Everton Independent Research Data
BIG MERSEYSIDE SOCCER “DERBIES” TOMORROW.
October 1, 1937. Evening Express.
75,000 Will See Games At Anfield And Prenton
By The Pilot.
The first Merseyside Football League “Derby” matches of the season will be staged tomorrow, when, it is expected, more than 75,000 people will witness the two struggles –one at Anfield and the other at Prenton Park. Liverpool entertain Everton at Anfield and Tranmere Rovers will have New Brighton as visitors. Everton are hoping to break a five years’ spell of defeat at Anfield. The Anfield match may well, be described as “the battle of the debutants.” Eight players will be having their first experience of one of these “Derby” struggles. On the Liverpool side will be Kemp, Harley, Rogers, and Eastham opposing the might of Everton for the first time, while Evertonians in Watson, Lawton, Dougal and Trentham will make their “Derby” bow. It is in these matches that form usually goes by the board. On many occasions we have taken form as the ruling guide, only to find it all upset. In the past few years Liverpool have shown themselves the more adaptable team for games that have the atmosphere of a cup-tie. No matter how they are playing in other games they have contrived to rise to the heights as soon as they have spotted the blues jerseys of Everton. Can Liverpool do it again tomorrow? They have a young energetic side which can upset any football machine by earnestness. At both grounds today the players will hold conferences. They will be discussing tactics –Liverpool with manager Mr. George Kay, and Everton with Coach Mr. Hunter Hart. Can either side evolve plans to out-wit the other? Everton will, without doubt, exploit the new defensive plan in which skipper Gee remains back. If that is so, then Liverpool’s most effective weapons of attack will be the wingers, Nieuwenhuys and Hanson. The swing-the-ball about methods is the one more suited to Liverpool. I do not expect there will be much between the teams when the final whistle sounds tomorrow, I anticipate a grand, even and clean contest. Just a word to the crowd. No fewer than 60m turnstiles will be opened at 1.45 p.m., and the ground is capable of housing 65,000 people -55,000 under cover. A new 3s 6d turnstile has been installed in kemlyn-road, admitting direct to the centre portion of the stand. No seats have been reserved. And so to the thrill-a-second “Derby” game –the 73rd between the clubs under Football League auspices. - Liverpool; Kemp; Harley, Dabbs; Busby, Rogers, McDougall; Nieuwenhuys, Taylor, Howe, Eastham, Hanson. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (je); Mercer, Gee, Watson; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Trentham.
The junior “Derby” between the reserves sides for Central League points takes place at Goodison Park.
LIVERTONIA
October 1, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Rangers Notes
By Contact.
Liverpool and Everton add to that memorable series of Liverton meetings tomorrow, at Anfield. And the match will be no less interesting through the failure so far, of both teams to make their way to positions in teams to make their way to positions in the table that gives the fixture that bit of extra “bite.” We have the teams unchanged from last week with the exception of the move which brings into the Anfield attack Phil Taylor for the first time this season. Balmer is the excluded player, and Liverpool are leaving him out after a prolonged trial. It is a move that may have been anticipated long ago, but while Balmer kept having a part in goals, and scoring one occasionally himself, it was not wise to leave him out. Now the clubs has taken the step and Taylor, who played well in the trial games, gets a further chance. He has proved his football ability and if he can get the most out of Hanson he will be fulfilling his purpose.
Two Of A Kind.
Liverpool have been good and not-to-god in turn, but Everton have shown the same tendency, and, although they won at Bolton, their later match was a disappointment that showed things were not so happy as that result indicated. Liverpool have lost one of their home fixtures, and have been near to defeat in others, but their work against Stoke and Grimsby at least show they can take down supposedly better sides, when the match is at Anfield, and for this reason I think Liverpool may win. It is a very open march, and a home win, a draw, or an away victory are verdicts that have been given. In that respect the game will “pull” well, if only because there is nothing cut-and-dried about it. Everton are persevering with the team which lost to Huddersfield. It looks like being a purely defensive battle –most games are these days –as Everton are said to be giving another trial to the policy which proved so successful against Manchester City, Brentford, and Bolton. But there was a catch in the system in the Huddersfield match. So we have on each side a concentration on the defensive forces with three flyaways in attack to take the odd chances which comes their way.
Welcome Little Strangers.
Rarely before have so many strangers to “Derby” football taken part in the match. Kemp, Harley, Rogers, and Eastham will be new on the one side, and Trentham, Dougal, Lawton and Watson on the other. Having heard from one player who has suffered the importance of this vital occasion before I can well imagine that not a little will depend on how these young men tackle the occasion. The players who told me of his “nerves” said that in his first “Derby” he simply was not on the field for the whole of the first half. For your information and comfort let me tell of the arrangement for the housing of the crowd. Sixty turnstiles will be in use. The ground holds 65,000, 55,000 of them under cover. There are no tickets reservations, and everyone pays at the turnstiles. Kemlyn-road spectators (centre stand, 3s 6d). Will have a special turnstile of their own at the corner of the stand and this ill obviate the trouble of transferring. Spectators in the standing portion are asked to move forward the centre of the terrace as quickly as possible and leave gangways clear to allow latecomers to be accommodated. Here are the teams. May the better side win and may it be as good hard and sporting game: - - Liverpool; Kemp; Harley, Dabbs; Busby, Rogers, McDougall; Nieuwenhuys, Taylor, Howe, Eastham, Hanson. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (je); Mercer, Gee, Watson; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Trentham.
AN OPEN “DERBY”
October 2, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
The Derby games between Liverpool and Everton invariably arouse the enthusiasm, and today all the spirit will be rekindled when the teams step in the field at Anfield to carry on where their predecessors left off. Among the onlookers there will be a number of players who in the past have taken part in these tense struggles, and I have no doubt they will as it were, play their Derby games over again from the stands.
Mixed Form.
At one time it used to be a case of Everton winning at Anfield –they had a run of seven victories without a break at one spell –and Liverpool at Goodison Park, but in recent years Liverpool have done well at home, having won five of the last six matches on their own ground. From this season has been unreliable to say the least, and the outcome is difficult to foresee. Each side have has their moments but generally the standard altogether, has not been of the best. Liverpool have gained one more point compared with their rivals this season in eight matches, and they will probably start favourites today, but Everton are quite capable of creating a surprise as they did at Bolton. Personally, I should not be surprised to find the result a draw.
Teams.
Liverpool bring in Taylor for Balmer, this being the only change from last week’s sides. Newcomers to “Derby” games are Harley, Kemp, Eastham and Rogers, on the Liverpool side, while Everton players who will face the music for the first time in these duels are Watson, Trentham, Dougal and Lawton. A great crowd is assured, but there is room for 65,000 spectators with covered accommodation for 55,000, so that there should be little difficulty in finding a place. The kick-off is at 3.15 and the teams are; - Liverpool; Kemp; Harley, Dabbs; Busby, Rogers, McDougall; Nieuwenhuys, Taylor, Howe, Eastham, Hanson. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (je); Mercer, Gee, Watson; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Trentham.
The Reserves’ “Derby” At Goodison
While the senior local Derby is being played at Anfield Road, the reserves sides of Everton and Liverpool will be in opposition at Goodison Park in a Central League match, Everton’s team includes Cunliffe and Dean. An interest experiment is being made by Liverpool. Peters playing at outside left. It will be his third game in that position, and he is filling the berth with great success. Balmer as at Newcastle, plays centre forward. The Anfield score will be put up periodically throughout the game. Everton Reserves; Morton; Jackson, Thomson; Bentham, Jones (TG), Davies; Arthur, Cunliffe, Dean, Bell, Cuff. Liverpool Reserves; Riley; Cooper, Hameden; Savage, Bush, Easedale, Penrose, Smith, Balmer, Patterson, Peters.
EVERTON TRIUMPH IN ANFIELD “DERBY” BATTLE
September 2, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
Debut Goals For Trentham and Lawton
Nivvy’s late Effort
Reds’ Inside Forwards Lack Punch
By Contact.
Everton won because they took chances, and took care. Liverpool’s efforts at intricate forward play went for nothing. Two youthful players neither of whom he played in a corresponding match before their first experience of the match, and “Nivvy” goal five minutes from the end pitched up the final proceedings with enthusiasm that had warned. Liverpool were best in the first fifteen minutes. Everton were best in their fool-proof defensive measures. Not a great game but a very hard one. The attendance was estimated at 45,000. Eight players –most of them young ones –embarked on their first experience of Everton-Liverpool meetings here, at Anfield today. They were Lawton, Dougal, Trentham, and Watson (Everton) and Kemp, Harley, Rogers and Eastham (Liverpool). Much depended upon these newcomers and their ability or otherwise to play normally on the big occasion. Holding the scales of football justice on such an occasion is not an easy matter, but I hope I will have succeeded. Teams: - Liverpool: - Kemp, goal; Harley and Dabbs, backs; Busby (captain), Rogers, and McDougall, half-backs; Nieuwenhuys, Taylor, Howe, Eastham and Hanson, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, Cook and Jones (je), backs; Mercer, Gee (captain), and Watson, half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, and Trentham, forwards. Referee Mr. E Dedman, of Blackpool. There had been a doubt about Hanson this morning, but he was able to play and so we started, before a nicely filled ground, with a touch of lighter vein at the start when matt Busby had to tell the referee that Liverpool had lost the toss, and therefore Everton were at least entitled to the kick-off. There was an early thrill. The whistle went for a foul on Taylor, and Hanson made one of his customary evincible free kicks efforts, but Sagar pushed round the bottom of the post in fine style. As though to balance this, Geldard was uprooted just outside the Liverpool penalty area and Lawton’s shot, which was right on the mark was deflected still not sufficiently to be worrying to Kemp. It was a fast opening pace, and probably the brightest game at Anfield thus far, with the initiative changing hands at every moment and Eastham playing a big part in Liverpool’s left wing success. Hanson, too, was prominent and Howe now got too much angle on a header from a good length centre by the wingman after Hanson had beaten all and sundry. Hanson, went inside and to Taylor came another heading chance, but there was no sting about it. Jones beat Eastham to the ball as the boy was going through the centre in a burst that might have left him with a rare good chance. Then, Gee who was making the centre of the field singularly his, nipped in a way that left no doubt as to whose ball it was this being but one bit of a lot of useful work he had put in already. A big kick effort by Dabbs was timed wrongly but there was no one to prevent Kemp picking up at his leisure. At this stage Cook handled a dangerous looking pass from McDougall to Hanson, but as he eventually got rid of the free kick he justified himself.
Trentham Takes His Chance.
Then Rogers unceremoniously bundled over Lawton near the touchline, and the free kick led to Geldard delivering a grand centre which was promptly put across to the left by Dougal to give Trentham a running-in chance he took perfectly. Kemp seemed to have the ball covered but if passed between his grasp and the spright an unusual goal and an early distinction for Trentham in his first game. This happened after a quarter of an hour. An Eastham centre nearly led to an equaliser. “Nivvy’s” header from the luck spinning awkward for Sagar. Things began to get a bit hot at this stage, and the natural desire on both sides came out rather strongly with the consequent equal to free kick and ill-feeling. It was diamond-cut-diamond with Everton naturally sitting-on what they hold. Mercer did one fine piece of recovery work, but his pass was to Busby. That meant that “Nivvy” was set going, and everyone had sensed the direction of his work after going inward Sagar would have been busy.
Lawton’s Penalty Drive.
Instead, Sagar became a fully-fledged outfield player, dribbling the ball out of his penalty are along in front of the main stand before making his clearance. Mercer still could not get the ball purring to the right man. Gradually the game lost some of its early brightness and there was a change in the temper as well as the tempo. There was a surprising penalty incident when first McDougall and then Dabbs toppled Geldard. The latter offence was in the prescribed area and there was no hesitation about the penalty decision even if these might have been any doubt about it. Lawton took the kick and Kemp could have little chance against his full-blooded shot. So at 27 minutes Everton led 2-0, and the ironic part of it from Liverpool’s point of view was that Lawton. Like Trentham, had never played in a “Derby” of this kind before. Yet another freak, this time in favour of Eastham, was the beginning of a prolonged bout of heading in front of Sagar, the goalkeeper punching away when challenged by “Nivvy.” Eastham tried to bore his way through, but was forced to make a pass to Hanson instead of a shot, and Geldard, but for a foul against Dabbs, might have been clean through. Everton now came into their own and Trentham placed the ball back for Dougal to swing it over the bar, after going to the right to clear the way. Hanson, centres were always dangerous but Sagar gave nothing away and his punching was clean and safe. All the Liverpool danger had been on the left wing and it seemed they must score when Taylor kicked a header in from a Hanson corner. But Cook was there to head the ball upwards and then head it out for another corner. Everton defence was sure, and too well packed together to allow the rather close movement of Liverpool’s attack to get anywhere. When “Nivvy” swung the ball across at the first time of asking Taylor caught the inspiration of the move and shot without delay, the ball soaring just too high. “Nivvy” and Howe went up with Sagar in a leap to connect with a high centre from Hanson, and Sagar injured his ribs in the process, without needing prolonged attention. Liverpool were profitigate with chances, and the strange thing was that they got so far so easily, and then found the barrier up against them. Sagar did well to get the ball away right on the interval when challenged by “Nivvy” and dealing with Busby’s curling free-kick.
Half-Time Liverpool 0, Everton 2
Taylor missed a good chance from “Nivvy” early in the second half. Geldard, who had been kept fairly quiet all through, came in to centre Kemp doing well to get his fist to the ball, with Lawton and others alongside. There was still a need for a more punishing finish from Liverpool, whose approach work was good enough to promise so much. When Howe nodded the ball across to Eastham as he thought, it was a ready made clearance for Mercer at a critical moment. The honest Rogers may have used a negative policy, but he was anything but negligible in value. Harley too, had done extremely well. Hereabout Hanson flashed the ball across the face of the goal and the heads of three colleagues.
