams.
Everton visit Bramell lane on Saturday to oppose Sheffield United, and will play the same team which defeat Blackpool. This means there are two changes as compared with the team, which lost to Liverpool in the Cup-tie. Cresswell returns to left back, and Stein resumes at outside left. Everton; Sagar, Williams, Cresswell; Clark, gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.
Everton Reserves entertain Sheffield United Reserves at Goodsion Park in a Central league match and will be strengthened by the inclusion of Bocking, McClure, McPherson, and Martin. Everton Reserves; Holdcroft; Bocking, Lowe; McClure, Griffiths (T), McPherson; Worrall, Martin, Reed, Webster, Rigby.

LIVERPOOL’S WELL-DESERVED CUP –TIE WIN
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 08 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
The jewels of Goodison Park and Anfield gathered to make a move in the Lancashire Senior Cup, and while one does not expect “Derby Day "  enthusiasm, one could say that the  meeting yesterday provided some curious twists of football's form and  fancy. Three penalty kicks suggest a meeting of anyone save these two teams until you hear that two were handling case. As a fact it was hard football, with too many mistakes in simple circumstances to make it a good class game: yet the superior side won, the better side won, and they won in spite of the turn-about that became necessary when Morrison was hurt—he and Barton changed places, and then we had the novel spectacle of seeing how well Tom Morrison could be as an outside-right, and how ably young Barton could fill the wing - half-back position. Actually, Liverpool's attack was doing its utmost and its best when Morrison was a link that shot and centred with fine aplomb. Good players, they say, can play anywhere.  Morrison is of that ilk.
YOUNG MEN ON TRIAL 
Another feature that pleased me was the way young Lowe, of Southport played.  His timing of tackles was superb, and throughout he did not put a foot wrong. Charlton, whom I have always admired, was another defensive success in ticklish circumstances and against a fleet wing. Possibly the incoming of the busy McPherson brought  the needed tone to the Anfield attack,  which came on during the second half,  to a pitch of really high football tone,  whereas Everton's went gradually, but  surely back, back, back, and Dean overshadowed  by Bradshaw and the  defenders rarely had a shot. The home line was ragged, uncertain near goal, and too fond of the pass when a shot was due; too genteel where combination was concerned. The game took a violent turn-round when the penalty shots went in or out, as the case may be. This put a bite into the game that had been foreign to either side up to that moment.  It spurred the men to clanship and rivalry, and Liverpool won handsomely, if not by a big margin, where they had seemed to be in for a defeat. Which shows the largeness of heart of these red-jersey men. They can be inspired if the mood is on them. 
"AND ONLY NE KNOWS WNY" 
I thought of Harold Walden's song of the above title when Hodgson scored, and only he failed to see the ball enter the net—it bumped off his back in to the goal. There were, during the  showers and dull, cloudy patches, some  controversial points; let me say, therefore,  that I thought all three penalty  kicks were warranted, and that when  White scored his spot kick (acting for  the despondent Johnson, who had  already missed one), Riley did not  handle, as many believed, but the ball  struck the upright, cannoned along the  line, threatened to be nothing more than  a line-ball, but the ball touched Riley's  foot and thus was edged over the goal-line.  In such cases as these Lancashire  Cup ties the winners go on saying,  Thanks for the bonus; here's to more  to follow." and the losers say, " For  which relief much thanks." You pay your money and take your choice—end  at the back of your mind you know that  there is not a footballer playing who  does not have half an eye on the bonus  money, no matter what the competition  may be. It helps to pay his income tax.  On the winning side I must pay tribute to Wright, Hodgson, Gunson to  particular, and the whole half back line  —they touched their best form thus far  this season. Add the young lads at full back, and the safety of Riley, acting for Scott, and you have the winning vein.  On Everton's side, Clarke and the defence, with White and Johnson (first half), gained main honours.

BLADES AND BLUES AT GRIPS TOMORROW.
October 9 th 1931. Evening Express.
Sheffield better –by .74 of a goal!
By the Pilot.
Sheffield United's record is better than Everton's by .74 of a goal. Could there be a truer indication of a stern, even struggle when the clubs meet at Bramell-lane tomorrow. The Blades lost at home to Portsmouth on the opening day of the season, but since they have lost but one can match and dropped four points. There was a time when Everton could invariably count on a point as the result of their, visit to the three-sided Bramell-lane ground, but on their last two visits they have returned defeated. The scores since season 1924-25 have been (Everton's score first); 1-1; 1-1; 3-3; 3-1; 1-2; 0-2.
It is worthy of note that the United claim the good record of never having figured in the Second Division since gaining promotion at the first time of asking in 1892-93. They are a sound combination with an exceptional centre forward in Jimmy Dunne, the former New Brighton player, who has been selected to captain Ireland against England on October 17. Dunne scored no fewer than 41 goals last season, but this campaign he has yet to open his account. If Gee marks him as well as he did Hampton, then Dunne may not break his "duck" tomorrow. Everton, if they will adopt quick, incisive football tactics have a splendid chance of gaining a point. They will be at full strength, Cresswell and Stein returning to the side. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.

EVERTON GOES TO SHEFFIELD UNITED-THE IMPROVE SIDE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 09 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Sheffield United's ground, a ground they have not had in mind's eye as a lucky ground. It is a wide, vast, open space, with one side offered up to cricket's concern. That formation of football ground leaves the winger plenty of space in which to work, but he gets the wrong atmosphere through the absence of the spectators’ yelling and advice. Everton will meet  an old friend in Kendall, a goalkeeper  who promised to do big things before he  was offered to Preston; then went to  Lincoln, his home town, and Sheffield  United took a fancy to him—and have  kept that fancy alive ever since. Which shows how a player can be buffeted about. Everton will find him awkward to pass, and they will also be sorry that the international match is next Saturday week, because then Dunne, the discarded of New Brighton, would be absent helping his country's rather rich chance of creating a victory for Ireland! Dunne is still a deadly centre-forward, and it will he rather interesting to compare notes between his methods and those of Dean. We can forget Wednesday's game and concentrate upon the harder task of League football. Everton will be at full strength, which means they hope to resume their victory stage, and I think they have a chance of taking both points, although they are meeting the most improved side in the League. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein
EVERTON “A” AT BLUNDELLSANDS
Corry; Parker, Jackson; Edwards, Parry, Lloyd; Walker, Holmes, Davies, Fryer, and Leyfield.

EVERTON’S COMBINATION PAYS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 October 1931
JOHNSON SCORES IN TEN MINUTES AT THE SHEFFIELD UNITED GROUND
CRITCHLEY MAIN CAUSE OF THREE GOALS’ LEAD
By Bee
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Sheffield United; Kendall; Thorpe, Hooper; Gorney, Carrigan, Green; Gibson (S.), Barclay, Dunne, Oxley, Oswald.  Referee; Mr. Bouldsbrige, Tamworth. 
Everton went to Sheffield to-day to meet the most improved side in the League, and on the same train jointed hands with Liverpool Reserves, and Manager Patterson and Director Harvey Webb.  Everton made no change, although  near the time for kicking-off there were  anxious inquiries for Cresswell, who was  his usual calm self, taking time in that  languid manner of his. Everton played the team that won a week ago, and Sheffield United looked strange without Tunstall.  The ground looked even stranger, because for the first time in my view it bore a beautiful grass plot, and there was no sign of the traditional smoke.  The sun shone brightly, and quite a big crowd in the summerlike conditions to see this meeting at Bramball-lane.  Kendall, ex-Everton, and Dunne, ex-  New Brighton, had many handshakes  from Mersey friends, and the excursion  to Sheffield was quite well patronised,  so that Everton had some shouters to help them on their way.  Having lost the toss, Everton kicked off and faced the glare of the sunshine.  Johnson's first idea was smothered, as was the case with Stein. However, Johnson got the ball and worked a prearranged scheme due from the kick-off, but now came in the second effort. He crossed the ball far up to Critchley, who turned it inside to White, and Critchley might have got a goal if he had not been hampered by a big back.  Sheffield United could have been a goal down in one minute. Williams  half-stopped for an offside appeal, and,  finding it go against him, had to inn  across to stop the Sheffield right wing  by a smothering process.  The situation was truly dangerous, and when Sagar stopped a shot from Barclay he did not seem to have too good an idea where the ball was travelling.  Again Johnson made that powerful left foot pass to the right wing, and this time the ball went out of play from a good effort by Critchley. Cresswell fell but recovered against S. Gibson, which was only his desserts, as he had beaten the winger in a tackle when both fell to the ground.  The referee was very keen to size up off side decisions, and one of his points against Sheffield seemed to be anticipation rather than action. Again the Johnson-Critchley notion suggested a goal. Critchley being left wide open by Green, and it failed only because Dean had to shoot almost blindly and on the half-turn. The ball pulled slightly over the crossbar—a definite and delightful move in which the shooter eventually had to shield his eyes in order to get an idea where his shot had landed. 
OF THREE GOALS' LEAD 
A foul against Clark and a ford on White were stoppages of small account, and then one found that Kendall had the habit of standing three yards out of his goal. White added to Johnson’s scheming by feeding the left, and Stein, centring from one of these long passes, caught Thorpe in the stomach. From the throw-down Dean headed perfectly, and Kendall had to punch away, Johnson also being on top of the goal.  Williams made a very impressive hook tackle, which was followed by a call to Gee, as the Everton full-back was blinded by the ball of flame in the sky. Barclay outran and outplayed  Thomson for a moment, and the forward  was wild in final delivery  Much more effective was the combined play of the Everton team as a  whole in a game that was being quietly  but earnestly contested in conditions  that were conducive to any player being  caught napping through the heat of  the day. 
A JOHNSON DRIVE 
Clark had been strong and effective at half-back, and yet he was rather unlucky to find a ball go over the line more than once. It was an effort of this character on the part of Clark that brought the first goal in ten minute to Johnson.  A throw-in, a touch by Critchley and Dean, and the backs found the ball pass by them. Johnson had little room in which to work, and, indeed, was seemingly baulked at the first point, but he pulled the ball with his right foot towards the left, and the result was that he was placed for a drive.  Johnson's left-foot drives are amongst the most powerful in the land of forwards, and he now hit a very low ball to beyond Kendall's right hand, which gave him ten hearty handshakes.  Sheffield United had not “Dunne "  much up to now, but if they had been  sharp enough to seize and a chance  that come instantly after the first goal  the score would have been 1-1. As it was, the ball was shot beyond the side post, and an offside position was ignored by the referee, so that when the shot went outside one said justice had been met.  Apart from Cresswell nodding away a left wing endeavour by Sheffield, Everton had been complete masters of the first half-hour's play, and Sheffield should have been more than one goal down, even allowing for the fact that Kendall caught one of Dean's accurate headers when Stein lofted the ball into the goal-month.  An Everton player made a high lobbing effort that Kendall seemed to have gone too far out of goal to hold, but the Sheffield goalkeeper has surprising height, and never for a moment did he seem to be troubled about the position he had taken as compared with the crowd of 25,000.  Corners against Cresswell and Williams were the only bother to the Everton defence for a long time, but this Sheffield side did not show the improvement we had been told about.  Oxley, in collision with White, was damaged, this being the first stoppage of the match. 
TO CRITCRLEY'S CREDIT 
Whites mile of an easy chance might have been costly against a team other than the Sheffield side. Dunne had only one chance in the first half, a header, and Sagar was unemployed except that he punched from a free kick conceded by Clark.  Clark took revenge for this by making one of his special hook-over passes, which eventually brought Critchley into further prominence. Critchley centred after dancing his way through by speed, feint, and football skill.  Dean, facing the centre, headed one of the most perfect goals. This was at the fortieth minute, and in one minute another goal had been scored, Critchley again the cause celebre.  The referee unwisely, but as it  turned out not unfairly, gave a free  kick again the Sheffield left flank for  their method of trying to stop Critchley  when actually the winger was clear of  all opposition. From the free-kick Critchley centred, and Stein running in headed the bumpety bump ball over the line. Three goals, each of which were made by Critchley.  Sager was saved by the cross-bar after a free-kick, this being the last gasp of the first half, which had been very one-sided. Everton were better, bigger, faster, and cleverer.  Half-time.—Sheffield U. 0, Everton 3. 
SHEEFIELD STICKY WITH TOFFEE
HANDSOMEST EVERTON WIN OF SEASON
DEAN’S PICTURE GOAL
CRITCHLEYT THE WHOLESALE MANUFACTURER
Everton's brightest and most handsome win came against a team that had been described as the most improved side in the League.  Frankly, Sheffield United were bad in every department except goal and centre-forward, but this was in the main due to Everton's ability, not Sheffield's debility.  Sheffield played as well as they were allowed to play by a very compact and convincing Everton side. In the first half Johnsen was the star for half an hour, and Critchley, was the maker of goals all through that period. He had a hand in the first three, Stein and Dean scoring.  In the second half Everton, riding  easy and making hacks of a common side (on the days  showing), saw Dean score one  his loveliest goals with a solo run  that showed him speedy, able to  take a charge, to give a charge, and  then place the ball with an  accuracy that compelled admiration.  This was a hollow victory. Everton went on with their good work in the second half, with the exception that they now played complacently and felt three goals were sufficient. This could be the only reason for the rather indifferent work in front of goal in this half.  They could have made the victory six in a quarter of an hour after the resumptions, although Kendall fell to an out-drive by White. Kendall was further saved by his full-back when Critchley threatened to join the scorer instead of acting the part of maker of goals.  Sheffield clamoured for a penalty kick which surely could not have been a fair complaint, and while Cresswell looked on at his accusers with disdain Clark, playing excellently, pushed the ball up the field. It was Dean versus two backs with a goalkeeper intervening.  A hump on either side did not shake Dean. Nor did the fact that Kendall advanced to leave his goal empty bother the Everton centre. He merely raced on and showed speed (many felt he could never recover), kept complete control of himself and the full backs, and at the given moment touched the ball with that accuracy that has made him famous.
A DEAN THRILL 
He turned the ball into the left corner of the net and left the Sheffield spectators startled out of their wits on account of his deadliness, where most forwards would have been slashing the ball rather than placing it. This was the thrill goal of the match, although Johnson’s first had been neatness itself.  This was a solo goal and a semblance of calm football skill and control.  Oswald had a nice try, and Sheffield occasionally burst into enthusiasm against a side that was 75 per rent more skillful than the losers. White went in towards Kendall that it was inconceivable how he could escape scoring.  Houdini never had a more difficult task than Kendall-yet he saved.  The referee had a word to say to Thomson, who seemed to taken a violent dislike to Gibson. So had the crowd. 
CONSOLATION 
The only bright spot for Sheffield was a goal headed by Dunne, this being his first register this season. As if to challenge comparison Dean went on to score another brilliant goal, putting the ball high up on the right-hand corner of the net, and it was mere had fortune that he did not get a hat trick.  The end came with Everton on the attack as ever, and all their side having joined in the honours of a meritorious victory away from home.  Final; Sheffield United 1, Everton 5. 

EVERTON RES V SHEFFIELD UTD RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 October 1931
Both sides were strongly represented and although Everton were just as aggressive as the United the visitors took an early opportunity and scored within two minutes.  Read, the Yorkshire centre, burst through, and with the Everton defence bothered by the strong sunlight he raced on and scored a good goal.  Everton tried hard enough for the equalizer, and Griffiths and Webster had good efforts saved.  Sheffield, however, revealed dangerous snap near goal, but when Cheesmuir left the field with a back injury their attack lost much of its balance.  Five minutes from the interval Everton received just reward when Reed made an opening for Rigby to level the scores with a great shot.  United were at full strength in the second half, and ten minutes after resuming Rigby gave Everton the lead.  Read scored a second for Sheffield, Reed gave Everton the lead.  Adly levelled with a penalty, and in the closing minutes Worrall and Reed again scored for Everton.  Final; Everton res 5, Sheffield United Res 3. 
Blundellsands 3, Everton A 1

SHEFFIELD UNITED 1 EVERTON 5
October 12 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Smashing win for Everton.
Skilful display at Sheffield.
By "Bee"
Everton will not be more convincing in any game this season. They beat Sheffield United by a margin (5-1) that was heavy, but was not one whit too severe in fact; if White had been in his customary form in front of goal they could have been a sensational margin –double figures at least. White was twice so close to goal that it was inconceivable how he could miss. One time he seemed to be feeling that an offside decision must arise, but a forward of his long experience should have more thought for himself than to think of a whistle that had not been sounded. I mention these facts because this was perhaps the only minor blot in a successful day's outing to the cricket-cum-football ground of the Sheffield United club. It had been said that although Dunne, their crack football forward, had not scored a goal for United, the Sheffield side was in better trim than for many years, during which they had suffered the pangs of relegation threats. Actually, Sheffield were never in this hunt on a summer's day.
Skill and Art.
The crowd of about 20,000 spectators realised from the start that skill and art had carried the day. It was only a question of how many goals would accrue and the fact that Dunne headed his first goal of the season near the end of the game to break his League "duck" was of no special importance, although it was a pleasure to see, because the player was at least a moving force in the Sheffield attack and was only needing someone by his side to do normal things to be his usual definite self in front of the Everton defenders. However, Dunne's challenge, like his goal came far too late. Everton had scored through Johnson early on, and this stimulated them to the belief in themselves that it is vital with some of these Everton footballers, some of whom do not realise how severe they can be with shot and charge. Johnson's goal was quite a nice one, made by the cunning and the speed of the variable Critchley, who has so many critics who never appear to forgive.
Critchley's Fine Efforts.
It is only necessary to point to the fact that Critchley was responsible for a three goal lead at half-time, Dean heading one goal, and Stein heading the another, all through the method by which Critchley swept through the Sheffield defence, especially Green, who seemed to be labouring against this fleet-foot wing forward. Only once did Critchley centre moderately; for the rest he dominated the game, and Johnson's passes from the left flank to the extreme right-hand corner were models of wisdom and distance. Critchley's centres in the opening half were the means by which the winning side took a margin that allowed them to concentrate upon the best kind of football. The best had not been too good for Everton, but the marginal number gave them a chance to show Bramell-lane exactly how they could mow down the meadow and the Sheffield defenders at one and the same time. Even allowing for the provely of the home defence (Kendall not included) Everton must be given high praise for their whole-hearted able exposition of fine football. There was method, there was science and pleasure from their game –to themselves, and to those looking on, it was class football that earned the day. Everywhere an Everton men went he elected to keep the ball on the ground and combination in the corner of his eye. Therein lay the secret of this smashing victory. Actually Everton rode easily through the second half, yet in that period Dean got two very beautiful goals –a solo notion, in which he had to take charges and watched for the outcome of the goalkeeper.
Dean's Artistic Touch.
Dean never lost touch with the situation and travelling on he finished off his work with that seemingly hard task –putting the ball late an empty goal. He was angled, he was obliquely placed, he was bothered by defenders –that is why his place shot was so competent. Added to that was his final goal –a brilliant shot; and the marvel was that he did not score the three goals in a period of a quarter of an hour. Dunne's first goal of the season came to Sheffield near the end of the game, and it mattered little except that it was well headed and was the reward of perseverance in a bad attack. The former New Brighton player has not touched his goal-raking records of a season ago, but it is plain to see the reason. One cannot name a single Sheffield player as having done his normal work; their attitude seemed to suggest they feared the Everton side and knew their possibilities. The endeavovour was the home side but they were altogether too uncertain with their passes and shots, and the centre half-back could never cope with Everton's inside forward trio. It was too one-sided a game to be interesting; yet the way Everton played engaged those who like the finer points of play and the combined effects, which seem to have been sunk in the deluge of crash and grab raids. Good football will always bring its own reward. Everton have now seen this dictum proved. It is impossible to omit any name on the Everton side but it must be said that, apart from the inspiration of Critchley and the great work of Johnson. Dean and others, Thomson seemed to be still suffering from the effects of flu. Gee and Clark were particularly able, and Williams was quite on a par with Cresswell, which is high praise indeed. Teams; Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards. Sheffield United; - Kendall, goal; Thorpe and Hooper, backs; Gurney, Carrigan, and Green, half-backs; Gibson, Barclay, Dunne, Oxley, and Oswald, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 5 SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 3
October 12 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Central League (Game 9)
A really fast encounter was the outcome of the meeting at Goodison Park. The Sheffielders started of briskly. Read scoring a brilliant goal within two minutes, and then up to fifteen minutes from the interval the Yorkshire side bothered Everton's defence considerability. Cheesemur than went off with a back injury. To the interval Everton did some real snappy attacking and when Rigby equalised it was a point well deserved. Rigby scored a brilliant second goal after resuming and although the United were again at full strength there was no holding Everton's lively attacking force, which was aided by a sound middle line. Read equalised for Sheffield, but Everton's Reed (centre-forward), playing a much-improved game than on his first appearance here, put the home side in front again. A penalty successfully taken by Adey made it 3 all, but Worrall and Reed scored a fourth and fifth to give Everton a sound victory. Rigby, Griffiths and Bocking were the most prominent on a convincing all round display. Everton; Holdcroft, goal; Bocking and Lowe, backs; Britton, TP Griffiths and Archer, half-backs; Worrall, Martin, Reed, Webster and Rigby, forwards.
Blundellsands 3 Everton "A" 1
Liverpool County Combination
At Blundellsands. Everton had quite as much of the game as their opponents, but their finishing was poor. Leyfield was outstanding and Davies had a couple of good efforts splendidly saved by Maycox. Price scored the only goal of the first half near the interval. Fryer equalised soon after resuming, but later Dempsey with a couple of good goals gave the home side the lead. Maycox, McGough, and Walmsley played well for the home side, and Parker, Jackson, Parry, Leyfield did well for Everton.

"EVERTON BEST SIDE HE HAS SEEN FOR TWO YEARS"
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 October 1931
A SATISFYING DISPLAY; BRILLIANT VICTORY AND THE CAUSES THEREOF
Bee’s Notes
Ernest Needham, the perpetual choice of England for many, many Years was at Sheffield on Saturday —his home ground. He looked on at Everton's 5-1 victory and said:  “The winners are the best side I have seen for two years."  What more would you have? I need hardly write any further. Yet I must because this was superlative football and it earned great reward. Yet the score did not give you, reader, the right conception of how the game went. It was woefully one-aided, yet always pleasant to watch because Everton touched their highest form and made Sheffield United, spoken of as the most improved team in the league this season, look mere commoners. I fear Sheffield thought too much of the names they had to face. However, that must not decry Everton's “solidity " win. It could have been ten if White had been in his best shooting vein. But he got so near the holing-out place that he  became struck with Kendall's figure.  Perhaps he was acting kindly towards a former club-mate, Kendall having been a popular member of the Everton side years ago. He alone came of this ordeal with some degree of honours. He made but one mistake and it did not cost his side a goal.  More and more the chaff that fell on Arsenal’s ear when they talked of plan of campaign loses its veneer in these enlightened days. I hear that Liverpool FC, have their own chart these days, and work out theories with their manager—not a wholesale meeting, but a gathering of twos and threes. Well,  Everton do not go out without careful  thought of methods, and one of these  which shall be nameless here, but is  known to me " by sight," is working  quite well. It is a measure which tries to bring the first attack, and, if possible, the opening goal in the opening minute.  Spectators can look out for themselves and attempt to discover the opening move of the draught-hoard. I liked the way Johnson swung the ball to the unmarked Critchley I liked the way White switched the ball out to the left wing: such passes across the field got the defence running about aimlessly.  They could not cope with the work on hand. It was cause and effect. Everton were effect—very effective, indeed. 
EVERY MAN HIS OWN GOALGETTER 
In these days it is necessary that every forward should he his own goal-getter. That has been borne on me for some time, and notably when I saw the entire Arsenal forward taking their share of instant strong shots. Everton are getting more of this notion; Dean got a solo goal, a great shot-goal, and a headed goal. When heading a centre for the right he looks right at his wingman, and the swing of the head imparts the ball its pace and direction. His solo drive was a thing to see to remember. Better ask Miss Bryant and Miss May, who follow the side wherever they go and are probably the club's most ardent, enthusiasts.  Johnson got the first goal cleverly, and if you add the nicety of touch of Gee and the stout-hearted display of big Clark, you have got the main line to success. Thomson has not quite touched the high lights through his illness; but dogged does it. Meantime, a word for Ben Williams at full-back.  He was a tower, and for once Cresswell, while playing well as ever, did not collar all the thunder. Sagar had little to do, and the only other words earned are these; Critchley caused three goals, and Stein was consistently good. This was completely good football, and makes the meeting with Sheffield Wednesday’s terriers next Saturday a notable game.  En route we met the Liverpool party, and there was a gathering of the Scots, not the scouts this time.  Liverpool Reserve had played their best game, and though they lost 3-2, they had done well with three or four amateurs. Unfortunately, the Newcastle back, Graham, on trial, made his debut with bad results—he broke his wrist.  Referee Bunnell joined up, and Ellis Rimmer bade good-bye. Mr. Bunnell said Leicester were splendid, and Wednesday’s masterpiece was Blenkinsopp.  - Sheffield United need replenishing in defence. The backs are not safe, and the wing work was paltry.  Tunstall, who looked on, has a damaged ankle.  He tells me that he has eleven years of service with the old club, and that for ten years he had never been absent except through international calls. He had one week to go to complete ten years' solid hard labour.  They dropped him. But having missed him they took turn hack to the fold TWO days later for a match with Wednesday. A remarkable fellow, Tunstall; fast, big striding, a goal-getter and maker, and a man totally deceptive off the field--he looks young and frail: he strips like a giant, and strides near the cricket pitch at Bramall-lane with an enormous stride.

DAZZLING DIXIE DEAN
October 12 th 1931. Evening Express.
His Reply to F.A. Selectors.
Everton's Brilliance at Bramell Lane
By the Pilot.
Dixie Dean, the Everton centre-forward, gave a dazzling display against Sheffield United at Bramell lane. He was the vital force in the Blues' attack the methodical and virile leader of a football machine that worked with clocklike precision. He gave an emphatic answer to the F.A. selectors, who passed him over for the first international game, and proved that he is still England's greatest leader. One was able to compare him with Dunne, Ireland's centre-forward, and Dean stood out head and shoulders above him. His three goals were masterly efforts. This 5-1 victory revealed Everton in all their glory. They gave a display of perfect football, and gained such a strong position that they were able to ease up considerably in the second half and yet mould the United as easily as the potter moulds clay. The Sheffield directors were loud in their praises. "One does not mind losing to a team of Everton's calibre," said one to me after the game. "They are in the best team seen at Bramell-lane for two years." This is high praise, indeed, but the Blues were worthy of it.
Secret of Success.
The secret of their success was that they have learned the lesson which they have had driven at them since the season started. This is that the long, quick pass can be equally as scientific and pretty as the short pass but a great deal more effective. From the outset they scorned the over elaboration which follows the tip-tap passing methods, and swung the ball about with an ease and accuracy which had the United guessing all the time. In addition they varied their methods so that the home men never knew what to expect. Everton for a space of five minutes at the start and a few minutes immediately before the interval, the Blades were never "coloured" with Everton, who were faster on the ball, in though, and in action. The improved United were made to look elementary by the exactitude of the Blues' manceurve, and by swinging the ball about from flank to flank the machine appeared to be much faster than it has been this season. The understanding was superb, and I particularly admired the manner in which the half-backs considered the requirement of the men in front. Dean was irresistible. His shrewd side touches with head and foot, his leadership, and finishing was as anything he has ever accomplished. He received excellent support from the hard-working White and Johnson, who exploited every move. Crithcley shared the forward honours with Dean and it is a fact that only once did he fall to get across a gilt-edged centre. Critchley was unstoppable. I need add no more. Clark was the pick of the three sound intermediates, who used their brains in all phases. Gee saw to it that the dangerous Dunne got few chances, and Thomson came back to his real form following his illness. So good was the general teamwork that the defence had an easier time than usual, but no exception could be taken with the exhibition of Williams, Cresswell, and Sagar. Johnson and Stein secured Everton's other goals, and Dunne's goal for Sheffield was his first of the season. Dean is now Everton's leading goal scorer.

CAN EVERTON DO IT?
October 13 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Will Liverpool's record of being the only team to win the second Division one season and go straight through to carry off the First Division championship the next be equalled this season? This is a question, which naturally arises when one sees last season's promoted clubs –West Bromwich Albion and Everton leading the First Division. It would be a wonderful distinction for Merseyside if the Goodison Park men did accomplish this feat, and judging from their display against Sheffield United, at Bramell-lane, they certainly have a big chance. Liverpool established their record in season 1905-06, finishing four points ahead of Preston North End. The nearest to this record was by Manchester United secured promotion from the second division in 1905-06, finishing eight in the First Division the next season, and carried off the championship the following campaign. Next to that performance rank is that of Sheffield Wednesday, who after gaining promotion in 1925-26, won the title of champions three seasons later.

EVERTON AFTER LIVERPOOL'S RECORD-DOUBLE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 13 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
 "What is the reason for Liverpool’s half-fall away?" asks a correspondent.  How should I know when I was not there. It appears that Tony Weldon  was one of the best forwards on view at  Anfield, and that the crowd positively  gasped to see him doing the Alec James  stuff—" telling them off." captaining his  troops, and doing the dodging work. The crowd also gasped when they saw the Everton score at half-time—a lead of three never appeared in their suggestion-box.  Actually Liverpool are frenzied tryers; perhaps too pressing in sonic of their raids, and the line hears an " if it” streak. If they come off, as they did against the Villa and Middlesbrough, no one can be more entrancing. The trouble is they are not consistent enough. Perhaps the heavier grounds will suit their style a lot better, because  for years I have named them as a  heavy ground team, only to get James Jackson on my track with the declaration  that they prefer the light-going. So there you are! Certainly Everton have captured the imagination by their rise to the top portions of the ladder.  At the beginning of the season a critic went so far as to say the side got the goals, but the others produced the good football. That was unfair. He added that Albion would he struggling against relegation. So perhaps we had better not take serious notice of this London expert who has been named the brains of football journalism. He saw Everton win 3-0, and that was not good enough for him. He saw Clark once and said he would be out of the first side in three weeks. Well, time will tell. I  leave you with his thoughts, but  at least it is interesting to think  of Everton near the top of the  chart, and may be that period of  Second Division suspension has done  them a lot of good. At any rate, they do not now think they can go through an opposition by mere football finery. It needs a stinging finishing touch. It would be odd if by the chance of football fortune they went on to win the First Division of the League, because Liverpool broke all records by doing this in 1906.  It is football history that this city woke to its greatest football features in 1905-6 when Everton won the cup and Liverpool won the league, and the fact that Liverpool had just gone down below for a season and had come right back to take the main honours gave this city a football standing it has never since equalled.  As a city we have little to boast about so far as records are concerned. If Liverpool could oblige me taking up a little bit of furniture—say a cup, and Everton went on to complete the league couplet, then this city would be merely taking its proper position once again in the football world. We have the money quietly!—we have the men; we have the following, we have the enthusiasm. It is now up to the players to pull steadily and surely the points that are offered—by the same fair route that has ever been their factor and feature. We don't want points "at any price "—but it they are there for the taking in a sporting manner, then let’s he having them!