Geldards-Speed.
Geldard came more into the public gaze, using his great speed, and centring ability to its full extent. Everton were on top for a spell, and a stoppage for a slight facial injury to Rogers was a relieving moment in more senses than one. The tragic misunderstanding and weakness of the Liverpool inside forwards was shown up and the Everton defence profited greatly by the “parlays” of the opposition at certain times. The game needed a livening incident. Liverpool’s shooting was wanting. There was a degenerate look about the game now and the lack of stamina began to tell its tale. Geldard should have been a certain soccer when he nipped through, over Roger’s legs, and lashed in a shot that swing wide.
Busby’s Patent Touch.
When Mercer became an outside right and delivered the good’s in the form of a pulled centre no one could connect with the good chance and Busby used a patent back-heel notion to put the ball to Kemp. By this time what pretensions Liverpool had towards combined forward play had nearly gone and Howe’s how at a venture drive though at least the right idea was all too wide. “Nivvy” and Taylor changed places, but it was at outside-left that “Nivvy” won a free kick when Gee held him off. Hanson’s free kick was another sure catch for Sagar. Gee and Jones with Watson ably aiding and abetting played their part in one splutter of revival, but there were so many closely worked moves attempted that crowding out was the easiest and most effective reply from the opposition. Injury to Hanson brought on both trainers and a welcome sponge, for it had been a hard game, if not a particularly brilliant one, and after the first 15 minutes shine had been taken off it. Watson made the miskick of the match and recovered in time to save himself and his side. Cook was spoken to after Howe had been charged heavily the referee allowing play to go on as the centre forward had got in his pass to Hanson. There was few thrilling moments left, but Liverpool nearly snatched a goal when Taylor head over the bar from Hanson’s centre. Trentham narrowly missed converting a fast centre from Lawton, who had verged to the right to escape Rogers.
“Nivvy” Gets Through”
The game was dull and dying when Liverpool scored five minutes from the end through Nieuwenhuys. The goal unleashed a thousand cheers with the hope of the game being saved for the home side. It arose when Hanson centred and the South African, running in found the ball coming just right for a downward header. Yet strange to say, although Liverpool were fired with enthusiasm, it was Lawton who nearly scored immediately afterwards and Kemp was glad to push the ball away before grasping it at the second attempt. Busby was the inspiring force behind Liverpool’s revival hopes, and Everton must have feared the worst with the opposition crowding on every inch of sail, as it were. But the necessary second goal did not arise. Final Liverpool 1, Everton 2.
STUB MARKS
October 2, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Everton’s Trentham is still employed by the Brookhirst Switchgear Company, Chester.
• Tommy Lawton will be 18 –four days hence.
EVERTON SEARCH FOR A OUTSIDE LEFT
October 2, 1937. Evening Express
• Everton’s search for a first class outside-left continues unabated. A party of directors went off to Scotland a week ago to run an eye over Caskie, of St. Johnstone. Caskie is one of the smallest men in football, and is already being described as “Alan Morton the second.” Everton were pleased, too, but I doubt whether St. Johnstone can be induced to part –much as they would like to net a fat fee. Caskie a great favourite in Perth.
• Trentham, Everton’s young winger, has astonished many soccer followers by his coolness even on the biggest of occasions. The manner in which he scored his opening Football league goal was highly encouraging, but there is one little trait of his which always amuses me. Trentham always comes on the field “armed” with a piece of lemon peel. Just as the players are lining up he places this outside the field of play opposite the centre line. Every now and then he retrieves the lemon peel, and takes a suck. He did this in his initial League match –at Blackpool –which indicates that the lad is completely unruffled by his quick rise in football.
• There are strong hopes that Torry Gillick, the Scottish wing forward of Everton, will be fit to turn out again in five or six weeks’ time. Gillick is particularly anxious to get back into harness, and has been doing light training at Goodison Park for the past fortnight. He began with walking to loosen the muscles, but this week started harder work. Gillick will need to strike his best form if he is to displace Albert Geldard on the right wing, for Geldard has been Everton’s most consistent forward this season.
LIVERPOOL 1 EVERTON 2 (Game 1613 over-all)-(Div 1 1571)
October 4, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Making Chances Tell
Everton’s Second Away Win
Defence Bars Way To Liverpool.
Exciting Finish.
By L.E.E.
Five minutes from the end of the Liverpool-Everton match Everton led by 2 goals to nothing. The game was as good as over and the tremendous pace of the first half hour, and its general knockabout character had told its tale. Liverpool were a beaten side and Everton were hanging on, giving nothing away, and making sure their new style defensive formation paid its full dividend. At this point Nieuwenhuys set the game alight with a fine headed goal and we were assured one of those enlivening finishes where the team which seems to be played to a standstill gets a goal and opens up possibilities of a storming finish. That Liverpool failed to get a second goal is history, but the surprise packet at least helped the match to finish on a note of excitement. So Everton took their second away bag of the season, and Liverpool suffered their second home failure. There was justice in the final reckoning 2-1, in Everton’s favour and Liverpool‘s goal showed those who were not present there was not a great deal in it, after all.
Score Matches The Game.
The score matched the game. Everton made their chances tell, and Liverpool who began in whirlwind style with some fine work on the Eastham-Hanson wing, petered out gradually, but surely, in face of the covering up of Gee, his full backs and the wing half-backs, who, whatever their faults in production of the ball for those ahead were always a man too many for Howe. Taylor and Eastham. Not having seen Everton before this season their display impressed me as being in keeping with the general trend of football policy. They did not use the full force of their attacking ranks as they used to; there was no inclination on the part of Gee and other to roam upfield and Lawton, Trentham and Geldard generally raided as a threesome. Everton did not enjoy half the number of chances which came Liverpool’s way, but that did not prevent them from being more methodical and knowledgeable with them. For instance, Trentham (who with Lawton carried the distinction of scoring in his first game against “the neighbours”) soon found the way to goal when a free kick against Rogers –for a foul against Geldard –was put out to Geldard, in his right position. Dougal passing the ball across to the left, from where Trentham squeezed it between Kemp’s out-flung arms and the post. There was scarcely space for the ball to pass through, but Kemp’s effort was a fraction too late and this, his out semblance of a mistake, allowed the important leading goal. That topped off one of the finest fifteen minutes play at Anfield this season. It went against the grain in more than once sense, but there it was. Before halfway Everton had made it 2-0. Dabbs fouled Geldard when there was no danger of that player scoring and the penalty kick was a big shot success by Lawton.
Everton In Their Best Light.
Everton began to believe in themselves to place the ball surely and the second half showed them in their best light, with Geldard using his speed to its full extent and Lawton making some headway at the expense of the hard working Rogers. Liverpool degenerated to the degree where good chances are fritted away through the failure of anyone to make the strategic pass at the right moment, and they were 100 per cent less effective in this part of the game than they had been in the first twenty minutes. Nieuwenhuys’s goal was inspiring, but coming so late, left little time for the revival that seemed imminent. Looking back, there was a great efforts of shots. There were two good free kick efforts in the first quarter of an hour, but apart from these and Lawton, and Trentham’s successful ones, there was hardly one worth recording. And here a word of praise for Sagar for his safe calling with a number of high balls with the challenge of opposition alongside to make them doubly difficult. Sagar was perfection, even admitting Liverpool’s failures.
Howe And Taylor Held.
Gee’s play was “made” for the domination of Howe and Taylor, neither of whom was seen to advantage. So with Jones sturdily baring. Nieuwenhuys’s speedy runs –particularly in the first half –Liverpool were left to the intricate of Eastham –after too marked as the game went on –and the continuous stream of centres from Hanson. Whatever success was allowed the Liverpool wings, as wingers there was a solid look about Everton’s centre of the field defence, and the jittery nature of the opposition made their job the easier. Busby, I thought, had a good match, and Mercer’s rambling, never-say-die; half-back play would have been bettered only if he had no misplaced the ball so often. Lawton led his line with hospice the close attention of Rovers, used Geldard and Stevenson proved themselves the better wing, notably in the second half. Harley kicked a good ball, and always had a little in hand on Trentham. The players came out side by side, went back in almost the same formation, and were well governed by Mr. Dedman, the referee. The only mistake of any consequence he made was when he allowed Liverpool to win the toss and then line up for the kick-off. Well done Everton; hard luck, earnest losers! Teams: - Liverpool: - Kemp, goal; Harley and Dabbs, backs; Busby (captain), Rogers, and McDougall, half-backs; Nieuwenhuys, Taylor, Howe, Eastham and Hanson, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, Cook and Jones (je), backs; Mercer, Gee (captain), and Watson, half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, and Trentham, forwards. Referee Mr. E Dedman, of Blackpool.
EVERTON RESERVES 6 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 0
October 4, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 10)
Liverpool Reserves disappointed in the junior “Derby” at Goodison Park, Everton in sharp contrast, further strengthened their position at the head of the central League table by a brilliant display. Bell opened the scoring at the 10th minute, added a second at 17 minutes, while Dean made it 3 before the interval. Midway in the second half Bentham and Arthur scored 2 quick goals within a minute, and a few minutes from the end Cunliffe scored the sixth. Bell and Dean must be the most dangerous inside forward’s playing in the Central League at the present time. In this match Bell gave one of his best displays. The Liverpool defenders were so hard pressed that they allowed both Dean and Bell far too much scope. Cooper and Ramsden were frequently forced to pass back to their goalkeeper. Hobson after the fifth goal, was injured in a collision with Cuff, and Ramsden had to take his place in goal. Ramsdan made at least three good saves but was unable to stop the sixth goal. Liverpool played badly, Balmer was rarely seen, but in the second half he sent in a good shot which Morton saved well, and then gave Penrose a good chance. Everton Reserves: - Morton, goal; Jackson and Thomson, backs; Bentham, Jones (TG), and Davies, half-backs; Arthur, Cunliffe, Dean, Bell and Cuff, forwards. Liverpool: - Hobson, goal; Cooper and Ramsden, backs; Savage, Bush and Eastdale, Penrose, Smith, Balmer, Patterson and Peters, forwards.
EVERTON EXPERIMENT
October 9, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Frost is football’s biggest bugbear and anyone, who can find a way of mitigating its effects, will have done something really big for the game. Mr. P.J. Robinson, the Liverpool City Electrical Engineer is conducting an interesting experiment at Everton, and should it proved successful –and Mr. Robinson has every belief that it will –one of the game’s greatest enemies will have been laid to rest. Mr. Robinson’s experiment is being tested on the practice grounds at Bullens-road and from all accounts the turf has already shown some benefit. The system consists of electrically heated wires about nine inches below the surface, and an automatic device which turns on the supply when the temperature falls below a certain figure. Not only will it kill frost but when the turf has been saturated it will halt to dry it quickly. The progress of the experiment is being watched with interest.
A GREAT “DERBY” –BUT THERE WERE FAULTS.
October 4, 1937. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Everton were worthy winners of the Anfield “Derby” game with Liverpool, a match which contained all the thrills which local rivalry engenders, but paradoxical as it may see, the fact emerges that – Neither side, as at present constituted, is good enough to win a place in the honours list this season. There were many faults in this game which sent the watchers home without a grumble so far as quality of fare went; but these faults did stand out. Take Liverpool’s attack for instance. Each man repeatedly made errors after the opening passages, when they played fine football. Even the quick-witted Eastham tried to accomplish too much and was often found beating himself with his own intricacies. Eastham must be more direct in order to give his colleagues a chance of divining his intentions. Howe was hardly seen in the game, and Taylor brought little improvement. Hanson did look a danger man for a little while. Nieuwenhuys made many errors, and then went to inside right to become the inspiration of the line and goal scorer. Had others followed Nieuwenhuys’ example, Liverpool might have pulled the game out of the fire. The success of Nieuwnhuys at inside-right gives birth to the idea that Liverpool could do no worse by trying him there, and bringing in young Penrose as his partner. “Nivvy” does put some life into it, and he is such an elusive lad that he can draw defences out of position.
Pivot Problem Remains.
The Reds’ centre half problem is not solved, even allowing for the willingness of Rogers. Dabs had a poor day against the scintillating Geldard, who passed him with the greatest of ease. For the remainder, Liverpool had grand wing half-backs in Busby and McDougall –men who could utilise the ball –Harley, the perfect back, and Kemp, a reliable goalkeeper. This Harley is an international in embryo. Yes, problems Liverpool, and that also goes for the Blues, who just deserved this win because they had craft where the Reds had none –and this despite indifferent feeding from mercer and Watson, the wing half-backs. Lawton worked hard enough in the centre, yet did not hold the line together well, and was often puzzled about what to do with the ball when the short pass to bring his inside men into the game was the obvious move. Dougal played too much on his own and, to my mind back far too much. Stevenson took time to settle down, and then made some fine openings for the superlative Geldard, who, at the moment, is playing better than ever he has done. The feature of Trentham’s display were his goal –a neat effort that as a prelude to Lawton’s penalty goal, and the manner in which he stood up to Harley. Yet he is not a First division player. Gee was Everton’s bonniest feeder, and the whole defence of the Blues was sharper and more effective than that of Liverpool. After a shaky opening Everton were quicker on the ball, and their tackling was as intrepid as it was purposeful. Everton’s grand covering and intervention crowded out Liverpool. Sagar made some excellent saves, but this was a day which brought few shots. There were not half-a-dozen in the 90 minutes. Yet there was an abundance of goalmouth thrills.
ENGLAND TEAM PLACE CHANCE
October 5, 1937. The Evening Express.
Geldard Can Make Certain Tomorrow.
By The Pilot.
Albert Geldard, Everton’s outside-right, has a great chance of once again becoming England’s first choice for the position. It all depends on his play tomorrow in the inter-league game at Blackpool between the Football-League and Irish League. If Geldard reproduces the form which has characterised his play for Everton in recent matches he is almost a certainty for the England team to oppose Ireland in Belfast on October 23. Geldrad’s form at the moment is above anything he has shown for a long time, and I think he will prove a success because the selectors have chosen for a splendid foil in Hall, of the ‘Spurs, and go-getters and goal-getters in the other position. The last time Geldard appeared in a representative match was against Scotland at Hampden Park in 1935, Since then Matthews, of Stoke City, has been first choice.
Pilot’s Sport Log
It is practically certain that the Merseyside, professional Association Footballers’ Golf Championships will be extended for next season and more clubs embraced. This was the natural assumption following the wonderful success of yesterday’s competitions at Woolton –the fifth of the series. It was a record-breaking year to celebrate the fact that Mr. Jimmy Troop, one of the committee, is this year’s Woolton captain. Of the 42 players, who entered, not one was marked absent, Walters, of Chester, turned up even through injured. Obviously an extension is necessary, and the matter will be brought up at the next meeting of the committee, in a fortnight’s time. I know this will please our Preston North End friends.
The Fraternal Spirit.
Mr. W. C. Cuff, the president, who made a special journey from London to present the prizes, emphasised the value of such competition as a means of inducing a more fraternal spirit among footballers. One day such as yesterday does more than anything else to bring the lads together. Directors and friends of Everton and Liverpool were present, and Mr. Harry Mansley, chairman of Chester, came along with a big party of directors, friends and players. No Chester player found a spot in the prize list, but Mr. Mansley’s son won a prize in the subscriber’s competition. Mr. Jimmy Knowles manager of Tranmere Rovers, paid his first visit, and I was once again delighted to renew acquaintance with soccer-friends, Ted Common, Paddy Wrightson, Archie Clark, the New Brighton stalwarts, Vaughton and Bulloch, smiling Bobby Spencer, Arthur Davies and many others, not forgetting my host of friends of the Woolton Club. Yes, it was a happy re-union and a grand day. This competition may become of national importance in a few years. Congratulations to Tommy Cooper on his second successive triumph in the championship, and jack Jones for his first handicap success. Billy Dean carried off the putting competition after a tie with Cassidy (Tranmere Rovers), and Willie Cook (Everton) won the billiards handicap –supervised by Mr. George Kay –from Archie Clark. Thanks to all concerned –not forgetting “the perfect secretary,” Mr. Freddie Clegg, of Woolton, and the Woolton Council –for the best-ever day.
EVERTON’S CREAM
October 6, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Having seen Everton for forty-five seasons, I select this team as the cream –Sagar; Cresswell, George Molyneux; Wolstenholmes, Holt, J.T. Robinson; Chedgzoy, John Bell, Bob Parker, Jas Settle, and Troup. Your remarks re the falling off in the quality of the play hit the nail on the head. Who is to blame? In the Huddersfield match Willingham, the right half, passed on the ground to his inside left, who passed back to Willingham, who passed again to the inside left. The upshot of this move left McFayden in an easy scoring position. But here’s the rub. When Dougal attempted to bring the Everton half-backs into the game in the same way there were loud shouts of “That’s no use, boot it.”
“Custard” writes; - The outcome on Blues’s and Reds teams is very interesting. I have seen all the players mentioned and would select the following;- Liverpool; Hardy; Longsworth, Mckinlay; Howell, Raisebeck, Bromilow; Goddard, J. Ross, Hodgson, Chambers, Cox; Everton; L.R. roose; Downs, Cresswell; Britton, T. Booth, J.T. Robertson; J. Bell, McDermott, Dean, Settle, and J. Wilson.
FOOTBALL V IRISH LEAGUE
October 7, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Notes Only.
The Football league team scored an easy victory 3-0 over the Irish League at Blackpool, yesterday. Attendance 14,700. Albert Geldard played for the Football League, it stated that Geldard played extremely well, and so got his place in the trial game, Geldard often left Fulton trailing yards behind him.
EVERTON UNCHANGED
October 8, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton reply upon the name side which defeated Liverpool at Anfield for their visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow and thus the young players, Watson, Lawton, and Trentham, will have a further opportunity of establishing themselves in the side. The team is; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, Gee, Watson; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Trentham. Probably one of Everton’s stiffest tasks in their league programme is this game at Molyneux Park, for the Wanderers are always a touch proposition at home. So far this season they have secured 8 of the 10 points that have been at stake in home matches, and have scored 11 goals against 4 by opponents. In addition to this Everton have not obtained a solitary point from visits to this enclosure since Wolverhampton regained First Division status in 1931-32 and have lost 23 goals against in six visits. The result of these games against 7. Wolverhampton’s score reading first) have been 4-2, 2-0, 4-0, 4-2, 2-1, and 7-2.
Wilkinson In Goal.
The Central League side to oppose Wolverhampton Wanderers Reserve at Goodison Park will be R. Wilkinson; Jackson, Thomson; Bentham, Jones (TG), Davies; Arthur, Cunliffe, Dean, Bell, Coulter.
EVERTON SAY “NO TEAM CHANGE.”
October 8, 1937. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Everton make no change for their visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow –one of their hardest away matches of the season. Britton is certain to play in the next home game, but the directors deem it unwise to risk him tomorrow. The Blues will be making an attempt to record their third successive away win. The Blues have not brought home a point from the Molyneux ground for the last five years. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Mercer, Gee, Watson; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Trentham.
Pilot’s Sport Log
Wilkinson, the young Welsh-man who walked into Goodison Park and asked for a trial just before the season began, gets his first chance tomorrow. He has been selected to play for Everton in the Central League match at Goodison Park against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He deputises for Morton. Everton are well pleased with Wilkinson, whose debut will be watched with keen interest. Everton Reserves: - Wilkinson; Jackson, Thomson; Bentham, Jones (TG), Davies; Arthur, Cunliffe, Dean, Bell, Coulter.
EVERTON’S BIG TASK
October 8, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
By Stork.
Everton have a stiff task ahead of them at the Molyneux ground tomorrow, and the fact that they have not won on the Wolves enclosure for many years is not encouraging. The Wanderers started off the season as though they would go to the top of the table and stay there, but they have suffered several lapses in recent times, but on their own enclosure they have dropped few points. Everton may take a draw, for their defence nowadays is much more solid since they adopted the “third-back” game, but I would like to see more punch in their attack. I have no complaint about one forward playing well behind his colleagues, but when we all back the strength of the attack near goals is considerably weakened.
Banking On Youth.
The Wolves are banking on youth and there is a whole lot of ability in the team to go along with it, so that Everton will have to watch their step against these fast-moving youngsters. It is well that Everton have suffered up, for should there be any gaps down the field, the Wolves will find them. Under the “new rule” they will not find it an easy matter to get in touch with Sagar, so well covered is he by Cook, Jones and Gee. Lawton will find Cullis a problem for many maintain that the Wolves pivot is almost the equal of Young, of Huddersfield, and although I do not agree entirely with them, I have to admit that he is a grand centre half back, and one destined to figure in an English international team ere long. Of course Lawton may “suffer” a similar fate for any centre forward who goes into a national team generally has an unpleasant time.
Geldard A Match Winner.
Geldard is an excellent form at the moment, he was one of the success of the English League side, at Blackpool and made the Irish defence sit up and wonder by his pace, his control of the ball and his shooting ability. Team; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, Gee, Watson; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Trentham. The Central league side to oppose Wolverhampton Wanderers Reserve at Goodison Park will be R. Wilkinson; Jackson, Thomson; Bentham, Jones (TG), Davies; Arthur, Cunliffe, Dean, Bell, Coulter. Wilkinson asked for at trial at Goodison Park. He was signed up as an amateur and played with the “A” team early in the season and performed remarkably well. Six feet in height and weighting 11st 4lbs, Wilkinson hails from Cwn, Ebbw Vale, South Wales.
EVERTON FACE THE WOLVES
October 9, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton are to meet the Wolvers at the Midland town and the players are fully aware of the task that awaits them. On their own ground, the Midland side is one which commands the highest respect a lively line of forwards being backed up by a sturdy defence, Everton demonstrated last Saturday that they have tightened up their defensive plan in a marked manner, and it remains to be seen how Gee and his colleagues far against the fast moving Wolves. Bryn Jones the much sought forward returns to the Wolves side and displaces Westcott at inside-left and Galley resumes instead of Wharton. Teams: - Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, Gee, Watson; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Trentham. Wolves; Scott; Morris, Taylor (J); Smalley, Culis, Gardiner; Magurie, Galley, Clayton, Jones, Ashall.
EVERTON LACK PUNCH
October 9, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
The Wolves Bust Through
Fine First Half
By Stork.
A brilliant first-half but the Wolves were the stronger in attack, Everton having only three forwards throughout. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, Gee (captain) and Watson, half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal and Trentham, forwards. Wolverhampton Wanderers: - Scott, goal; Morris and Taylor (J), backs; Smalley, Cullis, and Gardiner, half-backs; Maguire, Galley, Clayton, Jones (R), and Ashall, forwards. Referee Mr. A. J. Jewell, London.
Everton had hopes that they might take a point from the Molyneux ground today, despite the fact that their record in recent years has been anything but a good one. It was rather strange to say that there was only one director present with the team this afternoon, Mr. Ernest Green being in charge. It was a gorgeous afternoon, and Everton started in promising fashion. Some of their football was a joy, even though I found reason to complain about the over-elaboration of Dougal. His control of the ball was uncanny. It was so clever that his own colleagues did not know what he would do next, and the Wolves’ players were hood-winked many a time by the Scotsman’s wizardry. The Wolves had Jones to thank, and then Galley, for the engineering of most of their advances, but the pace of these young men of Wolverhampton was really astonishing, and when galley swept a ball right across, the field to Ashall things looked anything but rosy for Everton, but the offside left failed to connect with the ball. Galley went close with a long-length drive from outside-right, and then Jones and Ashall, by a perfect plan, during which they interchanged places, put the Everton goal in extreme danger. Finally Ashall, who had run to centre forward, crashed the ball outside the upright. On the Everton right wing Stevenson, Geldard, and Mercer had a good understanding whereby Geldard was able to use his greatest speed to overcome Wolves’ solid defence. Galey made another drive which went close, and them he seemed to be through, but was rightly adjudged offside, as was Geldard, when he too, seemed to be moving forward to a goal.
Sagar’s Fine Save.
Scott made a save from a point blank range, shot by Stevenson just as the whistle sounded for offside and then came a great save by Sagar, after Bryn Jones had avoided a foul tackle and was allowed to go on to make a fiery drive. True Sagar had to make two matches at the ball before he finally made his clearance, but it was a grand save nevertheless. There looked to be a genuine claim for a penalty when Jones was brought down by Gee in the penalty area, but despite Wolves strong appeal they received no answer to it. The football was really top class; not only were there lots of clever ideas displayed, but the pace and the way the ball was swung about made it a game of shuttlecock, in that first one side and then the other seemed declined to score. Galley was allowed to go on, although obviously in an offside position. This was quite the best football I have seen this season, and the 30,000 people were thrilled to the bone by the way each side fought to be masters. Lawton did quite well against Cullis whose task, however, was eased by the fact that he had only one forward to look after.
Galley’s Goal.
The Everton goal almost fell when Galley went out to the right wing and pushed the ball to Clayton who let the ball run by him, and then did an amazing thing –he back-heeled it and almost surprised Sagar, who had to make a prime dive to keen the ball out. A minute before the interval Wolves took the lead, Jones, Magurie and Galley was the responsible factors with Galley finishing off with a great shot which shook the back of the net.
Half-Time Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Everton 0.
The second half opened in Wolverhampton’s favour and they were top dogs for the first 15 minutes of the half, which never reached the same heights as the first. Clayton should have had a goal when McGuire put the ball right into the goalmouth and how he failed to take one will never be known. Jones and Galley came into collision and Jones had to save the field for a while. The game now was rather one-sided. Everton having gone right back into their shell. Trentham made a fast shot in the hope of bringing an equaliser but the ball was many yards wide of the objective. The game continued on quite lines, but even so Wolverhampton showed more sting in attack and at 74 minutes Maguire scored a second goal with a left-foot drive. Lawton tried a bow at a venture but his distinction was bad. When Mercer lobbed the ball into the Wolverhampton Wanderers goalmouth and the Scott seemed to carry the ball over the goalline when affecting his save. Everton appealed and the referee thought fit to discuss the matter with a linesman, who was placed and upon his word decided that no goal had been scored. Sagar made a great save from Galley throwing himself at the ball and turning it around the upright. Everton were all defence and never really suggested that they would score. Geldard was responsible for one shot, but on the whole Scott had a pleasant day. Scott had to save one from Lawton, but there was little danger. Final Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Everton 0.
STUB MARKS
October 9, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Everton have registered 48 post-war goals against Liverpool, yet only one has come from inside right.
EVERTON FADE OUT AFTER EARLY PROMISE
October 9, 1937. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Blues Overdo Defence Plan
Wolves Supreme In Second Half.
By The Pilot.
Everton faded out and were beaten 2-0 at Wolverhampton today after a brilliant first-half exhibition by both sides. Everton’s defence was good, but the whole team pandered too much to defence, and the Blues played throughout with practically only three men up in attack. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, Gee (captain) and Watson, half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal and Trentham, forwards. Wolverhampton Wanderers: - Scott, goal; Morris and Taylor (J), backs; Smalley, Cullis, and Gardiner, half-backs; Maguire, Galley, Clayton, Jones (R), and Ashall, forwards. Referee Mr. A. J. Jewell, London. Some brilliant football marked the opening, with Everton quicker on the ball. The Wolves were surprisingly slow to make contact, and this took much of “bite” out of their raiding. Trentham had a centre cut out by Scott, and after a perfect triangular movement between Mercer, Stevenson, and Geldard, Scott took charge of Geldard’s centre. Ashall and Bryn Jones changed places and Ashall placed just wide from Jones’s cross. The Galley came along with a terrific first time shot which flashed by the post. Dougal’s manoeuvring, although elaborate, sorely troubled the Wolves.