EVERTON'S VITAL GAME.
October 14 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
A vital match in the First Division race is that to be decided at Goodison Park, on Saturday, between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday, and it is a pity therefore, that internationals call should prevent the Sheffield side fielding their full strength. Bvlenkinsopp, the full-back, and Strange, the halt-back, are powerful units in the Hillsborough combination, and the "Blades" will undoubtedly stuffer a handicap with these players assisting England against Ireland. Everton have "escaped" a calling up notice and they will therefore, have the advantage of being able to field the team which won so convincingly at Bramell-lane last Saturday. At the same time Sheffield Wednesday possess capable reserves to fill the vacant places and one of the best matches of the season is anticipated. If Everton win they will gain a distinct advantage in the race. The teams are; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. The Reserves side to oppose Stockport County in a Central league game, at Stockport will be; Holdcroft; Bocking, Lowe; TP McClure, Griffiths, Archer; P. Griffitsh, Martin, Reed, Fryer, Rigby.

EVERTON CHANCE.
October 17 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
The levelling up process in the First Division has become marked. There does not appear to be a great deal between the leading teams. The meeting of Everton and Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison Park today should provide a key match although it is unfortunate that the Sheffield club should be without the services of Blenkinsopp and Strange, two of their most able backs. Everton have gained second place, and they have a great chance today to hold on to it. Whatever happens, it will be a hard struggle. The places of Blenkinsopp and Strange will be filled by Catlin and Robson, Davison plays at centre half, and Stepheson resumes at inside left. Robson the former Everton half-back, will oppose his old side. Since their return to the premier circle in 1925-26 the Wednesday have twice won the championship and in their visits to Goodison park have gained three out of eight points, the results being (Everton, score first) 2-1, 3-2, 0-0, 1-4. The clubs in all home met 26 occasions, Everton winning 15 to 3. The kick off is at 3-15 and the teams are; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Sheffield Wednesday; Brown; Beeson Catlin; Robson, Davison, Smith; Hooper, Burgess, Ball, Stepheson, Rimmer.

EVERTON PLAYERS CALLS FOR PLAYERS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 14 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
PINKNEY'S CALL TO ARMS 
Having dealt with the Light Blue let us turn to the Dark Blue—otherwise Ernest Pinkney, one of the cleanest fellows Everton ever had on their books.  He was signed from the North-home of the good young footballers!-and was expected to become Jack Sharp’s regular follower. Here I may mention that Director Jack Sharp has been ill for three weeks and is only just getting “round the doctor's corner."  Pinkney, these days, is engaged on local talent. He says:  I may be going off the beaten track in your trend of work in asking the following favour, but I know that you receive all kinds of appeals, so I trust that mine will not be out of place. I know that if you can help me you will do so. I am attached to Aintree S.S. in the Liverpool League as trainer and coach, and our club is very hard pressed for players strong enough for this combination. I believe that from  time to time you have appeals from  young amateurs who are requiring  clubs, and as a favour I would be glad  if you could help me to get a few young  players who would come for a trial. I can assure you that they would get every consideration. We boast splendid accommodation, hot and cold baths, with training nights every week, where I am in attendance. Centre half, left half, and outside left are our biggest needs.  Ernest Pinkney is living at 5, Dyson-street, Walton. 
EVERTON’S VITAL GAME 
A vital match in the First Division race is that to be decided at Goodison Park, on Saturday, between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday, and it is a pity, therefore, that international calls should prevent the Sheffield side fielding their full strength.  Everton: Sager; Williams, Cresswell;  Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  The Reserve side to oppose Stockport County in a Central League game at Stockport, will be: Holdscroft; Bocking, Lowe; McClure, Griffiths (T.), Archer; Griffiths (P.), Martin, Reed, Fryer, Rigby. 

EVERTON’S GALA FIXTURE WITH FORMER CHAMPIONS
Liverpool Echo- Friday, October 16, 1931
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY’S BIG CARD
Bee’s Notes
There is a fine gathering in prospect to-morrow. Think of Everton and their  Sheffield r—nory—a win over the  United away from home 5-1—and it  would have been a cricket score if  they'd liked, according to the man who  stands by and sees us off and the autograph hunters shooed off! And now we are to be brought into touch with the most consistent side of the last six years’ football service. Let me introduce you to Sheffield Wednesday. They  are not exactly unknown, because Brown  is an international 'keeper (and having  damaged his shoulder making a save  last week got a k.o. that might prevent  him taking his place at Goodison Park  to-morrow). He came out of the miner's dream of a cup home. They drew with the Spurs 0-0, stayed there the weekend to replay at the Spur's ground, and Sheffield took a fancy to Brown's colourful goalkeeping that very moment, albeit he had about ten put past him. In the same Sheffield ranks we miss the name of Robson, but we recalled that Dean himself desired Ellis Rimmer to become an Everton player. Other times, other manners; it is no secret now that Liverpool courted Rimmer's good handwriting in the last two years. 
WINGERS 
Rimmer has got a whole pile of goals by his graceful glide through—a Goddard type of runner—and by his hard-hitting when he gets near goal. In addition, Mark Hooper, whom we remember playing great football against Cardiff, and for Darlington at Anfield in a replay, is taking his share of the goals. If wingers can do this, how much more the inner forwards? Well, Sheffield Wednesday have been rather variable—hence their inability to land the final honours. Their back, Ernest Bleinkinsopp, is playing masterly football, and will be worth your special eye to-morrow, while at half-back there are three able and athletic men. Leach versus Dean being, of course, one of the big things of the day.  Everton think hard of the game at home with Manchester City, and say  Langford's amazing goal-keeping has  kept us from the top place in the League  chart. It is odd that a famous critic has said, “Everton gets the goals, the other side produces the fine football."  And added, as an after-thought, " West Brom, are a fine lot of young triers, but they will he fighting relegation soon."  These two teams stand No. 1 and No. 2 to-day. Which warns me that one must not be dogmatic and I may give a pianoforte selection, but a football selection is barred this week:  At least we can recall the joys of Everton’s work at Bramall-lane, and suggest that reproduction of this kind of football will set Everton people talking of the days of 1906 and making comparisons.  You will note that Clark, of Luton, is quite in his own class when he makes the unexpected left-pass to his wing man. that White takes a lot of  bumps, joins in the tackles, and heaves  his ho—otherwise his big body—when  players get into a bunch; that Stein may break into a goal-sweat again, and that Gee's square pass to his wing half back  is one of the best things he does—and  one of many. Ben Williams is playing masterly football, spite the knowledge of a damaged leg. The rest of the names you know too well. I will leave you to Goodison to-morrow, while I go to West Bromwich Albion.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Dunn, Stein.
GOODISON MUSIC
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor Mr. Harry Wearing) will give the following programme of music at Goodison Park tomorrow (Saturday). 
March “Commonwealth,” Rimmer; Spanish three-step; “Belle of Barcelona,” Campbell and Connelly; fox-trot, “I Found You,” Campbell and Connelly; selection, “Mirella,” Gounod; waltz, “When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver” Campbell and Connelly; trox-trot.  “Whistling in the Work,” Campbell and Connelly; two-step, “I’m Happy When I’m Hiking,” Campbell and Connelly. 

EVERTON LEAD THE WEDNESDAY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 October 1931
RIMMER’S GOAL AGAINST TWO FROM STEIN AND DUNN COMES JUST ON INTERVAL
By stork
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Sheffield Wednesday; Brown; Beeson, Catlin; Robson, Davison, Smith; Hooper, Burgress, Hall, Stephenson, Rimmer.  Referee; Mr. E.C. Cornwall, Litchfield. 
It was a thousand pities that fog should come along to make the attractive match between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday doubtful. There were many people outside the ground fifteen minutes before the time to start who would not venture to go through the gates, believing that play could not possibly take place.  It was not quite so bad as all that, but there was certainly enough fog about to make things, awkward from an onlooker's point of view. It is, however, very often the case that visibility actually on the playing pitch is quite good when we in the stands are straining our eyesight to follow the flight of the ball.  There was an enormous crowd present, and to explain to you what this match meant to the onlooker I would mention the fact that there were rattles in evidence, things that I have not heard for many a long day.  International calls took two of Wednesday’s players, but their reserve strength is such that they would nevertheless prove worthy opponents to Everton.  It was soon apparent that the ball could easily be sighted by the players, whereas we were searching for it. The Wednesday, usual, set a hot pace, but it was Everton who had the first opportunity, for Critchley was able to get away from Smith and Catlin after Johnson had given him a superb pass, and just as we were all expecting a good centre, which would have been labelled goal. Critchley stewed the ball wide of its objective.  There were quick movements, there were canny movements, and the St. Francis Xavier'. Junior 11. who were  here holding a watching brief, should  benefit from their visit.  Johnson was again prominent with a wide cross peas to Critchley, the winger’s shot being deflected by a Sheffield defender, who preferred to give a corner away rather than a goal.  The Wednesday's defence, without its great Blenkinsop, then had its testing time, for Everton showed aggressiveness and a punch in front of goal that made Brown and Catlin, assisted by others, look to their laurels.  Critchley and Clark were thoroughly enjoying themselves, and it was through this pair that Johnson was able to make a mighty drive that struck a rival and went for another abortive corner.  Rimmer had seen little of the ball up to this point. There could be me disputing that Everton had been top dogs for fifteen minutes, and if they had taken the lead at ten they weed have had their desserts, for Brown was a lucky goalkeeper to find a shot from Stein bang up against the crossbar and rebound into play.  White collected the rebound and tried to score with a lob, which, however, went over the crossbar.  The light was now greatly improved, for which many thanks.  I did not miss a hefty shot by Johnson, who was apparently enjoying his voving commission, and that shot of his was not very far from making a goal.  A. it was, it produced a corner.  The Wednesday simply could not get going, for Everton had chained them down, and Sagar's first call was keep an eye on the ball, which Hooper swept over the crossbar.   This was the Yorkshiremen's first shot, although Rimmer was not long in making a second, but it was of no account, for it lacked direction. The Wednesday’s attack can usually be depended upon to eat up ground by first-time method, but for once in a way the ball went to four men without a yard of progress being made. This was unlike the Wednesday.  Dean came into collision with Brown, and after a charging bout between the pair the goalkeeper dropped down as if hurt, but he was soon up again 
STEIN GIVES A LEAD 
At twenty-two minutes Everton gained the lead—they were worth it, for they had had all the game and all the shots.  Everton cannot be called a "one man band” these days, for, although it was Dean who made this important goal possible by one of his famous back-headers, it was Stein who shot well wide of the Wednesday's goalkeeper.  Critchley was a joy to-day; and nothing was better than the way he kept the ball cleverly in play and then offered colleagues a great chance, but, unfortunately from an Everton standpoint, them was no one to take the offering.  Dean, in my opinion, should have scored when he picked up a through-the-middle pass, dashed through the defence, and shot half a yard outside; but he made amends with a perfect header, which Brown had to treat carefully as he tipped the ball over his cross-bar.  A corner was also headed into goal by Dean, and this caused a furore in front of Brown, who, however, came out of it the ball in his possession.  Ball found himself all but through, and there was a big grasp as the former Manchester player wheedled his way round Cresswell, giving him a full view of the Everton goal and a topping opportunity of levelling matters.  His final blow was anything but a good one, for it finished yards off the mark, and it was left to Ellis Rimmer to make a much more worthy effort.  Hooper and Burgess changed places.  Everton worked the offside dodge on the Sheffield forwards time and again, and Sagar had to make his one big save of the half when he caught a “long hop" from Hooper to prevent Ball making contact 
DEAN AND RIMMER 
Dean has not been a prolific sewer this term, but he has scored many bonny points. His goal at forty-two minutes was brilliantly made. He took a ball which came up from the rear, “ankled " it to White, who returned it instantly, and Dean had it in the net in a flash. Two minutes later the Wednesday had wiped this goal on the slate.  Rimmer heading a cross by Burgess well wide of Sagar. The half concluded with Brown tipping over a shot from Critchley.  Half-time; Everton 2, Sheffield W 1. 
TWELVE GOALS AT GOODISON
EVERTON SCORE NINE AGAINST SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
DEAN’S FIVE SECOND HALF ONE LONG STREAM
Sheffield will remember Everton, United suffered a severe blew a week ago by five goals to one.  To-day, in the fog, their neighbours, the Wednesday, were "murdered."  Everton, by superb football, did almost as they liked, and in front of goal they always looked like scoring.  The Wednesday may claim that they released their two internationals, but I not think that even their presence would have nailed down Everton as they were to-day. Dean,  naturally, comes in for most of the  thunder on account of his amazing  goal-scoring—he scored five—but it  was Everton as a whole that made  this rout—for it was a rout-possible.  From stem to stern there was not a weak link, and the Wednesday knew it, yet was unable to cope with it. It was a pity that the light did not allow us to get a perfect view of these goals, for some of them must have been of high class.   
In the first half stein Dean and Rimmer scored.  Everton were well-nigh invincible, their football was much superior, and their shooting and heading a thing to wonder at.  To emphasize this latter point l have but to tell you that they scored three goals in ten minutes.  This goal rush started at forty-six minutes, White heading a fine goal from Critchley's centre.  Three minutes later Stein beat Beeson, appeared to have hurt a leg in doing so, and halted for a fraction of a second. He did not, however, lose sight of the fact that a quick pass might prove a considerable worth to his side, and it did.  Dean took over the ball col wheeled round before he shot pass the well- beaten Brown.  The Wednesday had their luck when Ball scooped the ball over the crossbar, but it was Everton who wets the dangerous in front of goal.  Brown diced to stop Dean and when Ball made a back-header Stephenson hit a terrific shot, so that Sagar could make a mighty save. Critchley was in grand humour, and it was from his centre that Dean was able to nod a perfect goal to make the score 5-1.  Brown was hurt through getting in the way of a terrific Dean shot, and although the light was none too good I saw Critchley cleverly work his way round two men before he finally got his side's sixth goal at the hour.  A minute later Hooper scored for the Wednesday. He pounced upon an Ellis Rimier centre, and had it in the net in a twinking. The Wednesday, even though they were outclassed, never gave up the ghost, and Ball reduced the arrears at the sixty-fifth minute.  Those who love goals certainly had their heart's desire this afternoon, even though they did no see how, or who, were the scorers. Dean found his way through to two further goals, which brought his total up to five, yet he was still without his hat-trick.  Sheffield had demonstrated to me that they were not nearly so good a side as they were last year. Even if they had their full strength, I doubt if they could have curbed this remnant Everton who ran through the Wednesday defence as they liked, although Williams had to head out from under his bar to save Sagar.  Two minutes from the end I saw a cluster of Everton men in the Sheffield goal month.  There were several shots before Johnson finally found the net to give Everton one of the most convincing victories against a side which everyone had expected would set them their biggest task of the season. There was great enthusiasm at the conclusion of the game, the crowd waiting until every player had passed through the tunnel, cheering in hearty fashion.  Final; Everton 9, Sheffield Wednesday 3. 

STOCKPORT RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, October 17, 1931
At Edgely Park, Stockport, before 5,000.  The first half was devoid of any outstanding incident; both sides missing chances, probably through over-eagerness, but the run of play Stockport were the better side.  In the second half Everton were kept on the defence, the Stockport forwards giving the visitors an anxious time.  After eighteen minutes in this half Rigsby dropped the ball in the Everton goalmouth, and Barber, the Stockport centre-half, gaining possession, beat Holdscroft with a good shot. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 October 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• Magner, the old-time Everton centre-forward, is doing very well as a coach in Holland.
• When Sheffield Wednesday last visited Goodison park (on Christmas Day, 1929) they won 4-1.
• Everton’s form that day was too bad for words; yet they had their share of bad luck, for Dean and Virr were both damaged, and Griffiths suffered from illness during the match
• As a matter of fact, this match was destined to see the last of Albert Virr as an Everton player, so badly did he break down.
• In this game little Mark Hooper performed the hat-trick for the Blades from outside right.
• Everton have a trio of stiff engagements just ahead
• Everton’s three inside forwards are accustomed to the centre forward role.
• White seems to have fined down considerably since last season, and hence is bulging more in the public eye.
• Two Everton players are helping the Rev. Gordon MacLeod at the service (harvest) at his new church- Norris Green Presbyterian Church –on Sunday evening 6.30 p.m., Martin is to be the soloist, and Britton is to read the lesson.