Dougal’s First-Timer.
Following a free kick to the Blues, the ball dropped back to Dougal, whose first-timer went by the wrong side of the post. Stevenson made a point-blank shot as the whistle sounded for offside, before Bryn Jones survived a foul and went on to test Sagar high up. Sagar saved from Galley’s header following another attack. The game continued fast and interesting; in fact, in no league game this season have I seen such quick and precise development. The Wolves claimed a penalty when Gee tackled Bryn Jones at the last minute. Sagar easily held a short header from Galley. Everton raided well on the wing, but it was their midfield play which took the eye. In this they were the masters of the Wolves. Yet they were playing with only three forwards, and this made matters comparatively easy for Cullis and Company. One shot in half an hour was all Everton could claim, and that came from the offside position. However, they continued slightly the better team. This was thrust and counter thrust all the time. After Geldard had forced a corner off Taylor, a neat attack ended in the ball being pushed across for Trentham to let go one of his left-foot “specials,” Scott pushing the ball around the post to save the day. Mercer was playing brilliantly and engineered many fine attacks, but two minutes before the interval Galley gave the Wolves the lead. The goal was born of an accident, for as Maguire came through Jones slipped down. Maguire pushed the ball in to Clayton, who turned it back for Galley to drive in along the carpet with an unstoppable shot. Everton were rather unfortunate to be behind at the interval.
Half-Time Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Everton 0.
The Wolves took command on resumption, Clayton missing a fine chance when he lobbed outside, trying to evade the advancing Sagar. The Wolves were quicker on the ball than in the first half, and after one perfect movement in which Bryn Jones and Galley were the leading lights, the ball was slipped over perfectly to the unmarked Clayton, who, however, turned the ball outside. Trentham was stunned in a collision, but he came back to send in a first time shot which, however, flashed across instead of in to goal. Jones was injured after tackling Galley, and was off the field for two minutes.
Everton’s Faults.
Everton’s one fault was their ultra defence plan, leaving only Lawton and the two wingers to menace the Wolves defence. Lawton had a half chance, when his first-time shot flew wide, and the Wolves continued the better side with more “bite” in attack. Wolves were two up after 74 minutes. Galley worked the ball out to Maguire who cut inwards. He seemed to have lost his chance, but he hit home a left foot shot which beat Sagar. Just afterwards Everton seemed to have scored when Scott, in touching a high dropping ball, appeared to carry it over the line. The referee asked the linesman for comfirmation, but getting none allowed play to proceed. Sagar made a brilliant full length save from Galley, and punched clear from the corner. Final Wolves 2, Everton 0
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 0 (Game 1614 over-all)-(Div 1 1572)
October 11, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Tactics Fail.
Lack Of Thrust In Attack
Wolves Break Through
By Stork.
Everton’s experience at the Molyneux ground during the past few season makes anything but pleasant reading. They went to Wolverhampton hoping for a chance of front but the result was the same as usual. Instead of five or six goals being debited against Everton, however, the Wolves had to be satisfied with a 2-0 victory. The first half exhibition was as good as anything I have seen this season, and Everton were quite as good as their hosts in everything else but finish. There was more punch about the Wolves attack. How could one expect anything else with Everton playing a three-forward game against a defence which can stand the might of the five-forward attack? I am afraid Everton must after they ways. Their present formation will undoubtedly keep the score against down to minimum, but it so reduces the strength of the forward line that but has little chance against a side with a defence of any account. I have no objection against a side having four forwards up and a roaming forward in the rear! But Dougal and Stevenson are playing so far behind the line that the three forwards have little prospect of breaking through an augmented defence such as we have to day. This was made plain at the Molyneux ground, when Everton got no chance so in the circumstances did uncommonly well. The first half produced thrustful football, but one could readily see that Everton’s forward weight was not sufficient. Their new formation undoubtedly did close down the door to the Wolves, so that 44 minutes had passed before the Wanderers broke it down with a goal by Galley. Everton’s right wing opened with such promise that I expected Geldard to ruled the Wolves defence with his darting runs, but while he did well he never touched the heights of his inter-league game.
Pace For Pace
Everton met Wolverhampton with pace for pace, tackle for tackle, but the Wolves were definitely superior in front of goal, for they had five forwards up to striking blow and Sagar had to save from Jones and Clayton. This last one was a grand effort, for Clayton adopted uncommon methods at trying to spring a surprise. Galley pushed the ball along the turf and Clayton allowed it to run past him, but quickly, put his heel to it and scooped it towards goal. Sagar had to make a leap to keep the ball out. Galley’s goal was the result of interpassing between MaGuire and Jones, the shooter slamming the ball home with a fast drive. Everton lost their grip of things in the second half when they faded out and the Wolves, while not being so hectic as they had been were masters of the situation, and another good goal by Maguire finished off the scoring. Some of the Everton players claimed a goal when Mercer lobbed the ball into the Wolves’ goalmouth and Scott caught the ball and appeared to back over his goal line, but Geldard, who was standing in line with the incident, told me that the ball had not gone over. He confirmed the opinion of the linesman to whom the referee appealed.
Gee Stands Out.
I should say Gee was Everton’s best. While Mercer was strong in defence his constructional play left something to be desired. Dougal was extremely clever in his use of the ball, but his jugglery often caused his partner to be out of position when finally the ball was despatched. Dougal must cut down his finesse to the minimum if he is to get the best results. Trentham, Lawton and Geldard were asked to do too much, and when the ball was centred into the goalmouth there was only Lawton there to do the work of three men. It was almost futile to put the ball into the middle. Lawton kept Cullis moving round. The game was exceptionally clean, although the tackling of both sides, particularly in the first half, was keen. I enjoyed every minute of it but cannot say the same about the final “45” which lost some of its sparkle because the Wolves get so much on top that the game became one sided. Everton’s attack lacked punch in front of goal. . Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, Gee (captain) and Watson, half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal and Trentham, forwards. Wolverhampton Wanderers: - Scott, goal; Morris and Taylor (J), backs; Smalley, Cullis, and Gardiner, half-backs; Maguire, Galley, Clayton, Jones (R), and Ashall, forwards. Referee Mr. A. J. Jewell, London.
EVERTON RESERVES 2 WOLVERHAMPTON RESERVES 1
October 11, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 11)
Everton were fortunate to win by the odd goal of three against a clever Wolves’ side at Goodison. Westcott surprised Everton with a goal in the first minute and Wolves held the lead in till the interval. Immediately after the resumption Dean scored from a penalty and when a draw seemed a probable and fair result, Bell scored from another penalty 2 minutes from the end. It was only the super goalkeeping by Sidlow that prevented further goals by Everton, Dean and Bell were close on numerous occasions. If Wilkinson had been called upon to saves many shots as Sidlow. Wolves would have had more goals for the Everton amateur keeper was unsteady. The Everton goal had several lucky escapes. Davies and then Jackson kicked off the line. Dean and Bell were always dangerous but Coulter and Arthur were rarely prominent. It was a hard fought game through out with Wolves showing good combination but unable to finish. Everton Reserves: - R Wilkinson, goal; Jackson and Thomson, backs; Bentham, Jones (TG), and Davies, half-backs; Arthur, Cunliffe, Dean, Bell and Coulter, forwards.
Hoylake 6, Everton “A” 6
Liverpool County Combination.
Hoylake opened strongly, but Salter miskicked and Catterick score an early goal for Everton. Corners were frequent to the homeside. Burnette (the Everton custodian) making smart saves from Lee and McShane, but he was beaten by Snow and Davies before the interval. In the second half Hoylake dominated the play, Davies (3), and McShane added further goals.
EVERTON’S “BOGEY” GROUND.
October 11, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Rangers Notes
By Stork.
While Everton did not anticipate a victory at the Molyneux ground, where they have been successful for many seasons, they had an idea they could take a half share of the spoils, but once again the ground proved their bogey. I have studied Everton’s new formation very careful since it was adopted, and while I am fully aware that it will keep goal scoring down to reasonable limits, I cannot see it helping them to many victories for the simple reason that attacking strength is scarified for the sake of defence. Right throughout the game at Wolverhampton they played but three forwards, and this was not good enough against the sound Wanderers defenders.
Close Touch Needed.
No doubt with three ultra brilliant forwards the scheme would pay for itself, but at the moment Everton have not got those three men, so until they have Stevenson and Dougal must keep in closer touch with Geldard, Lawton and Trentham. Everton were almost as good as Wolves in the first half when they parried every thrust made by the Wanderers with a similar ort of thrust, but the great difference was that the Wolves had a five-point attack so that it was only natural that there should be more shots coming from the line. I had nothing but pity for Lawton who had to patrol a lonely stretch of ground single handed, for neither Stevenson nor Dougal were close enough to give him a helping hand, and he needed it against a man of Cullis’s stamp.
Entertaining Play
I thoroughly enjoyed the first half for it was chock full of good things. The play was fast, keen, with a lot of entertaining football in it, and allowing for the scarcity of shots there was enough in the game to satisfy those who have other thoughts but that of goals. I know goals are the chief concern of the game, but I am one of those folk who can enjoy a game without them, proving there is something to take their place. A goal one minute from the interval upset Everton’s balance. They were never so good afterwards, and the second half dropped to a common level, with the Wolves definitely on top. Everton’s first half “fire” left them, and the Wolves were all set for another victory, and another goal by Maguire sealed the issue, for truth to tell, Everton rarely looked like piloting the ball beyond Scott, even when they were on the attack. Dougal was the fanciful. He was so clever that his own colleagues did not know what he would do, and there more times when his “jugglery” of the ball helped the Wolves rather than Everton, for the half-back behind him did not know where to go to take up position.
Trentham Not Ready
Geldard had a good first half, and while Lawton kept on trying, he had little chance. Trentham is not yet ready for senior services, so that the honours of the game go to the defenders, particularly Gee and Mercer, who played well all through. Cook and Jones had some hot work to do, but were up to it, and Sagar could not be blamed for either goal, although he did not bat an eyelid when the second one fled beyond him.
THREE-MEN ATTACK WILL NOT DO EVERTON
October 11, 1937. The Evening Express.
Defence Complex Costing Points
Blues’ Fine First Half.
By The Pilot.
Three forwards can never beat a first-class defence. This is the lesson Everton must learn from their visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, when the Wolves won a great game by two clear goals. Practically throughout the ninety minutes. Everton adopted such an ultra defensive plan with Stevenson and Dougal appearing as semi-half-backs, that the only men to bring pressure on the Wolves defenders were Lawton, Geldard, and Trentham. The outcome was that Scott, the ex-Liverpool player, was able to keep goal on the penalty area line! Time after time he was able to come out, pick up and punt away because there was no Evertonians at hand to upset him. Everton’s three-in-attack way will not do even if the defence is consolidated. Goals are needed to gain points, and Everton delivered no more than four shots all day. That is my one grumble, for the Blues have a refreshing display in the first half and were more than a match for these eager, precise and dangerous Wanderers, who cut out the hurly-burly and concentrated on playing artistic, yet fast, football.
Midfield Manoeuvre.
The opening half produced some of the finest manoeuvre I have seen for a long time, but Everton faded out as the game progressed, and once the Wolves had taken a lead, through Galley, never looked like retrieving the position. Wolves, a good football combination, deservedly won, yet Everton were not disgraced and the home directors were loud in their praise of the visitors. Gee was the big man of the match, and I was delighted at the improvement in Mercer. He was a glutton for work and was unfortunate not to be numbered among the goal scorers. I though Scott carried his shot over the line in the second half. Watson played better than at Anfield, and Jones was in splendid form again. Sagar was unsighted when Maguire scored the second goal; otherwise he affected many glorious clearances, one from Galley being a wonder save. Lawton worked hard and gave Cullis anxious moments, but Geldard was hardly so portent as of late, and Trentham was too easily crowded out. Stevenson and Dougal used the ball well but were minus thrust –and it is thrust which wins matches. The Blues will play a lot worse than this and win, while any team capable of full or partial success at Molyneux should hold a celebration dinner. The Wolves are the best side I have seen this season.
BRITTON AND GILLICK IN EVERTON SIDE
October 13, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Britton and Gillick return to the Everton side to meet Leeds United at Goodison Park on Saturday. The former has had a knee injury and Gillick has been under an operation for cartilage trouble. The Scot turned out with the “A” team for the first time on Saturday at Hoylake and played very well. He is faced with a big task in opposing the study Leeds defence in this his first outing of the season with the League side. Gillick takes Trentham’s place at outside left and Mercer crosses over to the left half berth in place of Walton, Britton returning to his place at right half. The team chosen is; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Gillick. The central league side to do duty at West Bromwich will be Morton; Jackson, Felton; Bentham, Jones (TG), Davies; Arthur, Cunliffe, Dean, Bell, Trentham.
AN EVERTON DEAL?
October 14, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
As is customary at trial matches, and representative games, football officials from all over the county gathered at Goodison Park yesterday and I noticed that Everton and Grimsby Town officials had something to discuss. Grimsby Town are in need of a wing forward and one strongly suspects that Coulter, the Irish outside left, who in the past has done so well for the first team and who is now playing in the Central league side, was the subject of Grimsby Town’s inquiry.
The Leeds United team to oppose Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday was chosen yesterday as follows: - Savage; Sproston, Milburn; Makinson, Holley, Brown; Armes, Ainsley, Kelly, Thomson, Buckley. Both Hodgson and Stephenson re on the injured list.
Trial Game
The trail game was drawn at Goodison Park yesterday between the Probable’s and Possible, 10,000 spectators watch Albert Geldard, Everton only representative playing for the Probable’s.
COULTER, OF EVERTON F.C. TRANSFERRED TO GRIMSBY TOWN
October 14, 1937. The Liverpool echo
By Ranger.
Jack Coulter, Everton’s Irish international outside left, who this season has been figuring in the Central league side, was today transferred to Grimsby Town. Grimsby’s left wing this season has been causing them no little trouble. They have already tried Swain and Crack, two local products without success, and Jackie Bestall has done no better. Manager C.W. Spencer, ex-Wigan Athletic, feels that in taking Coulter he has gone a long way towards solving the problem. Coulter, who was born in Belfast, learned his football with a junior side before passing on to Cliftonville and then to Belfast Celtic. It was from the latter club that he joined Everton in February, 1934, at a fee said to be in the neighbourhood of £3,000. It was soon evident that Everton had taken a winger of undoubtedly craft and skill, a born footballer who was to make a name for himself, but a broken leg in the international game against Wales, at Wrexham, just over a couple of years ago, cut cruelly into the career of a young man who gave every promise of being the most striking Irishman since the days of Gillespie, and Lacey. It was bad luck too, that the break should have resulted from a collision with his own club mate, Ben Williams, a simple affair from these simple incidents. Coulter was out of the first team throughout the 1935-36 season. Last term he made 21 senior appearances, but, except on rare occasions, failed to reproduce the brilliance and craftsmanship that had made him so warm a favourite with the Goodison Park crowd before the incident. This season he appeared in the first two games, against Arsenal and Manchester City, but has since given way to Trentham. Coulter has played for his country five times, two of the games being since his accident.
COULTER LEAVES EVERTON
October 15, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Coulter and Everton and Grimsby Town clubs came to terms yesterday and the Irishman at his best will prove an acquisition to Grimsby. He is equally at come at inside or outside left. He gained prominence with Belfast Celtic, and Everton signed him in 1934. He was capped against England, Scotland, and Wales in 1934-35, and also played against Scotland and Wales last season. During the 1936-37 campaign he made 21 League appearances for Everton and scored five goals. He had the ill-luck to break a leg when playing for Ireland against Wales at Wrexham a couple of years ago, but has been playing well recently in the Central League.
GOOD SIDE AT GOODISON
October 15, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
By Contact.
The home game tomorrow is at Goodison Park, where Leeds United one of the most successful sides of the season take on an Everton in which Britton and Gillick return. The fixture promise to be an attractive one, but it could be more likeable if Gordon Hodgson, ex-Liverpool and Villa was in the opposition. Gordon suffered an injury in the match against Liverpool, at Leeds, three weeks ago, and has not been in the game since then, I am sure his absence has meant a great deal, although with another player of the same type in Ainsley, doing extremely well Everton have still a stiff match on the agenda. While Gillick and Britton have been out of the team there has been something lacking in Everton, well as the substitutes have played. I think there will be the old line smoothness about the half-back line now that Britton, Gee, and Mercer appear to that formation, and Gillick’s appearance at outside left makes for greater experience and strength in the attack.
Redemption.
At Wolverhampton, Everton played well up to a point. Tomorrow they have the opportunity to regain some of the prestige they lost when losing home matches earlier in the season. But for their two away successes these home defeat would have been viewed as much more important. Having already seen Leeds I can promise those who go to Goodison a visiting side that is notable in the ability of all units to weld together. Sproston is nothing short of magnificent at full back and big Holley, with two grand workers on either side, in the half-back line, is another who offers something on the ordinary. At outside right there is Armes a player who was not considered a protent star until he settled at Leeds and found his form. It will be an uncommon Everton-Leeds occasion without Dean and Willis Edwards, and the players who have taken their respective berths are both doing well enough to retain them. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Gillick. Leeds United; Savage; Sproston, Milburn; Makinson, Holley, Brown; Armes, Ainsley, Kelly, Thomson, Buckley.
EVERTON SHOULD SCORE OVER YORKSHIRE
October 15, 1937. The Evening Express.
Leeds United At Goodison Tomorrow
Reappearance Of Gillick & Britton
By The Pilot.
Everton hope to secure their first points at the expense of a Yorkshire club this season when they tackle Leeds United at Goodison Park, tomorrow. I think the Blues can pull it off, even allowing for the fact that three times in the last five years the United have avoided defeat at Everton. Leeds’ defence is excellent, but the attack lacks penetrative power owing to the injury to Gordon Hodgson. Hodgson had proved the spread head of a sound attack up to the time of his injury, but since he went out the United seem to have lost the knack of clinching attacks with goals. So far they have not won a match away from home, and seeing that Everton are showing improvement, I think the Blues can win their first home game since September 11, when they accounted for Brentford. Great interest will centre on the reappearance of Torry Gillick, the Scottish international, at outside-left. Everton, too, will be strengthened by the return of Britton following a knee injury. Britton’s constructive arts have been missed recently, and Mercer has played so long on the left that it was only last Saturday he really settled down again on the other flank. The Blues must throw rather more into attack than they did against the Wolves, for it must be remembered that it is goals –and goals only –which bring points. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Gillick. Leeds United; Savage; Sproston, Milburn; Makinson, Holley, Brown; Armes, Ainsley, Kelly, Thomson, Buckley.
LEEDS UNITED TO TEST EVERTON
October 16, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Merseyside League clubs are hoping for a better share of the spoils, and Everton with Britton and Gillick back to their places expect to improve on recent form. They are due to oppose a very strong side in Leeds United at Goodison Park and a keen struggle is assured. Everton won the corresponding game last season 7-1, but Leeds are playing greatly improved football these days and are in the front fight, so that a win to Everton would make a big advance. From their visits to Goodison Park under League suspices the Yorkshire side have taken away 7 of a possible 20 points by two victories and three drawn games. The results of all league meeting between the clubs at Goodison Park (Everton’s score first) have been 1-0, 4-2, 2-1, 0-1, 1-1, 0-1, 2-0, 4-4, 0-0, and 7-1. The kick-off today is at 3.15 and the teams are: - Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Gillick. Leeds United; Savage; Sproston, Milburn; Makinson, Holley, Brown; Armes, Ainsley, Kelly, Thomson, Buckley.
HARD FIGHT DUEL
October 16, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
Thrills In Goodison Duel
Lawton’s Penalty
By Stork.
A hard game requiring a stern referee. Two many fault for it to be classed a good game. Teams: Everton; Sagar, goal; Cook, and Jones, backs; Britton (captain), Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, and Gillick, forwards. Leeds United; Savage, goal; Sproston, and Milburn, backs ; Makinson, Holley, and Brown, half-backs ; Armes, Ainsley, Kelly, Thomson, and Buckley, forwards. Referee Mr. F. Thompson, Leamington-on-Tyne.the return to the first team of Britton and Gillick added spice to the game at Goodison Park this afternoon. This was only Gillick’s second game since his operation, but as he felt no ill effects after his game of a week ago, it was thought that he would be as well playing in the senior side rather than the reserve or an “A” team. The Everton goal had two near squeaks in less than five minutes, Armes missed the first one when he centred into goal where Sagar only half punched away the ball, but the danger was cleared with difficulty. Buckley caused some consternation when he ran through and dropped the ball on to the top side of the crossbar. Geldard showed his pace to Milburn and Mills, and although he seemed likely to lose the ball by allowing it to go dead he scooped it off the goal-line and sent it across the face of the goal to the other wing, where a Leeds defender took the ball.
Lawton’s Penalty Goal.
Gillick was right through the opposition although he was hampered by the attentions of Sproston, who ultimately took the legs from beneath Gillick just as he was about to shoot, and there could be no other decision but a penalty. Lawton took this and scored with a shot of the kind only a boarded up goalmouth would have stopped. Time 10 minutes. Gillick was hurt and limping away to his wing, and must have been happy in the knowledge that he had received some recompense for his pain. Leeds replied with determination, and Ainley made a header that looked certain to find the back of the Everton goal for Sagar was away from home. He could have done nothing for the ball passed over his head, and it was left to Gee to save the day. Gee had falling back, and kicked the ball off the goal-line. A neat bit of play by Stevenson, Geldard and Lawton ended when the little Irishman tried, a left foot shot which missed its mark by many yards, and Lawton by his propensity to follow up anything given a half chance, gained a corner off Sproston, who was not having a happy match by any means. Mercer showed good control of the ball in a short sharp dribble and also acquitted his supporters by making a back pass to Sagar which resembled a shot more than anything else. The nicest spell of combination thus far goes to the credit of the United, and it was accomplished with such speed and accuracy that the Everton defence could do no more than act the role of onlookers. It deserved a better fate than it got which was a shot by Armes, from which Jones kicked clear. Things were not running too smoothly for Stevenson who for one brief period could not do a thing right. The Leeds forward line was full of leeks and when Thompson and Buckley changed places they got the Everton defence right out of position and there made a possibility of a goal here had not the former shot wide.
Another Penalty Appeal.
Just on the interval Geldard tried his way down and offered a nice header to Lawton, who seemed to be pushed to the back as he rose to head the ball. There was an immediate appeal for a penalty put it went unheard.
Half-Time Everton 1, Leeds United 0
Leeds opened out in the second half in splendid style, and were almost through in the first minute, while Stevenson later held on to the ball too long to be of any use. Sagar run out to collect the ball midway between the upright and the corner flag, but was surprised by the appearance of Buckley, who had sneaked up and took procession, and had there been anybody close at hand in the Everton goal United would have got the equaliser.
Armes Equalises.
Their desire however was not long in coming, for at 52 minutes Armes, the former Chester player, lobbed the ball into the Everton goalmouth and, to the surprise of all it sped over Sagar’s hands and dropped into the back of the net. From that moment the game developed fiery lines. Leeds were bent on holding Everton to a draw and some of the tactics employed were anything but savoury. Lawton seemed to be charged in the back in the penalty area, but that was passed over as was a handling case by Holley. United have also been noted for their robust play but there were times in that half when their tactics could be called and nothing more or less than dangerous. Milburn was so determined that Everton balanced should be checked, and the play could be called toway. Everton were fighting both tooth and nail for a leading goal, but it was one dashing raid by the United which nearer produced it, and it was only the superlative save by Sagar that kept the scores level. Kelly drove the ball direct at Sagar from short range. Near the end United almost snapped a victory. Buckley made a sweeping drive which seemed too have the beating of Sagar, but with a perfectly timed dive the Everton goalkeeper turned the ball aside –a truly great save. Final Result Everton 1, Leeds United 1.
STUB MARKS
October 16, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly
• Sorry to learn that Everton’s former popular centre forward Bobby Parker is a very sick man these days, wheeled about in an invalid chair, and with financial circumstances none too bright. Here we have another cruel instance of the world-war victim –a badly winged centre-forward alas. Parker in his hay day was an attractive leader to watch, and could hit a ball with the best of them.
EVERTON 1 LEEDS UNITED 1 (Game 1615 over-all)-(Div 1 1573)
October 18, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Drop Point
Leeds Miss Chances
Sagar’s Vital Saves.
By Stork.
Everton had all their work cut out to hold Leeds United to a share of the points at Goodison Park in fact they were a share fortunate to split two goals, for in the late minutes of the game when Everton were attacking strongly the United forwards broke loose, and Kelly, from four yards out, slammed the ball straight at Sagar, who should never have had a chance to get in touch with the ball, let alone turn it out. Then there was a grand drive by Buckley in the last minute which Sagar pushed away when all seemed lost. If Sagar had been beaten by that drive no one could have complained, for the ball was travelling away from him at a tremendous pace. Leeds United are a greatly improved side this season. Thought some of their football in the first half was of high class and after Lawton had scored from his penalty shot the Everton defence had to work hard to prevent the Leeds forwards from breaking through, Buckley put the ball on to the top side of the crossbar, and Ainsley had headed towards an empty goal –Sagar had come out in a attempt to cut out Armes’s centre –and had not Gee fallen back the equaliser would have arisen.
Leed’s Pace.
The United’s pace was a bother to Everton. The ball was swung about and had there been a quick shooter in the forward line goals must have accrued. Leeds gave me the impression that a goal would have set them on the winning road, but strangely enough when Armes scored in the second half with a lob from far out, they resorted to defence and handed over the dictatorship to Everton, Sagar in my opinion, should have saved that shot, for the ball went over his hands before it dropped into the net. The second half was all Everton, but the Leeds defence stood defiant, Holley, Milburn and Sproston being a dour trio. They went for the ball and got it, sometimes by undue measures, and Lawton had not been pushed in the back in the penalty area for the second time there was every indication that the United’s goal would fall. The play was too robust, foul followed on foul so that the game lost some of its interest. A word of warning here and there might have saved the game from becoming a tousy affair. It was a mistaken policy on the part of the United, for they had shown that they could play really clever football while they were on the attack.
Lively Lawton.
Gillick’s return was closely watched, but he got a knock on his injured leg in the first few minutes when he looked a scorer until Sproston brought him down to give away a penalty. Lawton’s spot kick was a scorcher, I liked Lawton’s play for he worried the United defence all the knocks –and there were many –without a word. Gillick naturally was a little “nervy,” and Geldard was the best of the forwards for his speed was often too much for Mills and Makinson. Gee and Mercer were grand defenders, with Britton providing the forward passes, Jones continued his good form at left full back with Cook strong in tackle and kicking a great length. Leeds will no forget Kelly’s 4 yards miss, and had Hodgson been in the centre he would most likely have taken a goal or two, for Buckley and Armes put cross some fine centres. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Stevenson, Lawton, Dougal, Gillick. Leeds United; Savage; Sproston, Milburn; Makinson, Holley, Brown; Armes, Ainsley, Kelly, Thomson, Buckley.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION RESEVRES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
October 18, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post.