EVERTON 9 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 3
October 19 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Five for Dean.
How Everton Reaped Rich Harviest.
Everton gained a sensational victory over Sheffield Wednesday, at Goodison Park, by the remarkable score of 9-3. Such a result could hardly have been anticipated by Everton's most sanguine supporters. Yet Wednesday were so completely overplayed that Everton's success was no greater than they deserved. True, Wednesday were without three of their regular side in Blenkinsopp, Strange, and Leach, and while this trio would certainly have made a difference, Everton displayed such irresistible form that it would have taken a very good side indeed to prevent them winning, whatever the opposition.
Dean's Great Work.
The goal scorers were Dean (5), Stein, White, Critchley and Johnson, for Everton, while Rimmer, Hooper, and Ball scored for Sheffield. Everton led at the interval 2-1, but it was obvious from the start that they had the measure of their opponents and the interval score flattered Sheffield. Afterwards Everton reaped a rich harvest, chiefly through the splendid work of Dean, who was in his most sparkling and dangerous form. As a schemer, shooter, and provider of openings, Dean had rarely been more completely satisfactory. He was irrepressible and the Sheffield defence had a sorry experience. At times fog threatened to blot out the players and it was not always easy to follow the finer points of the play. Under such conditions frequent shooting was the policy that paid and Everton neglected few opportunities.
Defence Overwhelmed.
Fast on the ball and challenges at every point, Everton never allowed the Wednesday to develop a plan. In fact, the Sheffield defence was so often overwhelmed and always hard worked that their own forwards got few chances by comparison with Everton's glut of openings. Everton maintained the initiative and made capital use of it. Chances came as the result of well considered movements accurately developed and carried through with speed and skill. There was not a weakness in the side, Sagar kept a safe goal, and when occasions rose responded with neat clearances, Sterling work came from Williams and Cresswell. In the matter of positional play and accurate placing, Cresswell was a class by himself. Thomson, Gee, and Clark made a sound and solid middle line, while the forwards, splendidly led by Dean made an attack that was efficient in everylink.
Brown's Games.
Although beaten so frequently Brown made a number of fine saves, while Smith worked hard in the middle line, but the forwards, owing mainly to the lack of support from an overworked defence, had a task that was beyond them. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday; - Brown, goal; Beeson, and Catlin, backs; Robson, Davison and Smith, half-backs; Hopper, Burgess, Ball, Stepheson and Rimmer, forwards .

STOCKPORT COUNTY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
October 19 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central league (Game 10)
At Stockport. The winning goal was scored by Barber, the Stockport centre-half, eighteen minutes after the interval. Everton were never allowed to settle down, and had a bust time storming the raids of the Stockport attack. Everton were served in defence, but the forwards lacked cohesion. Everton; - Holdcroft, goal; Bocking, and Lowe, backs; TP McClure, Griffiths, and Archer half-backs; P. Griffitsh, Martin, Reed, Fryer, and Rigby, forwards.

SHEFFIELD WON'T FORGET SATURDAY
October 19 th 1931. Evening Express.
They found Everton on the goal standard.
Do you know the secret?
By the Pilot.
Do you know the secret of Everton sweeping 9-3 victory over Sheffield Wednesday? It is just this. The deeply ingrained slow, close-passing methods were unrooted and in their place were implanted fast swinging unhesitant transfers. But this is not all. These menceuvres were not merely fast they were accurate. The new style was thrilling; it dazzled Wednesday and spectators alike; it brought the biggest crop of goals ever seen in a league match at Goodison Park. The old time daintiness was deserved, but this was exhilarating football. There was rarely a flaw, and the Everton machine operated with extra machinery smootness. Faster football could not be imagined, but this was chiefly due to the Blues passing faculty for keeping position, making moves and being precise in their transfers. Fog tended to dim the view of this wonder Everton, and and not all the spectators could get a good view of the nine marvellous goals, but all could see that it was first-time, accurate shooting which brought about the Wednesday's downfall. It was the heaviest defeat the Sheffield side had received since 1912, when Aston Villa beat them 10-0.
Individual skill.
Let me say that the Wednesday were over disgraced, in fact as individuals they contributed some really menacing football. This is proved by the fact that in the first half they held the Blues to two goals to one, and even after standing 6-1, got two goals. It was a combined force, however, that they were overshadowed by a team which on the day's showing was as near perfection as it is possible to get. Everton's teamwork was the deciding factor, and in the circumstances one hesitates to single out players for special praises. They appreciated each other's requirements and helped each other, and behind all was the desire to play as Everton with the necessary willingness and sacrifice personal glory.
Dean's nap Hand.
One mist pay tribute to the wonderful shooting of Dixie Dean, who bagged five goals in grand manner. Dean was certainly as his best, and I say emphaticiously that not even during his 60 goals season did he play better. Stein and Critchley were right on their mettle, and Johnson and White were sound cogs in an attacking machine that was relentless in its collaboration and finishing. The Everton half-backs succeeded in reducing Wednesday front line as a disjointed force, and were general masters of the individuals, although Stephenson required plenty of attention. In defence Williams and Cresswell were as sound as the proverbial bell, for anticipation and positional play having beyond reproach. Sagar had a quite day, so well was he covered. It is a fact that had Brown not been at his best international form in the Wednesday goal, Everton might have had many more goals. He stood as the main guardian and had no chance with all of the scoring shots. This was the greatest display by an Everton team seem since the war. Not just in their championship season did they produce such form.

EVERTON'S GOAL STORM 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 19 October 1931
By Stork
It is not often that twelve goals are scored in a First Division match, so it was the irony of Fate that we should not get a close-up “view of the goal-storm which swept over Goodison Park on Saturday. The fog—it came in patches—did not entirely obliterate the view of this avalanche, but it prevented us front seeing some of the goals quite so easily as we would have liked.  Everton were rampant, and when  I say that they outclassed Sheffield Wednesday  I am not unmindful of the fact  that Wednesday were without three of  their best players—all defenders—who  might have prevented such a severe  whipping. I say might because it is not certain that they would have done so, for Everton were in that frame of mind that few sides could have withstood their terrific onslaughts. They mowed down the Sheffield opposition in the same way that the Russians mowed down the Germans way back in history, and it was not done by simply crashing their way through by sheer strength, but with the aid of first-class football that was a joy to watch, even though you had to strain your eyesight to see the cleverly-conceived plans and passes. Sheffield Wednesday came as one of the bigwigs of the tournament, and was not alone in thinking that here was a stiff task if ever there was one, and if Everton could win it would be a victory to rejoice over. Wednesday, however, were never in the hunt, despite their three goals, which in ordinary circumstances would have been sufficient to win most matches. They never got going. Their keen-edge attack never got together. That big link between Hooper and Rimmer snapped on Everton's anvil. It was all too frail, and the reason thereof was entirely due to Everton.  EXTRAORDINARY 
Sheffield's half-backs against an  ordinary attack—Everton's was extraordinary  in this game—would have  sought their forwards, but they had too  much on hand in looking to their  defence to be of any use to their attack,  which had to work out its own salvation.  It could not do it, and the Wednesday  half-backs, full-backs, and goalkeeper  had a nerve-raking task against a front  line that could work its way forward by  intricate movements, accurately-placed  passes, and, above all, finish with a  shot or header that was always on the  mark.  It has been suggested to me that nine goals would not have been scored if the light had been better. Perhaps not, but how do you account for the fact that each goalkeeper made amazing saves when the light was not one bit better?  The players could see lunch better than the onlookers, yet almost every time Everton went down in the second half they were rewarded with a goal. Nine times Brown picked the ball from out of the back of his net. It would bring  to his mind another occasion when he  had a similar number put past him in  the days he was " keeping" for Worksop  Town some years ago playing the 'Spurs  in a Cup-tie.
BOOT ON OTHER FOOT 
Dean took a “nap hand." yet he was prevented from obtaining his “hat trick." I know Dean well enough not to know that he will give every credit to his colleagues, particularly Critchley, for his big scoring feat. He has in his time made goals for others, but on this occasion the boot was on the other foot, for he was the receiver and not the, giver.  Critchley played his best game for me. His pace was all too much for the half and full-back pitted against him, and I can recall his wasting but two balls. In making his own goal he beat two men, and did something similar when giving Dean his fifth goal. Johnson is a “rover " these days, and he roved with a purpose, putting out some brilliant passes to either wing. But I do not intend to single out any one man and give him more credit than the others for this handsome victory, for that would not be fair.

THE FOG MATCH
October 20 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
By John Peel.
Everton's remarkable victory over Sheffield Wednesday is still a topic among local enthusiasts, and there seems to be a kind of competition regarding the point of how many of the twelve goals individuals witnessed. I heard a conversation after the match, which seems to crystallize the view of a great many onlookers who were up in the top stand. A spectator observed to his companion. "Well, you have seen something you have never seen before –twelve goals in a First Division match," The reply was, "I haven't seen twelve goals I saw three and heard nine." It appears that the bulk of the spectators on the lower levels had a good view of all the goals, while the people in the big stand where the Press box is situated were looking through the mist, the distance rendering the fog much thicker than at other points.
Third "Nine" This Year.
Saturday's score was Everton's third nine this year. It will be realised that the "Blues" beat Plymouth Argyle 9-1 in January at Goodison Park, and later on Southport suffered a similar fate in the sixth round of the cup. At the present time Everton seem to have adopted the right plan of forward movement, and the part Critchley is playing is a great factor in the scheme for it is a recognised fact that if Dean gets the ball from the wings in a proper way, there is no more dangerous centre-forward in the land. I have always held the view that when Critchley mastered the art of centring the ball in the right way and at the right time he would prove a distinct asset to any club. He seems to have developed in the direction desired, and he has only to maintain such form to reach the pinnacle of his profession. Stein, too, has the ability, and with the wingmen doing their share, the inside forwards can be depended on to do the rest.

NO GLOOMY DEAN THIS.
October 20,th 1931. Evening Express.
Dixie Spurts from 0 to 12 in four weeks.
By the Pilot.
A little more than four weeks ago Dixie Dean, the Everton captain, had not a goal to his name. Now he is tieing for fifth place amongst the sharpshooters of the whole country. In four matches he scored 12 goals, and in the First Division this brings him into equal leadership with Waring (Aston Villa), who like Dean, is a product of Tranmere Rovers. The Everton leader is now only four goals behind the country leader –Pearce (Swansea Town), who has 16 goals. Dean's average is 1.2 goals a match. In addition, Dean is now the highest scorer among the Merseyside and district players, having overtaken Williams (Crewe) and Bamford (Wrexham), who stand on the eleven mark. The best club record to date goes to Newton and Hammond, of Fulham who have collected 20 goals between them. Ellis Rimmer, of Sheffield Wednesday and formerly of Tranmere Rovers is not only the highest scorer of his club, but has scored more goals than any other winger in the League.
Appended is the list of leading scorers in the four Divisions of the Football League;
Division one; Dean (Everton) 12 Bradford (Birmingham) 7
Waring (Aston Villa) 12 Jackson (Chelsea) 7
Blackmore (Bolton) 9 Johnson (Everton) 7
Bowers (Derby) 9 Glover (Grimsby) 7
Boyd (Newcastle) 8 Hine (Leicester) 7
Rimmer (Sheff Wed) 8 Camsell (Middlesbrough) 7
Richardson (WG) (WBA) 8 Ball (Sheff Wed) 7
Hulme (Arsenal) 7 Bastin (Arsenal) 6
Lambert (Arsenal) 7 Hodgson (Liverpool) 6
Wright (Liverpool) 7 Smith (Leicester) 6
Houghton (Aston Villa) 7 Stephenson (Sheff Wed) 6
Second Division
Pearce (Swansea) 16 Haddieton (Bolton) 8
Keetley (Notts Co) 10 Lindsay (Bury) 7
Little (Plymouth) 9 Keetley (Leeds) 7
Wallbanks (Barnsley) 8 Smith (Millwall) 7
Pynegar (Chesterfield) 8 Dickinson (Notts Forest) 7
Division Three (Northern Section)
McNaughton (Gatehead) 12 McConnell (Carlise) 8
Williams (Crewe) 11 Hall (Lincoln) 8
Bamford (Wrexham) 11 Watson (Carlise) 7
Wellock (Darlington) 10 Duncan (Hull) 7
Jennings (Chester) 9 Lumley (Hartlepool) 7
Waterton (Southport) 7
Division Three (Southern Section)
Bourton (Crystal P) 14 Barnet (Watford) 9
Newton (Fulham) 14 Varco (Exeter) 8
James (Watford) 13 Morris (Swindon) 8
Hammond (Fulham) 12 Trotter (Torquay) 8
Lane (Brentford) 11 Clarke (Crystal P) 8
Kyre (Boroumbe) 10 Robbins (Cardiff) 7
Simpson (Crystal P) 10 Goddard (QPR) 7

TUSSLE OF GIANTS
October 21 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton against Aston Villa. A match at any time between these clubs is regarded as a tit-bit, but when they meet on Saturday I expect the spacious Villa Park will be taxed to the utmost capacity. The teams are at the top of their form just now, and the fact that Everton have played havoc with the Sheffield teams will appeal to the Midland followers, who are likely to turn out in force to see whether their favourites can put a stop to the Everton gallop. It is a match piquant possibilities, and there are those who believe that even the Villa may fall before the Everton rush. Only the match itself, however, will settle arguments.
Rival Centre-Forwards.
One feature of special appears stands out, and that is the fact that the two best centre-forwards in the country will be in opposition. Waring and Dean are undoubtedly players, who impart dash to their footcraft, and this game will afford an excellent opportunity of comparing the style of the men. Waring will step on the field as England's centre-forward, but Dean may prove that he is still a greater leader them his former colleague at Prenton. Everton will have the same team as that which trounced the Sheffield clubs, viz; Sagar, Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.
Villa Escape Injuries.
With the exception of last Saturday, when Waring and Houghton were called away for International duty, Aston Villa have been able to play an unchanged team, so that the team should be a real combined force. They have been fortunate in their men escaping injuries, with Waring and Houghton back in their places, the Villa side is likely to be; Biddlestone; Smart, Mort; Gibson, Talbot, Tate; Mandley, Breseford, Waring, Walker, Houghton. At Portsmouth last Saturday the Villa rallied to score three goals in the last twenty minutes.
Everton Resevres.
Everton Reserves meet Preston North end at Goodison park in a Central league game, Kick-Off at 3-0'clock and the home side will be; Holdcroft; Common, Lowe; McClure, Griffiths, Archer; Griffiths, Dunn, Reed, Martin, Rigby.

THE ACID CRITICS 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 21 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
" Here's a gem from " Fair Play,"  Southport:—  I have been a keen follower of the  Everton Football Club for years, and  am delighted at the splendid way In  which the team are playing. After each match I invariably read what you have to say. I do not wish to pose as a critic, and I fully realise that you have far more experience in football than I have, but I do not think you give sufficient praise to one player, Cresswell.  Time after time have I seen that sterling player pull the game out of the fire for Everton. He never loses his head, and  is as cool and steady as the best regiment  under fire, and from the remarks  in the crowd is the best player on the  field; and, to and behold, when I read  your remarks on the game there is hardly  a reference to his splendid performance.  To my mind, Cresswell is the finest back I have ever seen, and I cannot understand why he has not played for England regularly for years past. Is the reason you so seldom allude to his magnificent play that only the very best play is expected from him, and that it requires almost superhuman ingenuity on his part to gain a word of credit?"  This is surely the least word in unfairness to me. I have for three years solidly told exactly how Cresswell had played. One time, in fact, I gave him fulsome praise, and was called to task for doing so as “the London Press had not given him a great name." Cresswell has had full measure of praise from this column. I think the gentleman who complains must have addressed his view to the wrong paper!  Excuse my first offence (says “Fairplay." of Anfield) in writing you, but have just read a report by an ex-referee at Everton v Wednesday match. Well, it is called a report, but, apart from the last three years' history of the Wednesday, and an idea of what a club captain should do, also a time and goal chart (probably taken from Saturday’s Football Echo), it is a washout. In it he says Dean ran from the centre of the field to pull the referee up for a goal kick instead of a corner, an unsporting thing, he says, when Cresswell run the ball over the line. He says Dean from his position could not possibly see. Now, the incident happened at the Bullens-road corner. If Dean could not have seen, how could this famous scribe see from the Press box, a hundred yards further away? He goes on to ask what the sportsman and gentleman Warney Cresswell thought of Dean’s conduct. Cresswell mildly protest, and Dean simply ran to tell the referee the linesman was flagging for a goal kick.  It is a gross insult to Dean.  That is why many players get the “bird” and some are ruined for life.  If I remember rightly, this same boomed critic saw Dean once last season, and said it was a tragedy to see one so young irretrievably lose his speed and craft.  So much for his views.  They can have their Referees Hardinges and Buchans, but for football knowledge and fairplay, thou bees IT. 