Central League (Game 12)
At West Bromwich. Dean was well checked by Newman, put Cunliffe and Bell were menacing and kept the home defence at full stretch. Albion were very poor in attack, and Morton was rarely troubled. Jones had a big advantage over Richardson, the Albion leader, with the ball so much in the air Cunliffe, Dean, and Bell scored for Everton and Richardson for Albion. Everton Reserves: - Morton, goal; Jackson and Felton, backs; Bentham, Jones (TG) and Davies, half-backs; Arthur, Cunliffe, Dean, Bell, and Trentham, forwards.
Everton “A” 2 Skelmersdale United 1
Liverpool County Combination.
At Sandforth-road. Everton’s victory was fully deserved. Hullett’s two goals were scored five minutes from the start and five minutes from the end. Clarke netting for the visitors near the interval. The game was fought at a fast pace, both defences playing soundly, Lambert and Abram being prominent. N. Ashurst, hit the home side’s crossbar after Everton had taken the lead. Edward’s, Hurel, and Laidman were outstanding for Everton. Holt (whose goalkeeping was a feature), R White , Clarke and Brenner were splendid workers for Skelmersdale.
“ALL-UP” ATTACK, EVERTON !
October 18, 1937. The Evening Express.
Policy That will Bring More Success.
By Watcher.
“All-Up” attack must be Everton’s policy if they are to climb in the League chart. This was made evident against Leeds United, with whom they drew 1-1 at Goodison Park on Saturday. It was only on rare occasions that we saw all the Blues’ forwards up during goal raids. Mostly, Dougal was firmly entrenched among the halves, while Gee was filling a third-back role. Thus the home attack suffered in consequence and did not show up as well as that fielded by the Elland-road club. It was one of the fastest games I have seen this season. Leeds had most of the speed and until mid-way through the second half they also looked more dangerous. Their direct methods and constant employment of the wingers, who never failed to swing the ball across, placed Everton’s goal in jeopardy time and again.
Blues’ Good Defence.
The Blues must thank their defence for the half-share of points. Sagar, I thought, made one error and it cost his side a goal –he misjudged a lob from Armes early in the second half –but against that error must be credited, the great saves he made when all seemed lost. Cook and Jones were hard workers. The halves had a busy day against a set of forwards who knew the wisdom of short cuts to goal. Geldard was the highlight of the home attack. He turned in centre after centre, although on one or two occasions he put a little too much height on the ball.
SAGAR SAVES EVERTON
October 18, 1937, The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
By Stork
It is not a happy thought to think that a team should have won its match on the strength of three penalty kicks. But that is just what Everton should have done against Leeds United for they should have had three spot kicks instead of the one they obtained and from which they scored their goal. Leeds United have always been noted for their robust football, but this was more than robust football, and a strong referee would have had more to say about it than Mr. F. Thompson, of Leamington. Had I been in charge I could have booked a number of players, for their tactics warranted it. The real roughness came into the game after the United have scored an equalising goal, which broadcast the news that they were intent to maintain their equality at all cost. I wish I had kept a tag on the number of fouls granted in the game –it would have made an interesting study. When Everton were on the trial of a leading goal some of the Leeds players forgot everything but the fact that they must hold Everton in check and some very unsavoury things took place. The one penalty Everton got came in the first ten minutes. The other two were against Lawton when he seemed likely to break down the United defence. It was not nice, and spoiled what could otherwise have been a reasonably good game.
Leeds Improved.
Leeds have improved in their football skill since last season, but if they are going to ruin it by over vigorousness what will it benefit them? Up to the interval there were snatches of high class football, “footer” made up of smart combination and earnest endeavour and Everton found the United quite as good, if not beater, in the art of framing an attack and carrying it trough almost to a final conclusion. Sagar had to rusks several outstanding saves, in fact, he saved Everton from defeat by a smashing save in the last minute. If Buckley’s drive had beaten him, who could have blamed him? Not a single person.
Sounded Defence.
Everton’s forward trouble still remains Lawton did well against a relentless centre half-back, and Geldard came in patches, but he was not supposed as he should have been for Stevenson had a poor day. Nothing he did would got right, and Dougal, while being clever in his ball manipulation, was not a danger to goalkeeper Savage. Gillick received a knock on his injured leg in the first ten minutes, and was naturally nervous afterwards. He was again bundled on to the running track in what I considered a heartless way. Leeds are no respecters of persons, as can be gauged from the fact that Milburn once bundled over his own goalkeeper. The Everton defence was often hard passed, but Gee-Jones –he is playing grand defensive football –Cook, and Britton –not so constructive as usual –and Mercer was stout defenders, but not until Everton produce greater thrust in the front line will they trouble opposition defenders as they should be troubled. Savage had very little to do, less than half what Sagar had to do.
• Coulter scored the winning goal for Grimsby at Huddersfield.
EVERTON PLAYER FOR PLYMOUTH
October 19, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Plymouth Argyle yesterday secured the transfer from Everton of W. Hullett, the 21-years-old centre forward. Last season Hullett was loaned to New Brighton for whom he scored eight goals in 13 matches. Hullett was discovered when Everton had amateur trials at Goodison Park. He was born in the Everton district and developed his football from the time he played as a member of the Liverpool schoolboys team and Emmanuel Church side. He proved very successful with Everton “A” and Central League side, and once scored 5 goals in a match against Liverpool University. Standing ft 11 inches Hullett weighs 11 stone. He did remarkably well for New Brighton last season.
• Stevenson and Cook, of Everton are included in the Irish team to oppose England at Belfast on Saturday.
AN EVERTON DEPARTURE
October 19, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton have transferred W. Hullett a 21-year-old reserve centre forward to Plymouth Argyle where he will join Vin Wright, ex-Liverpool, who went to the southern club during the close season. Hullett is a product of the amateur trials at Goodison. A former Liverpool school boy player, and a native of the city last season he was on loan to New Brighton for whom he played some excellent games.
R. Wilkinson the goalkeeper who was on holiday here some time ago and walked into the Everton office and asked for a trial, has now been signed on professional forms. Wilkinson who hails from South Wales has made one appearance in the Everton “A2 team and one in the Central League side, and on each occasion greatly impressed by his display.
EVERTON’S GRIMSBY RECORD
October 20, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton visit one of their favourite venues on Saturday when they meet Grimsby Town for only once in the league career has the Goodison Park side suffered defeat at Blundell Park. That was last season, when a single goal sufficed to give the Fishermen maximum points for the first time. Before that defeat Everton had gained 5 points out of a possible 6 by victories of 2-1, and 1-0, with a goalless draw in between. O far this season Grimsby have won only one home match against Middlesbrough by 2-1, while they have drawn with Charlton Athletic (1-1), Leeds United (1-1), and lost to Bolton Wanderers (1-0), and West Bromwich Albion (4-1)
A New Professional
Ronald Wilkinson a goalkeeper who has just turned seventeen, has been signed as a professional by Everton. He hails from Cwm, near Ebby Vale, and while on holiday asked Everton for a trial. He has made one appearance in the “A” team and one in the Central League side and played well. He stands 6 feet and weighs 12st 4lbs.
EVERTON THEN AND NOW
October 21, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
I hate to introduce anything depressing into the cheerful atmosphere of glorious anticipation, but in order to answer’s a reader query I have just spent a cheeries five minutes comparing the records of Everton this season with the same stage a year ago. You will find the result in the table below. I makes anything but nice reading. Everton have dropped from fifth to seventeen place, have obtained four points fewer from their first eleven games –a decline due entirely to their poor home record –have gone by eight goals on the credit side, but as we have to be thankful for small mercies these days, it is slightly encouraging to see there has also a drop of four in the “goals-against” column. This time last year they had forfeited only one point out of twelve at Goodison; so far their record is an average of one point per home game. In past years Everton’s wretched away form has been an incubus. Out of 105 away games in five seasons they were victorious in eleven. Up to now they have won two, which is as good as any of the last three years. If they could only produce something like the home form of recent seasons they would soon begin to climb. The ability is there, but the most is not being got from it. The inside forwards –not including Lawton –are playing too much into the hands of opposing defences, while at outside right I would like to see Geldard cut in and try a shot of his own rather than work the ball to the corner flag so often. While he is doing this, the defence has time to gather itself and pack the goalmouth, and with Dougal and Stevenson lying well back it means that the centre forward is ploughing a lone furrow against heavy odds.
Goals From The Wings
In these days when the direct route up the middle is blocked by the third-back half, it is the team with scoring wingmen who are making the best show, generally speaking. Arsenal, Preston North End, and Chelsea have each scored 8 goals from the extreme wings, and West Bromwich 7, compared with Everton’s 3 -2 Trentham and 1 to Cunliffe. Lawton got few real chances against Leeds, and was sadly buffeted by a defence that never stood on ceremony. Dean’s extra stone or so in weight would have made a big difference against a centre half and backs that were unnecessarily robust at times, allied to which, in view of the fact that the ball was so often in the air, there would have been his unrivalled heading ability. So long as Lawton is there Everton should keep the ball down as much as possible.
1936-37 Play 11 Won 5 Lost 0 Draw 1 Won 1 Lost 4 Draw 0 For 23 Against 21 Points 13
1937-38 Play 11 Won 2 Lost 2 Draw 1 Won 2 Lost 4 Draw 0 For 15 Against 17 Points 9
RETURN OF DEAN
October 22, 1937, The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton’s Side To Meet Grimsby
By John Peel.
After an absence of several weeks Dean, the Everton captain, resumes his place in the senior side against Grimsby Town at Grimsby tomorrow. A Reshuffle of the attack is necessary owing to the fact that Geldard and Stevenson are engaged in the Inter-national match at Belfast, while Cook is also called on. Jackson comes in to partner Jones in the defence and Gillick crosses over from outside left to outside right to enable Trentham to take up the left wing berth. Lawton moves to inside right, and the team is: Sagar; Jackson, Jones (je); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Lawton, Dean, Dougal, Trentham. Everton Reserves meet Birmingham Reserves at Goodison Park and the team will be; Morton; G.E Saunders, Felton; Bentham, Jones (TG), Watson; Arthur, Cunliffe, Dickinson, Bell, Davies.
EVERTON WILL HAVE A BIG TEST
October 22, 1937. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot
Everton tomorrow visit their lucky ground –Blundell Park, Cleethorpe –to tackle, the improving Grimsby Town, who are out to record their third successive victory. The Blues, bring back their skipper, Billy Dean as leader in a much-changed side owing to international calls. Obviously the directors are convinced that one roving forward is sufficient and this role will be filled by the astute Dougal. If he can cut out openings such as Dean, Lawton, Gillick and Trentham require, then the Blues might again bring home points from Grimsby. Only once have I ever seen Everton defeated at Grimsby. That was last season when they lost by a goal. Tomorrow’s game will be a test between respective half-back lines, and from a constructive standpoint I favour the Everton line. Yet there is bite about the Grimsby intermediates and it will take craft as well as speed to outwit them. The presence of Dean should help Everton to become a more effective force, for he will claim so much attention that Lawton, in particular, may find the goal ways, which have eluded him while he has been leading the attack. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Lawton, Dean, Dougal, Trentham. Grimsby; Tweedy; Vincent, Hodgson; Hall, Betmead, Buck; Lewis, Hinchliffe, Tomlinson, Craven, Coulter.
• Central League Match at Goodison Park, Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton Reserves v. Birmingham Reserves, Kick-off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d, Stands extra, including tax.
EVERTON AT GRIMSBY
October 22, 1937, The Liverpool echo
Ranger’s Notes.
International calls necessitate changes in the Everton side at Grimsby, and Billy Dean makes a notable return as leader of the attack, which should benefit by his “heady” support. His returns will satisfy popular demand, for there are those who maintain the Everton’s fortune are wrapped up in the one, and only “Dixie” and that he is still as indispensable to the Blues as ever he was. Boy Lawton moves to inside right to place of Stevenson and will be thankful for Dean’s weighty resistance in the buffeting that he has had to stand alone of recent weeks. Gillick swings over to the other wing making place for Trentham and Jackson comes in for Cook. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones (Je); Britton, Mercer, Gee; Gillick, Lawton, Dean, Dougal, Trentham. Grimsby are an improving side. They lost Glover, who was something in the nature of a shoot anchor, early in the season, but they found schoolmaster Tomlinson a man of bulk and a bulwark for any stopper third-back. So as they are playing now, it is not unreachable to anticipate Everton having difficulty in making headway. The absence of Cook, Stevenson, and Geldard, at Belfast will not make the club’s prospect any the brighter though there are many instances of where sides that have allowed players to do international duty have reaped their loyal reward by getting a win or a draw. This may be another.
EVERTON TACKLE GRIMSBY TOWN
October 23, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton minus three of their regular members owing to the international match visit Grimsby Town, who will have Coulter in opposition to his old colleagues. Dean returns to the attack after several weeks in the Central League side and his influence will I am sure help to compensate for the loss of Geldard in the attack. Grimsby Town on their own ground are always a proposition and a good sporting game is likely to result. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones (je); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Lawton, Dean, Dougal, Trentham. Grimsby Town; Tweedy; Vincent, Hodgson; Hall, Betmead, Buck; Lewis, Hinchcliffe, Tominson, Craven, Coulter.
COULTER’S HIT AT OLD CLUB
October 23, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
Winger’s Winner For Grimsby
Blues mastered
By Stork.
Coulter Struck a blow at his old club when he scored the winning goal. He did more –he played brilliantly for Grimsby, who were by far the better side. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones (Je), backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Lawton, Dean (captain), Dougal, and Trentham, forwards. Grimsby Town: - Tweedy, goal; Vincent, and Hodgson, backs; Hall, Betmead, and Buck, half-backs, Lewis, Hinchcliffe, Tomlinson, Craven, and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. H.M. Mee, Mansfield. Great interest was centred in the first appearance of Jackie Coulter on his new home ground. A week ago he scored a brilliant winning goal for his new club. He travelled up with Everton. Everton were without Geldard. Stevenson and Cook, on international duty. Everton’s captain sent them a wire wishing them a good match. Mr. Pearce, the Grimsby chairman, took the Everton officials and party a tour of the docks prior to the match and showed us over the Girl Pat, which is on show. The sun was shining right into the Press box at the start of the match, which made it very difficult to see. Coulter soon got into the good graces of the home supporters when he tricked Jackson, and cleared, and Hinchcliffe made a low header which Sagar fielded on his knees. Just prior to that Gee caused a grasp when he passed back to his goalkeeper and the ball 2broke” but Sagar’s eye had never left the ball, so the position was not so bad at it looked. Britton called for the ball, got it, and then pushed it out to Gillick, and the winger should have made better use of his chance than he did. He did not trap the ball as ascended, and it ran too far forward.