LEAGUE FOOTBALLER AT FORTY
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, October 21, 1931
GEORGE HARRISON TO MAKE RE-ENTRANCE IN DIV 1
By Buzz
George Harrison, sen., and George Harrison jun, will probably be playing in English Football League football at the same time within a few weeks.  So far as I can remember, father and son have never before played at the same time in first-class football.  The ex-Everton and Preston outside left is expected to sigh for Division 1, club in Lancashire during the next few days.  He is breaking retirement to assist a club which has offered him better terms than he received when at Preston North End, his last club.  At forty years of age this is a reputation of Billy Meredith’s “come-back.”  Harrison, when he left Everton, was considered to be past his best, but surprised everyone by his lengthy service with that club as a scoring winger.  His re-entrance to League football is a blow to at least four Lancashire Combination clubs who have been angling his service for months.  It is strange that while Harrison, sen., is taking up a new lease of life with a Lancashire club, his son is playing with Leicester City, George’s first team.  It was from Leicester that Harrison came to Everton.  Here he was a popular player with a terrific shot, which is still talked of at Goodison.
BOYS AT GODOISON
Liverpool Schoolboys replay their English School’s Shield tie with Stretford (Manchester), at Goodison Park, on Saturday morning, kick-off 10.30. 

EVERTON AND THEIR INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, October 22, 1931
Bee’s Notes
Jimmy Dunn’s name has been associated with the international match, Wales, v. Scotland, at Wrexham, on Saturday week.  Everton were approached regarding Dunn, and the position is this; the club will willingly let Dunn or any of their players to international duty if the occasion is suitable-that is to say, if the player is not required for first team duty with his club.  Scotland has not made her choice, but I can tell you James Dunn, of Everton, is a very fancied candidate.  In fact, weeks ago there was a bet made that Dunn would play for Scotland against England again at Wembley-a memory of the grand slam Scotland obtained against us, and a game in which Dunn played his part by the side of Alex Jackson. 
NOT THIS TEAR 
The southern critics try to squeeze a stunt into any scoring feat. For instance, they have stated it was Everton’s third score of nine goals this year, and they include the victory over Plymouth Argyle, at Goodison Park, in the trinity. As Everton played Plymouth on December 27 it can hardly be included in a fair list of results for this year, can it. I often feel that I'd like to expunge that Plymouth result, because the team came to Liverpool at 5 a.m., went straight to bed, and then turned out on a turf they could not fathom. They sank deep in its mire, whereat Everton had got a perfect “hang" of the slime. Plymouth, tired out and distressed, found the turf so unlike their own bonny turf at Home Park. Now Goodison Park lives up to its park-ing name. The turf is possibly one of the reasons for the improved display and sharper notions of the Everton players.  Years ago I got into the bad books of the groundsmen for say that it was the most bumpetty-bump field I had ever trodden. But for years the sudden rise of the ground near the goal-post was unknown to those who had not played on the ground. No wonder they missed easy chances near goal. The ball came up to the shooter—so did the turf! 
ENGLISH SCHOOLS SHIELD 
The first round (preliminary) replay, Liverpool- Stretford, drawn at Manchester United’s ground (1-1) last Saturday, 17th ult.  The replay ought to be a most interesting match between two keen and clever teams.  It is at Goodison Park (by kind permission of the Everton directors), on Saturday, at 10.30 a.m. 

ENGLAND CENTRE FORWARDS IN OPPOSITION
October 23 rd 1931. Evening Express
To continue goals race at Villa Park
By the Pilot.
Two former Tranmere Rovers centre forwards and both English Internationals will be opponents at Villa Park tomorrow, when Aston Villa and Everton meet. They are Dixie Dean and Pongo Waring, and interest is added by the fact that at the moment they are the joint leaders in the race for First Division scoring championship. To date each has scored 12 goals. Tomorrow's task is one of the hardest of the season, for the Villa are unquestionably one of the greatest sides in the country. The only teams to defeat Villa this seasons has been Liverpool and Sheffield Wednesday. This gives us a splendid line to "form" Everton won at Anfield, where the Villa went under by two goals to nil, and the Blues wonderful victory over Sheffield Wednesday remains fresh in our memory. Everton have not taken a point from the Villa since season 1927-28, when they won both matches 3-2. The following season the Villa won 2-0 at home and 1-0 at Goodison Park, following this up with wins by 5-3(home) and 4-3 (away) in 1929-30. Everton's turn has certainly come, and by the manner of their victories over the Sheffield clubs I do expect them to come home defeated tomorrow. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Aston Villa; Biddlestone; Smart, Mort; Gibson, Talbot, Tate; Mandley, Beresford, Waring, Walker, Houghton.

THE CRUCIAL MOMENT 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 23 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton have come back to football life with a bound. The confidence that comes of a successful team playing together week after week has led them into a football frame of mind that was foreign to them when they talked of relegation matches. Knowledge of each other, blend of the talents, and the magician at centre-forward with the old man of the party at full back—Cresswell; these are the foundation stones of the present Everton team. And how romantic the story would have been had Cresswell been put to rest through the cat-call of “old age?" Or Dean put to rest—as was nearly the case when the meeting with Liverpool became due—because he had “gone slow." The team was not altered unduly; panic thoughts were put aside, and the team that has been winning for a year or so was remodelled here with a touch of strength and ability, and there with a breeze of shooting power that seemed to have become necessary. That was how Everton altered their side without remodeling it. And tomorrow they tackle their ancient foe, Aston Villa, the side that beat them in the classiest of final ties —1896 by 3-2-all scored in the first half.  They tell me lam all wrong when I say Villa are weak at half back; they go contrariwise and say: "That is our strong point?: Well, the crucial test has come at a moment when there is no going back; and at a time when the two teams are at their greatest point; Villa having won 30 at Portsmouth (as did Everton), and having shown loose form against Bolton at home, and lost to Sheffield Wednesday by a goal at Hillsborough.  Wednesday without Leach, Blenkinsopp and Strange is a Thursday side. I don't minimize the unmistakably great display Everton must have put up; I mention the collateral form to remind you that when Villa played them Wednesday wens at full strength. 
SOMETHING OWING 
Home and away Villa have put up these figures in the last meetings of the two clubs: 2-0, 1-0, 5-2, and 4-3. So that there is something on the slate for Everton to wipe off. It should be great football to-morrow, and I propose to deal with the game rather more fully than is my custom in the Football Echo, who, solely because it is a meeting of the giants. Villa Park will hold the best part of 100,000 people. They have had 76,000 for a Cup-tie with Walsall, and the arrangements at the ground are such that I can recommend any Merseyside people who suggest going that they will be accommodated with a fair amount of ease.  I think the match will hang on defence—and, notably, the Villa goalkeeper.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 
Blundellsands and Everton “A” meet in the George Mahon first round cup-tie at Moorside, Endbutt-lane, Great Crosby.  Blundellands team from Maycox, McEllenborough, Worsley, Duffy, McGough, Bretland, Harrington, Walmsley, Dempsey, Price, Snape, Simpson, and Nipper Roberts. 

EVERTON CHANCE AT VILLA PARK
October 24 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Both the Albion and Everton are away from home, and that in itself renders their task difficult, though the Albion at Bolton have the advantage. Everton are set a very stiff task at Villa Park. Aston Villa are one of the most polished and at the same time one of the most dashing side's in the country, and they will endeavors to check the forward rush, which brought Everton 14 goals against the Sheffield clubs. It was said after the Sheffield Wednesday debacle that Everton would have beaten any side on that form. They will need a repetition today to win, at Villa Park, and I have no doubt the players will be all out to accomplished that object, but whatever happens it should be a great match especially as the sides will be at full strength. Special interest will be centred in the displays of Waring and Dean, the former colleagues each of whom will try all he knows to convince the selectors that he is the man to lead England. The fine set of half-backs to oppose the forward lines skilled, in every phase of the game, and the battle for supremacy is sure to hold the attention of the big crowd likely to be seen at the palatial Midland enclosure. Teams; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clarke, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Villa; Biddlestone; Smart, Mort; Gibson, Talbot, Tate; Mandley, Beresford, Waring, Walker, Houghton.

GREAT MATCH AT VILLA PARK
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 October 1931
EVERTON SUPERIOR TEAM IN SEVEREST TEST OF THE SEASON
CRITCHLEY AND HOUGHTON GOALS
By Bee
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Aston Villa; Biddlestone; smart, Mort; Gibson, Talbot, Tate; Mandley, Beresford, Waring, Walker, Houghton.   Referee; Mr., J.C. Smith, Aston-under-Lyne. 
The match, on Aston vines magnificent ground, produced the best crowd I have seen this season. It was a match that appealed to everyone in the Midlands, and they turned up in their thousands, while the Liverpool people who follow Everton brought three train loads crammed with Everton enthusiasts who made their colours and vocal cords known.  Everton's 9-3 victory of a week ago had set the football world talking, and here was a grand test against hereditary foes, the Villa. The ground looked a picture, with its two Spion Kops, a dry turf, the sun shining on one quarter of the pitch, and the Villa secretary, Mr.  Smith, telling me that at 2.30 the 2s places were already full.  Colour was lent to the ordinary proceedings by the fact that it was university day here, and the collectors for rag and charity had all manner of disguises.  West Bromwich and Birmingham were away from home, and thereby the crowd became larger than usual. It is the custom to over-estimate the size of crowds, but the big stand here was well packed, and it was only a question of whether the people would fill the Kop.  Here the authorities prefer to lose 70 pound rather than have an overflow. They would sooner the ground nicely packed than that it should lead to the public climbing over the rails.  There was a threat of winter in the air, and a biting cold wind threatened to spoil some of the work of two sides who play pretty much the same type of football. However, this winter sport, and so far football has been blessed with an abnormal October.  The football president. Mr. John McKenna, travelled with Everton, and no doubt kept his keen eye open for international purposes.  Waring arid Houghton came back to the Villa side after a capping interlude in Ireland, so that the home team was the side that had been unchanged all through the season until a week ago, a remarkable feature only equalled by Everton and Stoke, in part any way.  Naturally, the keenest pleasure of the day was the review of the duelists, Dean and Waring, both Birkenhead lads. Dean and the Villa captain met before the match, and promised each other what was coming to them. They made banter, but they never bartered.  Everton followed the Liverpool line of flight of a week ago, and hoped to get the same reward, two points away from home.  A colleague has just come into the ground, and tells me that outside there are queues miles long. Similarly an official comes along to say, “All the stands are closed." This is more like a Cup-tie than a mere League game.  Everton were out first, a photograph was taken. A joyful noise welcomes the Villa, and we got on with the game of much importance, a game that will possibly tell us whether one or other is to be the championship side.  Dean broke away and a goal was promised. He beat two men and then tried to turn the ball with the outside of his foot- a distinctly narrow shave.  The Villa's sturdy full-backs were kicking a long ball, almost too long, Gibson got a sharp blow to the face in a charge from Stein, and Cresswell now took command of Mandley.  Waring looked dangerous as he took a through pass. He showed his football brains when he touched the ball back towards Mandley, the latter running the ball out of play rather unluckily. 
A WHITE FLASH 
Right away to the other end went Everton, and there was play on the left flank. It seemed as if there was to be no productive effort until Mort, trying to kick too hard, kicked over the ball, and White, the man on the spot, said, “Thank you!" He shot hard and true with the left foot. The ball flashed to the left-hand side of the goal—i.e., to Biddlestone’s right hand—but no hand could touch this shot.  Gee was hurt soon after this goal, which came in eleven minutes. Gee later had to go off for a minute to have his studded chest attended to. Talbot is said to have medals for pushing, and now he got a free-kick for himself when his should have had none. It should have been the other way round. However.  Everton need not grumble, because in a minute they had brought the lead to 2.0.
A CRITCHLEY CRASH 
A fine movement, in which three forwards had a foot, and White leapt high to try to make a lofted centre into a row. He could only turn the ball a shade to the right, where Critchley came up to take a furious shot. The ball travelled so fast that it hit the top of the netting and came back into play again. The Villa tried to make a goal debate,  and the referee, who had a perfect view  of the case, actually made if to  consult a linesman, but he had not got  more than six yards when the linesman  apparently gave him the signal for a  goal, and thus Everton were two up in  than twenty minutes.  Beresford was the principal Villa forward. He hook-pulled a ball nicely for Waring's benefit, but the Birkenhead lad found the intervention of Cresswell and Williams very severely secure.  Welker tried to Marshall his forces, and he indulged in some drives at goalkeeper Sagar.  It was all for naught, but let me be fair to both sides and declare that the wind was blowing so sharply new that this ground was sure to be difficult to play on. I know, I have experienced its whirling whirls.  Hands against Gee made no improvement for the home side, Cresswell putting his head to within a yard of the ground and heading away a pass intended for Wanes. 
GIFT FOR HOUGHTON 
Villa, however, scored through a mistake in defence as soon as I had made the above remark Mandley made a shot that hit Williams' chest. Clark might and should have saved, but tried to work the ball. It came to a point where a back—l think it was Cresswell —should have kicked clear.  The ball travelled across to the left wing, and Houghton had as big a gift as Critchley had experienced.  The ball entered the net-2-1; time 28 mins.  Stein did his best to bring the two goals margin again, and the ball swerved in its flight towards goal.  Sixty thousand people roared as if the ball had entered the net.  Tate played very well just now, and it was he who collated a centre by Stein, who had cleverly beaten Smart. Mort blundered again, and Everton were near making a third goal. They were having plenty of raids from the Villa, but the way Everton played showed them the superior side in football craft and tactics.  Walker at last rot a ball going on the right track, and the ball struck a defender. Critchley wasted a centre, unusual lately. Thompson strove manfully, but he was not there when Tate made the best run of the match, and placed Medley so that a goal should have been sure. Actually Maddley fiddled while the crowd roared their disapproval.  Here I ought to state that the first goal was attributed to Critchley. Maybe it was so. It is a minor point at this stage of the hot game, and I give it to show both sides of an incident that occurred at the extreme side of the field compared with the Press-box.  Villa may not have been impressive, but the way they kept hammering away was being troublesome for nearly the whole of the first half.  Dean made a spectacular run until he found himself offside. Mort had given a goal end now he saved one, a sure thing when the rest of the defence was all at sea. Gibson was having a troublesome time, and the Villa rattles were strangely silent.  Their crowd was  rattled.  Everton could have made their half- time lead two goals if they had not needlessly fiddled about after Johnson had made merry at the expense of the defense.  Halt-time.—Aston Villa 1, Everton 2. 
EVERTON’S AWAY WIN
A 3-2 VERDICT AT ASTON VILLA GROUND
REFEREE WOBBLES
HOUGHTON FIRES WIDE WITH A PENALTY KICK 
LEAGUE LEAD TAKEN 
BY Bee 
Everton won! But it was not good football. One expected different things but the wind was awkward and the temper of the Villa was likewise.  The reforms gave a penalty kick, changing his mind after he had seen and registered no such kick.  The football was hard, but not good, because Villa's defence was uncertain.  There was no comparison between the two rival centre forwards, even if Dean had no goal and few chances. It was a difficult match to win with Villa biting in flashes of attack, but Everton were wall worthy their victory.  They led by two goals, but lost their way awhile. Recovery came through the winners' strenuous endeavor and better football combination. In the first half Critchley (2) and Houghton scored.  Official inquiries showed that Critchley had scored both goals for Everton.  There was a shout for Everton one minute after resuming. Williams was beaten by a sharp turning by Houghon.  The ball was centred and Clark headed away a trifle, but not far enough.  Mandley came up to squeeze a ball into the net, a goal of rare import, but its make-up piffling.  This was something of a sensation, and it was plain that Everton had not thoroughly resettled to their game. The Villa threatened to go through again, and Cresswell not only stopped them, but took an injury from Walker as well.  The game went cold and dead, and the players seemed to have run themselves out in the fast first half. Neither Dean nor Waring had space, chance, or shot.  Everton round of heading was applauded. White had a knock-out blow on the head from a straying ball, and the referee appeared to point for a penalty to Everton, and Villa stoutly denied the charge. The referee then pointed to an offside versus Stein.  Gibson was now awakened to the need.  He became a forward, and Villa claimed hands in the box, without success.
WHITE REGAINS LEAD 
The beginning of Everton's lead of 3-2 was under my nose. Clark made a lovely touch to Critchley, a centre, a bad header by Smart, and Dean shot hard against Biddlestone's body. The rebound came to White, a sure but hasty shot and Everton led 3-2.  Defence mistakes had cost the Villa something. Their feeling of confidence after drawing level had been damaged Biddlestone joined the blunderers of the home defence and was nearly taught napping by Stein. Cresswell and Williams were vastly superior as a pair. Dean promised a goal, and how do you think he lost his promise? The ball bumped on his head.  Critchley was off damaged when Dean headed towards his position, and Creswell passed back vigorously and too near his own goal to be comfortable.  The corner that arose gave Cresswell the chance of taking the ball off the feet off Waring, who was daring but not clamoring. Williams headed off the goal line, and Villa for a time had a pell-mell endeavour to try to recall their lost fortunes.  Gibson acted as though a Parliamentarian.  Ha argued with a linesman so long that there should have been a sharp caution. Thompson jarred his leg and limped about. Sagar punched away, leaving his own goal, and Walker shot well, finding the ball striking an Everton man luckily and flukily.   Gee held a tight rein on Waring all through and Sagar got down to a shot by Beresford, who had closed in and looked dangerous. Stein was more dangerous after a fine dribble, his shooting being poor.  This was Everton's chance, and the climax was reached when the referee refused a claim for a penalty to Villa and allowed play to go to the other end of the field. A linesman had flagged,   and Villa was so insistent that they made the referee go to the linesman.   A penalty was the order.  The most astonishing folly on the part of an official, who had seen Thomson’s tackle and should have known it, was just and fair.  Houghton took the kick and shot frightfully wide.  Gee in his delight, rushed up to the shooter to shake hands with him.  That often produces a show of temper from the shooter.  However, some sort of justice had come out of temper, fury, and debate.  Villa now became very hot and bothered and Waring’s action against Williams should have been noted and voted all wrong.  Biddlestone dropped a ball dangerous, and Clark made the best shot of the match, but is pulled outside the upright.  Final; Aston Villa 2, Everton 3