Coulter Prominent.
Coulter was again prominent following a smart run by Lewis who was making his first appearance this season. Gee beat Coulter, but the Irishman came back to the attack and dispossessed Gee, with the result that Sagar had to make a double save after Jones had taken Coulter’s shot on the stomach. The sun was still a bother to the Pressmen but it could not prevent us seeing Trentham head narrowly over. But so far Grimsby had the better share of the play, and the crowd were harsh on the referee for allowing Everton what they considered too much latitude. Coulter set the attack going, and it looked none too rosy for the Everton defence until Hinchcliffe made an impossible back pass to Craven, which held up the whole system. Everton’s first attack came from Dean, and Lawton followed suit in an extra case, Tweedy making grand saves. It was just afterwards that Grimsby took the lead. A misheader by Britton sent the ball travelling squarely to Tominson, who pushed the ball to Craven. Craven swerved as he was going one way, whereas he went the other, dragging the ball from one foot to the other and shot beyond Sagar, who had expected the ball to come to his other hand. The goal came after 25 minutes, after Trentham had made a great effort after a fast sprint and Tweedy had to save. Coulter was in grand form, his centre being nothing short of brilliant. Everton could not get together, and when Dougal tackled Hinchcliffe from behind and received a warning from the referee the free kick almost produced a goal for Mercer kicked away from two yards out. Jackson had a poor time against Craven and Coulter, and Craven had not tried to walk the ball through another goal would have been put up against Everton. Hinchcliffe was spoken to for a foul on Mercer, but the free kick was soon cleared, just as every other Everton attack had been mastered. Just before the interval a touchline dribble by Craven opened up a way for a second Grimsby goal, but Hinchcliffe scooped the ball up and Sagar caught it under the bar.
Half-Time –Grimsby 1, Everton 0.
Simple Point.
Grimsby almost cored in the first 30 seconds of the second half and should have done so, for after Tomlinson had received a gift offering Hinchcliffe lifted the ball over the bar. Then came a simple goal for Everton. A ball was sent up the middle and Buck should have collected it, but failed to do so. Dean pounced on to the ball, drew Hodgson and then slipped the ball to Gillick who shot long the ground and into the net. The pace behind the shot was negligible, but it was well out of the reach of Tweedy. It was one of the most unexpected goals I have seen for a long time. The goal surprised Grimsby, and for a few minutes they surrounded the Everton goal without doing any material damage. Dean and Betmead came into a head-on collision and had to receive attention. Craven engineered many prise openings for the colleagues, who were slow to profit by them just as Trentham was when Dean headed the ball across to him. The irony of it! Coulter scored for Grimsby after 68 minutes –a typical Coulter goal gained by good positional play. Vincent had punted the ball into the goal and Trentham went up to head it, missed it completely, and Gee and Jackson, taken unaware left it to each other, which time Coulter nipped in and shot into the net. This sent Grimsby red-hot, and they set about Everton with grim determination, and the visitors defence was several tested. Everton’s defence had its most gruelling game and Gee and Jones stood out as defenders. Dean had a shot for the equaliser and was not far off the mark, but the Town had been Everton’s masters almost throughout. Final Grimsby Town 2, Everton 1.
STUD MARKS
October 23, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• For what is one Tom Lawton among so many –opponents? Has to stand enough punishment without inside partners also giving him a pain in the neck. Lawton’s two penalty goals have meant two points to the Blues. Shows willing too, when a team’s youngest member takes on this job.
• The Everton chairman was pretty severe in his club programme the other day upon a certain section of the Press who described amid yawns, that the recent international trial was a “flop” that they were bored stiff and that sort of thing.
• Tommy white scored two goals for Northampton Town against Guildford City.
• Derby County re-introduced their old goalkeeper, Kirby to the side last week. King, ex-Everton has not yet been tried in the Peak club senior team.
• Blackpool have won but one of their half-dozen home games –that narrow 1-0 success over Everton.
• Honours for Armes. His goal at Everton was his first “away” scoring success in the service of Leeds United.
GRIMSBY TOWN 2 EVERTON 1 (Game 1616-over-all)-(Div 1 1574)
October 25, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Bitter Pill For Everton
Coulter’s Decider At Grimsby
By Stork.
Everton had to swallow a bitter pill at Blundell Park on Saturday, where Grimsby Town won much more easily than the actual score 2-1, denotes, for it was their former winger, Coulter, the Irish International who scored the winning goal, a typical Coulter goal –similar to many of those he has scored at Goodison Park. Coulter was signed by Grimsby 10 days ago but he has already wormed his way into the hearts of the Grimsby supporters. With the memory of his winning goal at Huddersfield the previous week they were ready and willing to give him a big hand. Coulter gave them plenty to cheer about, for he was in grand form, beating Britton and Jackson time and again by alert and sharp footwork. He was more like the Coulter of a couple of seasons ago, and I wondered what the Everton directors thought about it all as they saw Coulter fitting about the field making openings, showing pace and clever dribbling which he had not produced at any time. Everton since his accident in the international match at Wrexham a couple of seasons ago. He was the Coulter we of Goodison Park knew; the Coulter who made himself the talk of the land, and if he goes on like this Grimsby Town will have no regrets.
Defence Falters.
The Everton defence faltered for one single moment. It was enough for Coulter, who had the ball in the net in the twinkling of an eye. But Grimsby should have won by a much greater margin, for they were many goals the superior of their adversaries, who played one of their poorest games. Blundell Park is one of their lucky grounds, and it lived up to its name, for although beaten, Everton had all the luck of the game, and were fortunate to come away with but a single goal margin in the score. From start to finish the Town were the better side, and it is my firm belief that they should have had a penalty in the first few minutes, but leaving that out of it, Everton never really promised to break through the sturdy Grimsby defence, for their forwards were never strong enough to outwit Betmead, Hodgson and Vincent. That they did was through a Gillick goal, when Buck failed to intercept a Dougal pass to Dean, who tricked Hodgson and turned the ball over to Gillick, who shot across the goalmouth and into the far side of the net. It was a shock to Grimsby, who had been hammering the Everton defence incessantly for a long spell. Here were Grimsby, after having 90 per cent, of the game, yet were still on level terms. Craven having scored in 25 minutes. They could blame, only themselves, for there were chances enough to have made a victory sure in the first half had Craven, Tomlinson, and Hinchcliffe accepted the offerings of their wingmen. They wanted to walk the ball throngs. Then came Coulter’s goal and the issue was sealed, for Everton never suggested that they would wipe out the deficit.
Everton’s Attack Held.
Grimsby’s half-backs line had too firm a hand on the Everton attack to allow it to become really dangerous but I noted Dean making three fine shots band a header. Lawton working like a horse and sending in a hard drive now and again to keep the Everton interest warm, but Gillick apart from his goal did little. I doubt, if he is yet fit enough, Trentham tried hard and did one or two nice things and his time will come, but against a Vincent and a Hall he had little chance. Everton’s weakness was forward. Three forwards cannot hope to beat a defence as it is made up these days. Jackson has a poor day. Britton was not his real self, and it was left to Jones, Gee, Mercer, and Sagar, to keep down Grimsby’s score. Sagar made some brilliant saves; Jones was the head of the line of defenders, with Gee second and Mercer third. Tomlinson is not a Glover. . Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones (Je), backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Lawton, Dean (captain), Dougal, and Trentham, forwards. Grimsby Town: - Tweedy, goal; Vincent, and Hodgson, backs; Hall, Betmead, and Buck, half-backs, Lewis, Hinchcliffe, Tomlinson, Craven, and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. H.M. Mee, Mansfield.
EVERTON RESERVES 4 BIRMINGHAM RESERVES 1
October 25, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 13)
The excellent goalkeeping by Cleck prevented the margin at Goodison Park being more pronounced. Cunliffe, who played a strong game throughout opened the score for Everton at the fifth minute and added a second 10 minutes alter. Immediately after the resumption, Watson, who had gone into the outside left position owing to an injured hand, added a third. Smith replied for Birmingham and 10 minute from the end Dickinson scored a fourth for Everton. Cunliffe was the best Everton forward on view, and with Bell and Dickinson playing well, the inside forwards were always dangerous Jones (TG) defended strongly as also did G.E. Saunders, the young amateur full back, who made a good impression. Everton Reserves: - Morton, goal; Saunders and Felton, backs; Bentham, Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Arthur, Cunliffe, Dickinson, Bell and Davies (JW), forwards.
Wargrave 3 Everton “A” 7
Liverpool County Combination.
At Earlestown. Catterick gave Everton the lead after 10 minutes but Wargraves rallied and got on level terms through R. Mainwaring. The visitors showed the better combination, but Wargrave never gave up trying. Webster and Catterick scored goals for the visitors in the first half and Mainwaring reduced the arrears. In the second half Everton went further ahead through Catterick. Wargraves counter-attacked, and W. Pendlebury scored their third goal. Later Hurel (2), and Laidman scored for Everton.
EASY WIN FOR ENGLAD
October 25, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Notes Only.
England gained an unexpectedly easy victory over Ireland at Belfast by five goals to one, with 41 spectators watching. Hall was up against the best of Ireland’s defenders in Cook, who played soundly if in rather restrain vein, due probably to the fact that he was in inclined to tackle with his usual full-blooded vigour. Stevenson was but a shadow of his former self. Geldard was not quite as outstanding as he has been playing latterly.
COULTER’S DAY
October 25, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
By Stork.
Jackie Coulter the former Everton winger, now with Grimsby Town, would have done Ireland a power of good if he had produced his Blundell Park act at Belfast, for he was in great form against his old comrades, and scored the winning goal, just as he did the week previously against Huddersfield Town. Ireland asked for Coulter, but the Town, the best sportsman in the world, in view of their parlous position and the fact that this was Coulter’s first home appearance and that against his former colleagues had to reluctantly refused his release. If it had been fit all possible, Coulter would have been with the Irish party, for the Grimsby directors, in altered circumstances would have released him; they have always done so.
Typical Of The Man.
We of Liverpool have not seen Coulter play so well for nearly two years, and we began to wonder if football had not played another scurvy trick on us, for Coulter was the best wingman on the field, producing some of his old tricks scoring a goal just typical of the man –we have seen many such goals at Goodison –and displaying a confidence which has been sadly lacking in his recent games for Everton. Grimsby are delighted with his signing. They will be more than that should Coulter get right back to his best form which made him the talk of the football world. One spectator standing just in front of the Press box said How could you let a player like that go? He is too good for Grimsby. I would not say that, but he was too good for Everton on Saturday, and Dean was the first man to congratulate him on his fine exhibition of football. It was a nasty blow to the few Liverpool people who saw Everton well and truly beaten by a team who held the master cards throughout the game. Had their goal margin been doubled they would not have been flattered for they were a much superior force than Everton.
Old, Old Story.
It was the old, old story of “ no forwards” and the defence carrying off the honours of the day, but even they were let down lightly by the Town forwards, who were finicky in front of goal when a quick shot would have penetrated the Everton defensive barrier. No, they must try to walk the ball through which was crass folly as defences are built up nowadays. Even the dour play of Jones, Gee and Mercer, and some excellent goalkeeping by Sagar should not have stopped Grimsby’s progress, for the chances were there, Tomlinson, Craven, and Hinchcliffe missing in turn. Everton’s league position is wretched, and there seems no hope of improvement while the forwards are so feeble. Geldard was missed, for Gillick, apart from scoring his goal –a gift from Dean –did little. I don’t think the Scot has fully recovered from his operation. Dean did as well as he was allowed – his three shots were good ones –and Lawton worked himself to a standstill without any reward. Trentham’s day will come, but it is not yet. He did one or two things in a nice way, but was usually held down by Hall and Vincent. He once showed his paces and went close with a header. Dougal’s ball control was entertaining, but where was he when a shot was needed? –too far back. In fact, where was the shooting at all? Tweedy had an easy day.
EVERTON NEGOTIATIONS FOR AN OUTSIDE LEFT
October 25, 1937. The Evening Express.
New Player To Be Signed This Week?
By The Pilot.
Everton have been negotiating for some time for an outside-left, and it is possible a signing will be made within a few days. After the poor display of the wingers at Grimsby Town on Saturday, when the Blues lost 2-1, the capture may be made before the match against Preston North End on Saturday. Neither Gillick nor Trentham consultation any danger to Grimsby. The only time Gillick really got possession was when he scored. Obviously he is not sufficiently confident for the first team duty yet, and young Trentham backs experience. The Blues tried hard for an outside left last week, and they will now take up the quest with renewed vigour. Saturday’s display was the worst I have seen from an Everton side this season. There was little method and no craft, and had it not been for then sterling play of Jones, gee, and Sagar, the Town would have riddled the net. Jones was again magnificent, and Gee, covering a tremendous lot of ground, and well against three clever inside men. Sagar made some excellent saves, but Jackson was never happy against Coulter. Britton and Mercer were out of touch, an Lawton was the one zealous forward, although Dean had few chances, against the all-powerful Betmead. He and Lawton shot well and Dean “made” the goal. It was ironic that Jackie Coulter should score the winning goal –Craven scored early on –and the Grimsby people are delighted with their capture. It was a scrappy game, in which the Grimsby half-back line was the dominant force.