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 October 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• Gordon reed, Everton’s new centre, is a dance-band enthusiast; there is no player on the books, however, with a better musical ear than Dean.
• Everton’s nine goals recalled their nine last Christmas against Plymouth Argyle on a quagmire, when Dean and his outside left, Stein-songed a quartet.
• The Pilgrams were probably a train-tired team on that occasion for they did not arrive in the city until 6 a.m.
• Everton many years ago also registered a notable nine goals against a much “reorganized” Manchester City team at Goodison
• Apropos Sheffield Wednesday, it is also interesting to recall that in 1893-94 season they were whipped 8- 1 at Goodison.
• That was the season when Geary, Chadwick, Milward and Holt were at the top of their form
• Everton’s other big wins that winter included Darwen 8-1, Sunderland 7-1, and W.B Albion 7-1
• Yet those were the days when goal-scoring was usually a more difficult job than now.
• Nor were Everton “the only pebbles” that term, for they only finished sixth on the League table.
• Saturday’s fog at Goodison suggested November, Everton, in keeping supplied the fireworks. 
• Everton have won all four matches in which White had figured to date, scoring twenty goals. 
• As a right man, Clark’s methods and movements strongly recall that once famous half-back, Sammy Wolstenholmes, the Farnworth boy, who upon winning his cap hied him to Blackburn
• There is also a touch of the Albert Virr in Clark’s make-up as a wing half.
• We like him, too, because he usually makes such good use of the ball.  Waring scored twelve goals in his first six matches of the season.  Dean has done the same n his last six. 
• When Everton last visited the Villa they had Dean away, White at left half, and Weldon inside right; they were beaten 5-2.
• Brown who was preferred to Waring for centre forward got three of the Villa’s goals; indeed Waring’s first goal of the season did not materilise until the return match at Everton in the following March! 

EVERTON RES V PRESTON RES
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, October 24, 1931
Everton started well, but soon fell away.  Scott scored for Preston after eleven minutes, and five minutes later Farrell nipped in to score a second.  Everton occasionally revealed dangerous spasms that considerably troubled Preston’s sturdy defence.  Dunn had a header cleared, and Martin went very near.  Farrell scored Preston’s third.  Half-time; Everton Res 0, Preston Res 3. 
Gillespie scored for Preston’s fourth goal and Rigby scored for Everton.  Final; Everton Res 1, Preston Res 4. 
EVERTON “A” V BLUNDELLSANDS
(George Mahon Cup)
Everton were the superior side in the first half, playing a better combined and faster game. Worrall opened the score for the visitors, and Roberts equalized.  Half-time; Everton “A” 1, Blundellsands! 

ASTON VILLA 2 EVERTON 3
October 26 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton go Top
Backs Turn the Scale
How Everton won at Aston
Houghton penalty miss
By "Bee."
Everton rose to the top of the League by means of a victory of 3-2 at Aston, the magnificent home of the Aston Villa club, who gathered together 55,000 people on a dull but fine day. It was a meeting of the former Birkenhead centre-forwards that helped to make this game a financial success, yet neither man could be said to be outstanding. Rather was each centre-forward made to realise that he had to face two men at a time. Waring was purposeless; he dribbled awkwardly, and his impetuosity cost him something. On the other hand Dean kept unruffled, and all his work carried a mark of high football artistry. He had to work in confirmed space, and chiefly by the heading off the ball, yet when he could use his boot his passes were the acme of sense and wisdom. He was, short, a valued helper in a side that had become wielded together with firmness, and much football ability. The better side won –Aston Villa said it –and there could be no argument about the difference the two sides, and the noteworthy difference between the defenders –Everton's pair safe in tackle and kick.
Unsteady Backs.
The Villa backs were unsteady and unsound; each blundered to help Everton to a goal, and even the goalkeeper, Biddlestone caught the uncertainty stage, and began to fumble the ball mysteriously, whereas all through the second half when the Birmingham side was pilling on their effort, Sagar was quite secure, daring and clean in all he did. It was in defence that the great difference arose, and Everton won through the solidity and stoldness of their backs, together with the tight hold Gee kept upon Waring. It was difficult to play at Aston. There was a strong wind blowing, and it is worthy of mention that Everton played better when facing it than when having its alleged help. The ground is situated in such a manner that the ball is made to swerve and away unaccountably and that no doubt accounted for the fact that the game did not touch high lights, albeit it would not account for some of the unfair and foulest things done by vexed players –players of these clubs ought to beyond kicking a free kick away from the appointed spot. The there was an argument over a penalty kick. Referee Smith of Ashton-under-Lyne, saw what he believed to be a fair tackle. He said it was fair, and told the players to play on.
Justice Met.
Cresswell took the ball near the half-way line by hugging the touch line when play was stopped, and the referee suffering the clamouring of the players –for which offence they could be sent off the field –yielded so far as to ask a linesman his verdict. And that was how the referee changed his own close up view. He gave a penalty kick, and Houghton, the international winger shot feebly. So justice was met, and Everton won after leading by two goals and suffering a 2-2 register at three quarter time. Goals had been scored by Critchley, who was facing the best half-back on the field –Tate –and the first came from a defences blunder; the second through the help of White's header. Both goals were well taken. The Villa got their first point through Houghton, who took up a momentary defensive error in placing; Mandley scored the next in a scrimmage with the aid of his shoulder-neither nice goals –whereas Everton's had been the result of very definite shooting and well-placed goal shots. It all became a question whether Everton could last out. They got a third goal through five men sharing an attack, and Smart suffering a heading fault; Dean shot and the rebound was taken by White in no uncertain fashion, and that was how the game ended. The Villa were not themselves, temperamental or in a football sense. Walker was not himself; Gibson played badly first half and plainly not well; Talbot played the policeman, a part and used his elbows a good deal, and Beresford and Mandley were the only forwards to do themselves justice. Waring getting into a knot. With the home side failing in defence it was surprising there were not more goals to register, but at least it must be said that Everton played the more like a team at the top of the chart, and they earned the right to be beside Derby in having won at Derby, where few visitors escape with out concession of both points.
Cross Passes.
Everton played much good football, and the half-backs were sound, Johnson found the wind more trying than most because he is the man planned to make the cross-field passes. His passes did not reach the man, and Thomson was good without being quite his own rugged self. The defence was the stout part of the team that was well together and suffered a rattling process where none could have been expected. Stein did much good in the first half and well yet collect some goals, and White did a lot of forward work that stamped him as a nature footballer. He had the half-back's facility for tackling and the forward's ability for using the ball –and he shot instantly. It was a hard game throughout, sternly contested and Everton won well if by a small margin. Perhaps we expected too much of the teams in the circumstances. Teams; - Everton; Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clarke, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Aston Villa; - Biddlestone, goal; Smart and Mort, backs; Gibson, Talbot and Tate, half-backs; Mandley, Beresford, Waring, Walker, and Houghton, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 4
October 26 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 11)
The score at Goodison Park did not exaggerate Preston's superiority, for if North End had accepted the chances offered Everton would have been overwhelmed in a game that was the losers' most disappointing display this season. Everton certainly gave Wolf (a great goalkeeper) plenty of the ball, but their attack lacked spirit and cohesive collaboration. The halves were never wholly convincing in their support, whilst the defence was very uncertain and lacked understanding. Holdcroft had a poor match Preston displayed what Everton could not –fast open progressive advances with a snappy finish, and goals come from Scott, Farrell (2), and Gillespie. Rigby's scored Everton's goal in the closing minutes. Everton; - Holdcroft, goal, Common and Bocking, backs; McClure, TP Griffiths and Archer, half-backs; PH Griffiths, Dunne, Reed, Martin, and Rigby, forwards.
Blundellsands 1 Everton "A" 3
George Mahon Cup
The faster combination play of Everton was too much for Blundellsands. Worrell netted two goals for the visitors, and Mayfield added a third. Roberts scored Blundellsands only goal. Outstanding players for Everton were Parker, Chedgzoy, and Worrall and for Blundellsands Roberts, and Worslay, Maycox was a good goalkeeper.
Cup Tie At Goodison Park
Everton and Southport meet at Goodison Park, on Wednesday in the first round of the Liverpool Senior Cup, Kick-off at 3 o'clock. Southport last season were the first club other than Liverpool and Everton to win the cup since 1896-97, and are sure to make a great effort to retain the trophy. Everton last won the cup in 1927-28, and are desirous of again being the holders. Both clubs are expected to field strong sides.

FACTORS IN EVERTON'S GREAT WIN.
October 26 th 1931. Evening Express.
Brilliant defence and shooting.
Dean is England's best leader.
By the Pilot.
Defensive brilliance by Williams, and unhesitant shooting, were the prime factors in Everton's great 3-2 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park. There is no doubt that Everton's defence, with Williams playing his best game since joining the club, was a vital factor. The Villa had more of the game from a territorial point of view, but they never, at any time, constituted a menace, so, good did the Blues' rear divisions cover and intercept. Coupled with this, the team had an attack, which could adopt first-time methods in meaceouvre and in shooting. In other words, Everton deservedly won because they were opportunists in the first place and "stone-wallers" in the second. Dixie Dean gave definite proof that he is England's best centre forward. Mr. John McKenna and other members of the Football league were able to compare Dean and Pongo Waring, and there is not the slightest doubt that Dean won the honours. Neither scored it is true, but Dean leadership was a vital point in Everton's triumph, whereas Waring was never happy against an intrepid defence which never faltered. After the game I discussed Dean with Jack Devey the former Villa and England centre forward, and he said; "In three seasons perhaps Waring will be as good a leader as Dean. There is no centre forward in modern football with the same faculty for shrewd leadership as Dean, and it is remarkable that England should have any double. Waring is a good player, but he is not a Dean yet." I give this opinion because it is from one of England's greatest leaders. They did not enjoy so much of the game as the Villa from a territorial point of view, but this was the chief difference –Everton always looked likely goal-getters, whereas the Villa rarely displayed the ability of overcoming Williams and Company. The Villa laboured and schemed doggedly all though, but rarely gave the appeared of ever getting on top. On the other hand, whereas the Blues got under weigh they really spelt goals. This was not a classic encounter in the light of clever, intricate football, but it was one of the hardest games I have seen for a long time. It was honest plugging football from start to finish, with the Blues the masters. It is true they had some luck when Houghton missed with a penalty, but on the other hand, there was a distinct doubt about Mandley's goal, which, with Houghton's equalised two fine early goals by Critchley. Sager told me Mandley pushed the ball through with his arm. I thought so at the time. White secured the deciding point. The Everton forwards were quick, sharp and unhesitant in their shooting. They played unselfishly and thoughtfully with the maximum of speed under Dean's fine guidance and virility. The five sowed the sees of victory and gained a winning position.
Williams Inspires.
Then they called on the defence to hold it. The rear division answered magnificently. Cresswell was another who played with brains yet daring, and was always in position to cover whenever Williams went to master Waring. Williams accepted this as his especial task and did it well. Sagar made many fine saves in goal, and Gee was concerned with some resolute defensive work. Clark and Thomson rather slower than usual in recovery, but this was the only fault in a fine all-round combination which, on this display, merits their exacted position in the League.
Story of Everton-Liverpool Double
Liverpool 1-0 2-0 2-1 2-2 3-2 half-time 2-1 Hampson missed a penalty, Final 3-2
Everton 1-0 2-0 2-1 2-2 3-2 half-time 2-1 Houghton missed a penalty, Final 3-2