SURPRISE EVERTON TEAM CHANGES
October 27, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Dean, Stevenson, and Dougal In Reserve Side.
By John Peel.
The Everton directors at their meeting last night made surprise changes in the team to meet Preston North End at Goodison Park on Saturday. Dean, Stevenson, and Dougal are to play in the reserve side. There is a complete change of the forwards from the line that played against Grimsby Town last week. Two are positional changes, Lawton taking over the leadership again from Dean and Gillick returning to the left wing to the exclusion of Trentham, in order to allow Geldard to resume the right wing position after international duties. Cunliffe and Bell have been chosen to play at inside right and inside left respectively, to the exclusion of Stevenson 9who played for Ireland against England on Saturday and Dougal. Cook resumes at right back in place of Jackson. This will be Cunliffe sixth game in the League side this term while Bell will be making his first appearance of the season. Bell has scored 12 goals in 11 games in the reserve, and Cunliffe 5 in 7 matches. The team is; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Gillick. The Reserves side leaders in the Central league being top with 20 points from 13 matches go to Newcastle, and Dean, Stevenson, and Dougal all figure in the forward line. It is one of the strongest reserve teams Everton have turned out for some time. The team will be; Morton; Jackson, Thomson; Bentham, Jones (TG), Watson; Arthur, Stevenson, Dean, Dougal, Davies.
EVERTON CHANGES
October 27, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Ranger’s Notes
By Stork
Everton’s forward strength was of such poor quality at Grimsby that I am not surprised to find a number of chances in the attack for their match with Preston North End at Goodison Park on Saturday. Naturally Geldard returns to outside right fresh from a success in the international at Belfast, and Bell, who has been knocking at the door of the first team by his consistently good play in the reserve team l, which is at the head of the Central League, comes in for Dougal. Bell could not be passed over much longer, and now that he has his chance he will be all out to retain his place in the senior side. Bell has been scoring goals with great regularity in the second team, and as a goal-scorer is what has been required in the League team his inclusion in the forward line against the North End should bring greater punch into an attack which has been shot-shy in recent times. Lawton goes back to centre forward his best position, and Cunliffe returns to the exclusion of Stevenson, who has not struck his best form so far this season. Gillick crosses over to outside left, so that the forward line reads: - Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Gillick, Cook, returns to his position at right back in place of Jackson. The half-back line stands intact. Full team; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer, Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Gillick. The reserve team to visit Newcastle in a Central League fixture is; Morton; Jackson, Thomson; Bentham, Jones, Watson; Arthur, Stevenson, Dean, Dougal and Davies.
EVERTON SIGNING IMMINENT.
October 27, 1937. The Evening Express.
Blues Make –Six Changes
It May Mean Yet Another Change
By The Pilot
Everton –Six changes, including an entire re-shuffle of the forward line; Everton will be at home to Preston North End. The Blues play Stevenson, Dean, and Dougal in the reserve team. Last Saturday Stevenson was playing for Ireland against England. There may be a further change in the Everton side to oppose Preston. Everton, as announced in The Evening Express, are still striving to secure the signature of a first-class outside-left. Whether the negotiations proceeding at the moment are carried through to a successful conclusion remains to be seen, but Everton are “hot on the trial.” The forward changes are made with the object of bringing more “fire” into the attack. The directors are hoping to have an all-up line instead of persisting in the exaggerated “W” formation. This is a move to get goals, and in view of the indifferent forward work at Grimsby I am not surprised at the changes. “Bunny “ Bell, the former Tranmere Rovers’ centre forward, makes his senior debut this season. He figures at inside left –a position he has been occupying with success in the Central League side. He takes the place of Dougal, and Gillick is brought over from outside right to outside left in place of Trentham. This enables Geldard to come back on the right following international duty, and his partner will be Cunliffe, who has been scoring freely with the reserves. Lawton, consequently, goes from inside right to centre forward. The other change is the return of Cook, from the interntional, to right back in place of Jackson. Everton have now gone three matches without a victory and with only one point, but this new-style team has distinct possibilities. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Gillick.
Preston’s Alterations.
Preston North End have made three changes. R. Batey displaces Tremelling, the centre-half, and the other two changes are occasion by the absence of Frank O’Donnell, who will be playing for Scotland. Maxwell moves to the leadership of the attack and his place at outside left is filled by the reintroduction of Hugh O’Donnell. Preston; Burns; Gallimore, Beattie (A); Shankley, Batey (R), Milne; Dougal, Mutch, Maxwell, Beattie (R), O’Donnell (H).
Everton Reserves go to Newcastle United with a team having the appearance of a first eleven. Three internationals are included. Everton Reserves; Morton; Jackson, Thomson; Bentham, Jones (TG), Watson; Arthur, Stevenson, Dean, Dougal, Davies.
EVERTON TRANSFER FORWARD
October 28, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton yesterday transferred Dickinson, their reserve centre forward to Northampton Town. Dickinson joined Everton three years ago and made only one first team appearance for them against Portsmouth in 1935. He thus joins Mr. W. Cresswell, the former Everton full back, who is now manager of Northampton. Dickinson is 22 years of age, stands 5ft 10ins, and weighs 11st 7lbs. He is a native of Saltney, near Chester.
PRESTON NORTH END AT GOODISON PARK
October 29, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
One of the strongest all-round sides in the First Division. Preston North End provide the opposition to Everton at Goodison Park tomorrow. Everton will have to be at their best, for North End are in rare fettle this season, and to date have obtained 14 points, of which 4 have been won in away matches by a victory at Bolton (4-1), and drawn games with West Bromwich Albion (1-1) and Leeds United (0-0). This will be the tenth League meeting between the clubs since the war, and from the previous games Preston have take away 6 points. The results of these post-war games (Everton score’s first) were; 0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 1-1, 0-0, 2-1, 4-1, 5-0 and 2-2. The two away matches that Preston have lost to date were to Brentford and Middlesbrough, both by a score of 2-1.
EVERTON NEED PUNCH
October 29, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
By Stork.
In the hope of bringing in more punch into the attack Everton have made a number of forward changes. They had to come, for there has been a lack of penetrative power among the forwards for some weeks and the defence has had to stand the brunt of the burden. They have done their work heartily and well, but there comes a time when even the most powerful defence must have a respite and it is up to the forward line to lend a hand. It is an old saying and it is still true, that the best defence is attack. Sunderland have proved it so for some seasons. I am not greatly concerned about Everton’s defence. It has stood the test of time for some weeks and has kept the tally of goals against down to reasonable dimension, but what about the forwards I have repeatedly called for a five-point attack. No perhaps not five, but at least four, for three forwards such as Everton have been throwing against defences have not had a chance.
Looking To The Future.
However, that is past history. It is to the future Everton must look. Their position is giving great concern. Fifth from bottom is terrible for a team of their standing. The search for new players is intense; they were in Ireland during the week. The shouts are never idle for one moment, but the old story. “We cannot get the men we want,” is not idle statement. Everton’s rearranged forward-line has more height and weigh about it and if only they will see the need of a shot as against finesse, Preston North End can be beaten. He has played himself into the first team by his consistently good form in the Central League side, where he has been scoring goals with great regularity. Geldard of course, comes back at outside right, so that Gillick goes over to the left. Cunliffe and Bell should see that Lawton gets the ball on the turf. The right ball to Lawton will help Everton considerably, for his shooting is so strong that a ball “ on the floor” is of such greater value than a dozen in the air. Preston will give Everton a good game for they play football of a similar type to Everton and whether Everton win or not will depend upon the ability of the Goodison Parkers shooting. Frills look nice, but don’t often get you anywhere. “Hit ‘em hard; hit em often,” should be Everton’s slogan near goal. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Gillick. Preston; Burns; Gallimore, Beattie (A); Shankley, Batey (R), Milne; Dougal, Mutch, Maxwell, Beattie (R), O’Donnell (H).
EVERTON HOPE IN NEW-STYLE ATTACK
October 29, 1937. The Evening Express.
Bid For More Thrust
Lancs. “Derby” At Goodison
By The Pilot.
Everton’s new-style attack will be seen in action tomorrow, when Preston North End provide the opposition at Goodison Park in a Lancashire “Derby,” game. In recent games the Blues have been persisting in a rather exaggerated “W” formation, and this has meant the minimum of thrust and the maximum of manoeuvre. Now the line has been altered –every position is affected –with the purpose in view of bringing more shot and power into operation. With Cunliffe, Lawton and Bell occupying the inside-forward positions, the Blues have men possessing a shot in either foot, and I expect more effectiveness. Preston will be without their leading marksman, Frank O’Donnell, but they have a brilliant defence of the “stopper” type. Their defence is not one easily upset by intricate development, but if the Blues will keep the game open the Deepdale men can be put “on the run.” Everton have not won a home match since beating Brentford on September 11, but if the forwards can seize their opportunities tomorrow, I think they can break that spell. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Gillick. Preston; Burns; Gallimore, Beattie (A); Shankley, Batey (R), Milne; Dougal, Mutch, Maxwell, Beattie (R), O’Donnell (H).
PRESTON NORTH END’S VISIT
October 30, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
The Merseyside clubs are hoping for a turn of fortune’s wheel in their favour, for neither Everton nor Liverpool has attained a measure of success in keeping with the traditions of the clubs. Everton today tackle old rivals in Preston North End’s at Goodison Park. Preston are a side capable of rising to great heights, and though they will lack great heights, and though they will lack the leadership of F. O’Donnell, Maxwell is a capable substitute. Maxwell proved his worth against Liverpool earlier in the season, and no doubt Gee will require to watch him closely today. The kick-off is at 3 o’clock. Everton are playing Cunliffe and Bell in the forward line in place of Stevenson and Dougal. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Gillick. Preston; Burns; Gallimore, Beattie (A); Shankley, Batey (R), Milne; Dougal, Mutch, Maxwell, Beattie (R), O’Donnell (H).
RUSH OF GOALS AT GOODISON
October 30, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
Preston Get Five Out Of Eight
Cut and Thrust Game
By Stork.
A great game. Almost as good as a Cup-Tie played here some seasons ago. North End forwards carried the day. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton (captain), Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell and Gillick, forwards. Preston North End:- Burns, goal; Gallimore and Beattie (A), backs; Shankley, Batey (R), and Milne, half-backs; Dougal, Mutch, Maxwell, Beattie (R), and O’Donnell (H), forwards. Referee Mr. C Booth. Considering the wretched day, the attendance at Goodison Park was distinctly good. Preston themselves brought a big crowd, and the Everton followers were here to see Everton’s new form of attack, a more penetrative attack, it was hoped. Geldard made a quick run and centre and then Gee made one of the cutest passes I have seen for some time, and the simplicity got Everton out of a dangerous position. Geldard was again in the eye when he made a run forward –changed his mind, and elected to pass back to Britton and for a moment it seemed that Everton had lost a chance, but the outside right ran into portion to accept Britton’s return and headed the ball into the centre, and Cunliffe found the ball at his feet. He could not get a full-blooded drive at the ball before he was tackled but he sent it sufficiently far forward for Bell to run in and shoot beyond the advancing goalkeeper the ball striking Burns and then trickling over the goalline. This was at five minutes. At 10 minutes the North End had levelled matters with a penalty goal by Mutch. This goal could have been avoided, to my estimation, had Gee allowed the ball to go on to his goalkeeper, who was expecting it. The centre half, however, with the idea of not taking any risks, decided to make his own clearance, and being unable to do so let in the Preston forwards, and Bettie (R) was just about to shoot when he was brought down by Cook –in my opinion an undoubted penalty. Everton’s right wing was in grand form. So, in fact, were the Preston forwards when they got a chance, but I should say Geldard, Britton and Cunliffe were as good as anything we have seen here for some time, and it was due to their efforts that Everton recovered the lead at fifteen minutes. Lawton was the scorer, and he will no doubt offer his thanks to Burns for helping him in the goal’s making, for the Preston goalkeeper actually handled the ball before he allowed it to drop over his head and into the net. So we had three goals at fifteen minutes. Maxwell was a live wire for the North End, and on two occasions he as only held up in the last fraction of a second. Everton’s new attack had borne fruit.
Great Save by Jones.
Beattie beat Britton, and glided the ball to O’Donnell, who slipped the ball back to his partner, and with Sagar out of goal, it looked a million to one a Preston goal, but Jones came from the back the ball away as it went over the goalline.
Half-Time Everton 2, Preston North End 1
The tune of the first half were continued after the interval, and within 30 seconds Sagar had to make a save of a lifetime from a shot by Milne. Preston at this staged a comeback and at 54 minutes they got the equaliser from a goal from O’Donnell, I thought the score was onside Everton seemed to think otherwise, they almost stopped playing when O’Donnell cut in and shot into the far side of the goal. The pace was still a cracker, and the North End defence was how proving itself one of considerable power, but Everton took the lead again through Lawton, whose header just grazed the underneath edge of the bar before in finally lodged into the net, I faulted Burns for he should have saved. This was at the hour, and then came two quick goals for Preston, O’Donnell who had has a thin first half was now on of the high lights in the Preston attack, and it was through him that Dougal was able to head Preston’s third goal at 63 minute.
Beattie Gets The Fourth.
The people were certainly having there bob’s worth. More games like this will bring the attendances back to what the used to be. The North End were a determined body of men, and at 68 minutes Beattie scored a fourth goal, following good work by Maxwell and Mutch, the Everton defence being unable to cope with their rivals quick passing movements. At 80 minutes Preston sealed the issue when Mutch scored from the penalty spot, having been brought down by Jones, as he was racing into goal. Mutch almost scored again, and would have done so had not Sagar brought off a masterly save. Beattie (R) was fouled on the far side of the field just prior to the shot by Mutch and had to be attended to. It had been a feast of good football every one went away well satisfied. Final Everton 3, Preston North End 5.
October 1937