EVERTON'S WEE THREE'S-A GOAL-GETTING HABIT
Liverpool Echo- Monday, October 26 1931
WHY REFEREE GAVE PENALTY KICK TO VILLA
By Bee’s
Everton began the season winning 3-2 against Birmingham. Then they went to Portsmouth and won 3-0. They got three at Sunderland, drew a blank against Manchester City and Derby County, and then scored three at Anfield. A break of two against Derby at home and two at the Arsenal was followed by three against Blackpool,  three against Sheffield United, and three  times three against Sheffield Wednesday,  winding up with three at Aston on  Saturday—and with it the top of the  League. It is all very enjoyable, yet  a hit disconcerting to those who  talk of Everton being sentenced to  the Second Division for life—" that  style will never get them out of  the Second Division." They came out in a year, and they have raised themselves to the top post. It is partly due to the slight changes made in the team, and mainly due to the wisdom of the forwards in altering their tactics, together with the confidence that comes to a side unhampered by injury and selection changes. The men are playing together so long, they know what to expect each of the other, and one result so Saturday's notable victory is the prophecy I make here:  Dean will supersede Waring in the next international match, if I am a judge.  There was no comparison between he and Waring at Aston. The Football Association selectors looked on and saw what happened.  Dean played the more convincingly and with few chances showed his skill and knowledge of the run of the ball. Waring expostulated and strove too hard to do too much on his own. He is finding the marking process just as irksome as Dean found it three years ago. Waring is young, he needs to take control of his game and himself. Dean, on the other hand, did everything in a subtle and sound way and impressed by this method of play. The next international match by the way is Wales v. Scotland at Wareham on Saturday—a great game in prospect. Then comes England v.  Wales at Anfield in November. 
DISAPPOINTING 
Meeting Howard Spender and Dennis Hodgetts, former Villa players, I said:  "We know Villa Park in this wind.  The public can never know what tricks the grand stands and kop play with a ball." They agreed. And that, together  with the fact that each side was rather  frightened of The other, and the remembrance  that we were expecting too much  from all the players led us to be a trifle  disgruntled at the finish. It was relentless football; tireless, and providing much food for thought, but it had its moments of spleen, and we did not think a game like this could produce these petty influences—notably when a free-kick was placed and the ball was kicked away childlike—as if a defender gains a goal by putting a ball two yards nearer than his opponent reckons he should! At least it can be said that Everton produced the better football all through; the better defence, the more subtlety in play, the better combination.  They twice retrieved a goal deficit, and were actually going stronger at the finish than their rivals, and certainly looked the more dangerous side in the last fifteen minutes, and the more urgent shot. Everton were not disappointing; they took all the chance a weak pair of backs offered, and Critchley getting two goals added to his big account of the year.  White, sound one in to make the lead right after the Villa had caught up two melee-goals. Perhaps, thinking it over afresh, the game was not so di*appoint, tug as one had tried to show.
SECOND THOUGHTS 
For instance, the display of the Welshman, Williams, was without a fault; he was a stern, unbending back, a man of torrential energy and unending endeavour. The Midland people were charmed with he and Cresswell, and chagrined at the smart way Smart and Mort played. Cresswell went through the game as if he intends playing class football for another ten years. He plays with his head and his foot, said Hodgetts. Sagar, too, did daring and manful things in the second half when the going was testy. The wing half-backs found the diddling Villa wing men awkward, but they, too, did their part.  So we come to the forward line; the lot played well; well together; not, the outrageous goal-getters of a week earlier, but convincing in the methods they adopted and the forcefulness of their combination. It was a blend that tended to make easy paths to goal by skilled football-and the shot was always delivered instantly, —which is football.  The referee front Ashton-under-Lyne had a ticklish task. He gave a spot kick after saying play on—Cresswell took the ball to near the halfway line by way of the touchline, only to find the Villa players had hugged him into inquiry from a linesman who had flagged.  Inquiry followed, and a penalty kick was woefully missed by Houghton. But the affair was unsettling, and one wondered why a referee should allow himself to be mauled round the neck by unloving arms!  The referee afterwards told me he had decided to give the defence the benefit of the doubt. He had a working arrangement with his linesmen, and when he found the linesman signalled, he went over to see what he had seen—hence the penalty kick. One is left wondering whether he should not have taken counsel with both linesmen. However, the verdict was well and truly won, and as Villa played in the second half few teams would have got away with both points. Gibson coming to his better self and better game. Tate I reckoned the best half-back on the field—which adds a testimony to the way Critchley and White played. Hard, stern, never-flinching football this; not brilliant, but not the Villa stamp in defence or in attack. Everton won through all-round superiority.  The attendance was 63,000- just   under the record for a League match. In the Cup-tie v. Walsall the ground held 75,000.  Among Saturday's onlookers was Sir Gerald du Matirier, who recalled the happy time he had at Liverpool a few weeks ago. 
The Welsh team to meet England on Saturday have chosen T. Griffiths (Captain) and P.H. Griffiths
DEAN HONOURED
Dean (Everton) has been chosen to lead the English League attack versus the Scottish League, at Glasgow, in a fortnight. 

EVENLY BALANCED
October 27 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
It is noteworthy that Everton are due to meet Huddersfield Town on the Town ground on the day of the International-League match, and while Everton will lack the valiable service of Dean, the brilliant back Goodall will be away from the Huddersfield defence, so that the scale in this match will be evenly balanced.
The teams are first and second respectively at the moment in the table.
Liverpool Cup-tie.
Southport will endeavour to lower the Everton colours in the Liverpool Senior Cup, first round tomorrow, at Goodison Park, when the kick-off 3 0'clock. The Everton side will be J.H. Corry; Common, Lowe; Britton, McClure, Archer; Worrall, Dunn, Reed, Martin, Rigby. The goalkeeper is from the "A" team. Newcastle United are at Goodison Park on Saturday, when the side which done so well of late well again turn out; - viz, Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Cresswell, Clarke, Gee, Thomson; Critchley White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.

LIVERPOOL CUP TIE 
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 27 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
Southport will endeavour to lower the Everton colours in the Liverpool Senior Cup, first round, tomorrow, at Goodison Park, when the kick-off is timed for 3 o'clock. The Everton side will be: — J. H. Corry; Common, Lowe; Britton, McClure, Archer; Worrell, Dunn, Reid, Martin, and Rigby. The goalkeeper is from the “A " team.  Newcastle United visit Goodison Park  on Saturday, when the side which has  done so well of late will again turn  out, viz:—Sagar; Williams, Cresswell;  Clarke, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White,  Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Everton and Southport meet at Goodison Park to-morrow at 5 o'clock, and as both clubs are fielding strong sides a good game is expected. Southport  last season were the first club,  other than Liverpool and Everton to win  the cup since 1896-7, and are sure to  make a great effort to retain this handsome  trophy. Everton last won the cup in 1927-28, and are desirous of again being the holders.

HELP OF THE WHITE 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 28 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
An uncommon point is produced by Mr. J. H. Prichard: — I saw the Everton match, and was very glad to see the home team register such a convincing victory. The Sheffield team wore "white" jerseys, and although the fog at times was very heavy still I could follow the movements of the Sheffield players much better than the Everton men. The reason for this was the “white jersey." There is no doubt that white is the best colour for distinctiveness on a foggy day.  I wonder could this fact be applied to the ball. During very bad visibility use a white ball, either a white leather composition or a white rubber composition ball. I am certain, Mr. Bee; such a ball would be a great boon to players and spectators. What do you think?  I daren’t!

SOUTHPORT BEAT EVERTON 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 28 October 1931
Everton met Southport, at Goodison Park, in a Liverpool Cup-tie. Eight months ago they met in an English Cup-tie. The crowd today was small, but among the spectators was Mr. T. Hodge, of Manchester City F.C.  Everton had the amateur, J. Corry, in goal, and in the first half he made some neat and useful saves.  Southport had a chance when Waterston rushed through near to goal to attempt his usual goal per match, but his effort was not as good as that of Martin, who made a quick swerve and a placed shot. Vincent was a prominent figure, and behind him, little played good football.  Cowen scored for Southport early on when the Everton defence had faltered for a moment.  Both goalkeepers did well, but Waterston should have given no chance to Corry when easily placed for goal.  Worrell was an unlucky shooter for Everton Half-time.—Everton Reserve 0. Southport  1.  Southport played so well they should have had a lead of more than one at halftime.  However, Hills made it two one minute from the interval (the players did not leave the field), and the game threatened to be dull until Worrell scored through a defensive blunder, and Everton had five minutes' insistent, attack. Baker being busy taking steps to prevent the equalizer. Thus the game had been refreshed.  Hills scored for Southport, and made the three-quarter time score Everton 1, Southport 3.

FORMER FOOTBALLER FINED
Sheffield Independent - Thursday 29 October 1931
John Gilbert Cock (38), estate agent, of Brunt Ash Hill, lee, popularly known as "Jack" Cock, the ex-Millwall footballer, was at Greenwich yesterday fined ten pounds for being under the influence of drink while driving a motor-car in Blackheath and a further ten pounds for dangerous driving.  He was also ordered to pay 2 2s costs. 

EVERTON RESERVES 1 SOUTHPORT 3
October 29 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Liverpool Senior Cup Round One
Southport Earn Cup Victory
Everton side beaten at Goodison Park
By "Bee."
Southport beat Everton Reserves at Goodison park, yesterday by 3-1, in the first round of the Liverpool Senior Cup. It was not a good match because there seemed to pervade the Everton team an idea, that they could beat their Third Division brethren at any moment. Actually this never looked likely because Southport playing well, and arousing themselves to earnest effort, got a lead and earned their victory. They won through goals by Hill (2), and Cowen. Generally speaking, Everton provided the tip-tap, but the pass that followed it was rarely sound and Reed, the home centre-forward, had few changes. It is true that he and Dunn hit the woodwork, but if Southport had been a trifle fortunate in front of goal their excesses of attacks must have brought them a handsome lead by half-time. As it was the game spluttered for a few minutes in the second half, when Worrall scored for the home side, but after that Southport took up the reins again, and won readily not handsomely.
Forwards Decide.
The difference between the two sides was the difference in attack. Everton had a wing pair that tried hard, but the inner forwards were not inclined to busy themselves. Archer, McClure, and Britton did many bright things against a forward line that was "well together" and Common and Lowe had a rather thankless task, because the more they put the ball up the field the more certain it would come back through a mistake by one of their own men. Having paid Everton the compliment they carried –in goal the amateur Corry did quite well and was not to blame for any deficit –one has to say that the Southport team played with a degree of art and ability that did them proud, Baker's best work came late on when Everton's inside forwards began to shoot to show that they could deliver the shot; Baker was safe, and in front of him were two stern backs. Vincent was rugged and was flanked by an able wing half-backs. The front line was quick and not haphazard; they formed the backbone of the team, although they were forwards, Waterson was not so prominent as usual and missed one easy chance through not going right into the goalmouth. However, the team all round bore itself ably, and well and earned the right to be at home to Tranmere Rovers in the next round of the Liverpool Cup. Everton;- J.H. Corry, goal; Common and Lowe, backs; Britton, McClure and Archer, half-backs; Worrall, Dunn, Reed, Martin and Rigby, forwards. Southport; - Baker, goal; Robinson and Seagraves, backs; Vincent, Holme and Hills, half-backs; McConnell Waterson, Cowan and Ison, forwards.

HONOURING TOM GRIFFITHS 
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 29 October 1931
Bee’s Notes
Wales made Tom Griffiths their captain for the game versus Scotland.  This is a case of home goods for home docks. Griffiths was born in Wrexham, and after graduating with the schools team—Boy s Realm, or some such competition, he became Wrexham's hope.  Since then he has helped Everton to win a championship, and did his utmost to bring shout their safe shield in League, Division 1. He failed. And then came a period of ill fortune. He dropped out of the side in the first round of the Cup last season at Plymouth.  In one minute he had sacrificed his chance of staying m the senior side.  This is wretched luck. Gee stepped up and stayed in. Griffiths stayed out. It could hardly be otherwise. The club have the highest appreciation of his services and his clean mode of playing and living. But they cannot play twelve men. Actually Griffiths will never lose by the fact that he decided not to play at Plymouh. He could have gone in that game half-fit, and taken a risk, but he was too much of a sportsman to do it. He elected to take the manly and sporting course. And he has never got his place back.  However, Wales will offer him congratulations upon his rise in international stock. Saturday's game at Wrexham is creating a good deal of enthusiasm, and Scotland will have to fight one of the most earnest teams the country has ever fielded. It means that the game at Wrexham will be high-ding-dong.   The appearance of the Scottish stars in a town that has supported its football worthily this season; indeed, produce the record gate of the season.
TO MEET EVERTON
Newcastle United’s team to visit Everton on Saturday was selected last night as follows;- McInroy; Nelson, Fairhurst, McKenzie, Davidson, Weaver; Boyd, Richardson, Allen, McMenany, Lang.  This is the eleven that has represented Newcastle in their three previous games, all of which they won.  Early in the week there had been doubt about Davidson, the former Liverpool pivot, who played last Saturday despite an attack of lumbago.  He was subjected to a test yesterday, and he came through this satisfactorily. 

EVERTON'S OPPONENTS
October 30 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
There are few more attractive visitors on Merseyside than Newcastle United, who are due to engage Everton in a League encounter at Goodison Park tomorrow. During Post war games Newcastle have captured seven points as the result of three victories and a drawn at Goodison Park. The results of the meetings (Everton's score reading first); 4-0; 3-0; 2-3; 2-2; 0-1; 3-0; 1-3; 3-0; 5-2; and 5-2, in all the clubs have opposed each other at the Park on twenty-eight occasions, as a result of which the Novocastrians have secured ten victories and have shared the points on two occasions.

EVERTON'S RICH AUTUMN HARVEST
October 30 th 1931. Evening Express.
Chance to Reap Maximum October points.
By the Pilot.
Everton can make another record tomorrow. But they must beat Newcastle United at Goodison Park to accomplish it. The Blues are the only club in the Football league with full points from the October matches to date, and they have a run of four successive victories. It is remarkable that the club which comes neatest to Everton's record for October is Newcastle United. The United lost at Bolton on the first Saturday in the month, but have since defeated Middlesbrough, and Manchester City at home and Blackburn Rovers away. Their list of "Victims" is not such an imposing one as that of the Blues, who have defeated Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday at home and Sheffield United and Aston Villa away. The United, like Everton have yet to participate in a drawn match.
Unchanged sides.
Another coincidence is that both clubs will field unchanged teams; in fact, Everton rely on the side which has played in all the October matches, so that White and Williams have yet to be in a Goodison Park side which has conceded a point this season. Newcastle are playing good football at the moment, and all their forwards are figuring among the goal scorers. It is singular that their leading scorer is Boyd, the winger, who, has obtained eight goals. Allen, the centre forward, secured from Sheffield Wednesday, has only found the net on three occasions, but he is leading the line skillfully, and much of the club's success can be traced to his good play. The team tomorrow will include Davidson, the former Liverpool centre-half, who had the distinct of displacing the international Jack Hill, last campaign. I believe that the Blues have only to reproduce their recent form to win. I feel they are fully capable of this. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Newcastle United; McInroy; Nelson, Fairhurst; McKenzie, Davidson, Waever; Boyd, Richardson, Allen, McMenemy, Lang.
Everton and Blair.
With reference to the rumour that Everton would sign Blair, the Clyde back, this week-end, Mr. T.H. McIntosh, the Everton secretary, states "We are not negotiating for Blair at the moment and shall not sign him this week-end."

CITY’S LIKELY TO SIGN
Liverpool Echo - Friday 30 October 1931
EVERTON LIKELY TO SIGN DAN BLAIR 
Everton, not Liverpool, are likely to up with Dan Blair, the Scottish International.  Last night's Echo said Liverpool F.C. if it had been the city of Liverpool would have been nearer the mark.  Everton officials have been in Scotland this week (Says "Bee"), and there is belief (from a Glasgow telegram) that Blair will be fixed up this week-end for the Everton club. They seem to be playing for safety in case one of their star backs break down.  Cresswell was complaining last week of an ankle nuisance—it was thought he would have cause to call upon the X-ray. 

EVERTON’S APPEAL TO THE HOME PEOPLE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 30 October 1931
SCOTLAND WELCOMING 'EN IN 
Bee’s Notes
Everton's homecoming on Saturday after the match at Aston was heralded with shouts of praise at Lime-street Station. They were attended by Liverpool Res., who had played well but suffered a goal defeat at the Midlands.  The flair for victory is embedded in  these Everton fellows, and in tackling  Newcastle to-morrow they are up  against a side that has suffered some  home rebuffs this season, but has done  better sway from home than at home.  Manchester City were put to rest at Newcastle last week only after Newcastle had fought back. Thus we see a bit of confidence in a side that had none at all last season. .They seem to have developed a goal-getter as well as a natural footballer in McMenemy, whose name is a Scottish football household word, albeit father was always named "Napoleon” by the football” yieds." MeMenemy is an artist, as was his father before him, and Goodison Park people will find something very attractive in his method and style of play.  On the other hawk the locals will find more enthusiasm for a team that has gone from the championship of Division 11, to the top rung of the ladder. Huddersfield, Arsenal, and  Villa are handy to take the rise if  Everton slip up, and home games are  of more than ordinary importance to  Everton just now because they played  more away from home than at home.  Thus the 'home points should be raked in, especially as the team is undisturbed by injury or by team selection; in fact, the team has got together in a way that makes it an automatic choice. After  the smashing victory over Sheffield  Wednesday and the fine win at Aston,  the game to-morrow should bear big  results, and a great crowd will be able  to see the Everton side in its new idea  of forward play—the cries-cross, scissors  notion of attack. It will be a big game, an important game, and a massive crowd is sore to attend. The spectators are following Everton wherever they go nowadays. The championship lure is drawing the city and its environs, and being at home the crowd from Ellesmere Port will be ensured a view of the game—which was what- they did not get at Aston, the excursion being nearly an hour late in arriving at Birmingham! Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor, Mr. Harry Wearing);-
March, “The British Legion”..Greenwood Waltz, “Kiss me-good-night”  …Lawrence Wright
Foxtrot “Pardon me, pretty baby”  Lawrence Wright.
Selection “Frederica” ..Lehar. 
Foxtrot, “Time alone will tell” …Lawrence Wright.
Two-Step, “When the Guards are on parade” Lawrence Wright
March, “The Wayfarer…Edwin Firth. 

STRAIN ON EVERTON
October 31 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
Having secured the top most place in the First Division, Everton will make every effort to keep it. There is where the strain comes in. all teams are out to beat the leaders, whoever they may be, so that Everton must be keyed up to concert pitch all the time if they are to maintain their supremacy. They oppose old rivals in Newcastle United at Goodison Park today, and though the North-Eastern team are not so powerful as they were, the side commands the highest respect. Everton, no doubt, will endeavour to complete the month of victories, for if they win today it will be the fifth success of October. The players must be fired by their run of goals, and may be expected to improve their record. Newcastle are to include the former Liverpool centre half Davidson, and his duel with Dean should provide a feature. The kick off is at 3'0 clock, and the teams are; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Newcastle; McInroy; Nelson, Fairhurst; McKenzie, Davidson, Weaver; Boyd, Richardson, Aben, McMenamy, Lang.

ANOTHER EVERTON RAMPAGE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 October 1931
NEWCASTLE UNITED IN WEDNESDAY’S TASK SIX GOALS IN FIRST HALF
DEAN THE ONLY NON-SCORING FORWARD
By Buzz
Everton; Sagar; Williams; Cresswell; Clarke, Gee, Thomson; critchly, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Newcastle United; McInroy; Nelson, Fairhurst; McKenzie, Davidson, Weaver; Boyd, Richardson, Allen, McMeneny, Lang.  Referee; Mr. A.H. Adams, Nottingham. 
The report at Everton was “Visibility poor, going rather on the soft side, prospects Everton's eighth win in succession."  In the Newcastle side, which was unchanged for the fourth time, was a nineteen-year-old player. Harry McMenemy, one of two footballing sons of the famous Scotch player.  It was interesting to note Davidson, ex-Liverpool, in the Newcastle team, as was Allen, the former Sheffield Wednesday player, who was easily picked out by his undercarriage.  At the outset there was so much mist that there was a danger of not seeing all the good things the game promised.  Everton started with that pre-arranged sally which enables them to put the ball well up field in the shortest space of time, but Mclnroy wisely allowed the ball to travel out of play. Clark, who was rather too tender in his pass backs, half let in Newcastle's left wing, but the danger came from the right eventually, when Boyd beat his man cleverly, and later Richardson flashed the ball against the side netting.  There was a tremendous amount of cut and thrust in tackle and intervention, but when Critchley centred Dean looked to have a good chance, but found the ball stop many yards too short to be of use to him. However, at four minutes Johnson found the ball coming to him in a perfect shooting position, and he hanged home what appeared to be a terrific shot, Mclnroy going down full length without avail.  A JOHNSON BANG 
I might as well admit that at this point it was impossible to see from the Press-box where the shot finished. Newcastle  were not disheartened by such a  reverse, and Cressmen, who, with  Thomson, found Boyd a rather troublesome  customer, had to make one exceptionally  good clearance by turning back  in front of his own goal when he was  expected to go right across and made  an orthodox clearance of the ball.  Critchley tried ploughing his way through and inwards without success, and then Gee started a free-kick with an abort pass to Thomson, Stein being beaten by the ball in the third phase of what was a cleverly-conceived opening. 
STEIN INCREASES 
Everton seemed to have taken a greater hold of affairs, and when Dean slewed the ball across the goal it only needed a sure shot from Stein to put Everton two goals up.  This was at the ninth minute, and Everton threatened to take a third goal until Stein shaped rather badly at a perfect pass slipped out to him by Dean.  The most dangerous phase Everton had to face was when Clark, in trying an overhead kick, made the amateur’s mistake of hitting himself in the face with the ball, and cannoned it back into the goalmouth, where Allen was baulked of a certain goal by a Cresswell blockade.  It was plain the ground was treacherous, and when Newcastle tried their pattern-weaving methods they sometimes paid the penalty of allowing the ball to travel out of play.  Cresswell was three-quarters of the way up the field, trying his hand at goal machinations, so that he became dispossessed, and Everton's defence looked remarkably wide open.  Dean's first shot was held high by Mclnroy, them being no special pace about it. Allen's appeal for a foul could be heard all ever the ground, but in the mist very few could see why he appealed against Sagar when the latter went out to make a pick-up.
THREE IN FOUR MINUTES 
There was no question now about Everton being on top.  Everton's third goal was the result of a centre from Critchley, and White, the scorer, was troubled by a defender when he glanced the ball in with his head.  Newcastle bad made one attack, in which Sagar caught the ball surely from Boyd, before Everton made it 4-0, Johnson getting the point this time.  Within two minutes Critchley scored a filth goal from long range. No one in the Press box could see exactly how it happened, but McInroy certainly made a save, and then seemed to allow the ball to travel over his head.  There was dispute about the point, but the crowd was joyful when they learned the fate of the decision.  Dean was thus the only non-scorer in the line, but as goals had come at the rate of one per four minutes there was time for him yet!  Although Everton were five to front.  Newcastle had not played badly; in fact, it was difficult to see how they came to be so far behind.
WRITE A SIXTH 
With chances of a sixth goal, through a bad blunder on the part of Fairhurst, Critchley centred the ball much too strongly. Thera was no stopping Everton.  Scoring goals to them was like shelling pass.  White headed a sixth goal when thirty-one minutes of Newcastle barrasament had passed, and the, prospect was that there would be a repetition of the Sheffield Wednesday game.   As it this game was practically identical; same fog—same finishing power, and a glut of goals.  The only difference was that Everton got the majority of their goals against the Wednesday in the second half.  Postponement was Everton's only opponent now, but if the crowd could blow as well as the Everton forwards could score they would be safe on that count.  Everton scored so many times that when they were not scoring there was a perfect hush. By this time Newcastle were so panicky that Dean, all on his own, fooled three defenders into giving a corner. Johnson getting a further corner off a deflected shot.  As a game, it was no sort of spectacle.  Newcastle were lust chopping blocks, but they were at least game.  Richardson just failed to head a goal from a corner by Lang, right on halftime.  Thomson was for turning right round at the interval, but after a consultation on the field the referee decided otherwise. 
Half-time.—Everton 6. Newcastle 0. 
EVERTON EIGHT NEWCASTLE
ELECTION FIGURES AT WALTON
A GAME IN THE MIST
TWENTY-FIVE GOALS IN FOUR MATCHES
Everton did not win by eight goals to one—they won by an election majority. Newcastle ware plucky, but too overpoweringly over played to argue the justice of an 8-1 defeat.
In the first half Johnson (2), Stein, White (2), and Critchley scored.  The second half had progressed six minutes when Dean headed a picture goal and instantly ran across to Critchley to congratulate the wing man on his perfect centering of the ball.  Everton’s half-backs seemed to be able to walk up to the opposition and take the ball from them will, and although there was no further scoring for some time Newcastle were a bit lucky on several occasions to get the ball clear.  In fairness to Newcastle, it must be said that Allen was unlucky not to score when he followed up one of his own shots that Sagar could not hold. Critchley was unlucky to have a good shot blocked swop, and Johnson shot up against McInroy’s body at point-blank range.  Newcastle were disturbed that on several occasions two defenders went up to head the ball together with no Everton player near them. The crowd made the most of these incidents.  Newcastle could only block their goal and hope for the best. Fairhurst once put the ball down the players' subway, the only place where Newcastle were safe from an all-conquering line.  Dean headed an eighth goal at seventy minutes. He only flicked the ball with his head, but it was sufficient to beat McInroy, who was beginning to get rather listless in everything he did.  Richardson produced one of the best shots of the match, and it was as much as Sagar could do to stop it. Davidson watched Dean very closely, but the point of the game was that Everton's half backs more than held the Newcastle attack, and the visitors half backs less than held Everton’s attack.  Cresswell made football child's play.  He employed marvellous strategy. Lang was spoken to, and after making a wild kick without touching the ball he nearly came under the referee’s orders again.   At the eighty-ninth minute Richardson scored for Newcastle, and this was  nothing it nest some consolation to a team that had battled hard and long  against odds.  Final; Everton 8, Newcastle United 1.

WEDNESDAY R V. EVERTON R
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, October 31, 1931
At Sheffield, before 5,000.  Sheffield attacked hotly in the first half, but only scored once, through Millership, after 25 minutes.  Five minutes after resuming, Martin headed the equalizer .  Everton played spiritedly, but Millership put Sheffield ahead.  Everton strove unsuccessfully to equlise.  Final; Sheffield Wednesday Res 2, Everton Res 1. 
SKELMERSDALE V EVERTON A
Though Skelmersdale had a weakened team they had the best of matters in the early part of the game, but Everton opened the score, Davies convesting a good centre from Layfield.  Skelmersdale pressed for an equalizer, and Corry was lucky to save from Whittey, and then Jackson kicked the ball off the goal-line with Corry well beaten. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, October 31, 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• When Everton last won the senior championship (in 1927-28) they went to the head of the table towards the end of October. 
• Was Saturday’s elevation anything in the shape of a coincidence?  We wonder.
• Coggins, the Everton keeper, resumed training last week. 
• A fortnight ago we had mist at Goodison; last week at Anfield Fogg was on view.
• By the way we haven’t had a wet week-end, to date, locally this season.  Touch wood.
• Everton’s right half seldom go left at Aston, whilst Thomson on the left was a bit of all right. 
• Apropos ex-Everton Harrison, father and son, being seen in first-class football simultaneously, this would not be without precedent.” 
• Today’s opponents at Goodison stood alone in avoiding drawn games to date in Division 1.
• Everton have only once divided the points at Goodison during the past two and a half seasons. 
• Since beating Everton at Goodison, Manchester City have played eight games to date without once winning. 
• Critchley’s brace gave Everton a leg-up.

GOALKEEPERS I HATE
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, October 31, 1931
THE BEST MEN OF MY TIME BETWEEN THE POSTS.
AND THEIR METHODS
-By W.R. (“Dixie”) Dean
England has need of a centre forward.  After the Waring’s display at Ireland, and in front of their selectors at Aston last week, the belief is rife that there will be a recall of Dean, of Everton. In view of that the following article is of much import: 
When I am old and grey I hope to be allowed to go into goal and spend my declining years therein.  That is how I feel about it.  Have you ever studied the position of goal? The men who play there are allowed to warm themselves by walking up and down, and if you go near them the tear-fall can be heard miles away.  Actually, goalkeepers are the best friends I have got—outside the field-but inside the field they are the people I have always hated.  For some strange reason the goalkeeper is given a special dispensation.  He of all men must be cloaked. In the old days they used to haul them in the dressing-room every week, judging by the stories our secretary tells me. But all that is changed. To-day be assured that if you are centre-forward and you try to connect a boot with the ball when the goalkeeper is in possession the “bird" is a certainty.  Enough on that line, however. The  purport of my that isn't so much the  way goalkeepers are treated, but about  the goalkeepers I have played against,  found hard to beat, and why they are  hard to beat. I want to talk about some of the best men of my time: their methods.  You can pick where you like, but or sheer intuition and ability and agility rolled up into little piece command me to "Leash" Scott. He plays for a club that has been made famous by its string of goalkeepers—none of them cost more than a tanner or so, but they run along this line with rare success: Doig, Hardy, and Campbell. Scott, and sometimes  Riley. What a collection of stars.  I never played against Sam Hardy, but it is sufficient to know that he himself tells me them was never one quite so good as Scott. I ought to know something about what he can do. I had my first Derby day against him, and could not score. This may sound selfish entities, but I certainly thought him uncanny. If I drew up a chart of goalkeepers in order of merit, as far as my judgement is concerned. I would place them this way: 
1. Elisha Scott, Liverpool F.C. 
2. Harry Hibbs, Birmingham. 
3. John Thomson (the late) Celtic. 
(With the belief that Thomson would have gone to the top in due course but for his wretched accident and death). 
4. Ted Hutton, West Ham. 
5. Brown, Sheffield Wednesday. 
6. Harper the Arsenal. 
You may disagree with these placing,  but I am telling you my verdicts, after  having played against these man; and  I speak of them in their highest and  best form, not necessarily as they may  be playing this week-end, for instance.  And the list doesn't include the greatest barrier we ever had in our liven—namely, a Cup-tie game against Beecham, of Fulham. We lived on his doorstep; the times he saved slamming drives made us tired; he was only wearing out our boot-leather. The snow fell when we replayed at Fulham, ad only snow-fall plus a deep London fog threatened to save our chances. But we had had enough of this pill-for-pile-driving; he was unbeatable, and when we arrived back in Liverpool we still could not imagine we had lost the tie; we felt we had been dreaming. Hacking, of Oldham, in his greatest mood, was a very able goalkeeper, and one of the few who doesn’t display nerves. Oh, yes, we who often stand quite near the goalkeepers, can tell you readily the goalkeepers who are bundled by bustling forwards into a state of nervousness that shows itself on the face and particularly in the eye.  CONTRASTS IN STYLES 
Hacking was strong and rousting, whereas a man like Hibbs adopts a very natural style and a beautiful action.  In fact, I reckon Hibbs should be taken slow-motion for the purpose of the future generation of goalkeepers. Hibbs has a dive method to take a cross-grained shot and is alone in reaching these going-away shots, but Scott seems to be best with a point blank charge.  It can’t be luck when a goalkeeper goes on saving penalty kicks.  Scott saved one at Chelsea the other day that they reckon Odell drove in at a furious pace. Don't tell me it was a lucky save; Scott does these things uncannily, and I think one of his means towards saving is that he is never still.   So soon as to attack against hits crosses the half-way line watches Scott jump.  As showing how easy goalkeeping is -joke over!—one has only to remind  you that when a team goes away they  never think of sending a goalkeeper as  reserve; it is always a half-back, forward,  or full-back. Never a goalkeeper! Standing between the goalposts you begin to wonder how some of them reach the point of the ball, but having seen the able Coggins and Sager of our club pounding the balls out I have ceased to wonder how they do it and why goalkeepers are in the ascendency. I have come to the conclusion that it's a gift. Otherwise bow could you explain the work and worth of the continental goalkeepers.  Everywhere the cry is for new styles —saves in goalkeeping.  This phase goes on growing better and better; yet we forwards keep getting a goal or two and thus the game n Paved from the stalemate that would arise if forwards were unable to score and goalkeepers stopped everything.