Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON MINUS LAWTON AND MERCER
October 1, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
Catterick Recalled From Stockport County and Hankin Gets a Another Chance.
Pilot’s Notes.
Everton will be without the services of Lawton and Mercer for the next few weeks as the Army duties take them out of reach. In Lawton’s place, Everton have recalled Catterick, who has been on loan to Stockport since the war started, and he will lead the Blues against Southport at Haig Avenue on Saturday. Britton takes a pace backwards, from the forward line to right half, in place of Mercer, which gives Norman Hankin, the “B” team amateur, another chance in the senior side. Hankin who is 19 years of age, made his first team debut a fortnight ago against Chester, and did quite well when he changed over from right half to outside right in the second portion. Cook has not been well since his mishap when playing for the Army at Nottingham, which necessitated five stitches in a nasty scalp wound, and he will not play again. Southport his place being filled once more by Jackson. Team; Sagar; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; Hankin, Bentham, Catterick, Stevenson, C.R. Lewis.
FOOTBALL IN SECOND HALF OF SEASON.
October 2, 1940. Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
No decision has yet been reached regarding football in the second portion of the current season, but that it will be continued, circumstances permitting, is practically certain. Mr. W. C. Cuff, president of the Football League, told me that at the October meeting the League Committee would have under review some competition, but that the form that competition had not yet been decided. The suggestion to be put forward by a Southern member of the Football League Management Committee for a cup competition, in addition to a continuance of the present tourney, will no doubt meet with general approval. The cup competition of last season served its purpose well. It not only helped to maintain interest, but it provided splendid financial aid to all the clubs which took part.
Billy Cook’s Injury.
Everton followers will be sorry to learn that Billy Cook has had to go to hospital for a few days. The Everton man was injured during an Army match. He had to have four or five stitches inserted in his head. The injury is not serious, but he developed temperature, and it is hoped a few days in hospital will put him right again.
SOUTHPORT’S PROBABLES FOR EVERTON VISIT
October 3, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Southport are looking forward to a good gate –as attendances go these days –for their home game with Everton on Saturday, for Everton have always been popular visitors at Haig Avenue. Two away defeats in succession, at New Brighton and Tranmere have given Southport directors something to think about and every effort is being made to get the strongest side possible for Saturday’s game. This, incidentally, is only Southport’s second home appearance, four games having been already away. The first home game, against Tranmere Rovers, which Southport won 4-1; gave rise to hopes of a good season, but defensive lapses of an unexpected nature have led to a crop of goals against, in the last two away games. There is little wrong with the side in the forward line, which has lively wingmen in Howarth and Dennis Grainger, and a round leader in Hullett, formerly of Everton and New Brighton. Deverall the ex-Reading player made a promising debut in the inside right position at New Brighton. Actually he is an outside left, and there is some suggestion of reconstructing the left wing, will the idea of Deverall playing in his favourite berth. It is doubtful, however, whether the directors will part the amateur Rimmer and Howarth, for a time being at any rate, for they are doing extremely well together. These two products of local football was Southport’s best wing in the Tranmere game at Haig Avenue, although they had to thank the prompting of the old stager Len Newcomb for much of their success. Providing all the players are available, and no guests come along to justify a reshuffle the Southern team will remain unchanged. Viz;-Jones; Little, Grainger (J); Taylor, Harrison, Newcomb; Grainger (D), Deverall, Hullett, R. Rimmer, D. Howarth.
• Everton and Liverpool “A” will be in opposition on Saturday at Goodison Park in a Liverpool County Combination game. The match should provide an attractive test of strength of the fine reserves talent of the senior clubs.
SEEKING FIRST AWAY WIN.
October 4, 1940. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Everton go to Southport with an unbeaten record, but they will be seeking their first away win, the two previous games on “foreign” soil having been drawn. Southport’s only success to date was recorded in their only home game. Then they inflicted the only defeat Tranmere Rovers have suffered so far. Everton will be strongly represented, although they will be minus the services of Mercer, and Lawton, who are not available, Britton reverts to his customed position at right half, and N. Hankin comes in at outside right, the position vacated by Britton, Catterick, who has been assisting Stockport, will lead the attack. The Goodison club have been proved their strength in their last two games, in which they have scored nine goals for four by the opposition. Everything points to a success for them. Southport; Jones; Little, Grainger (J); Taylor, Harrison, Newcomb; (from) Grainger (D), A,N. Other, Howard, Hullett, Rimmer, Deverall. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; N. Hankin, Bentham, Catterick, Stevenson, C.R. Lewis. Everton “A” (v. Liverpool “A” at Goodison Park); Canavan; Ireland, Dugdale; Sharrett, Lambert, Hill; Sumner, Owen, Williams, Lyon, Penlington.
SOUTHPORT’S HOPE.
October 4, 1940. The Liverpool Echo.
Ranger’s Notes.
Nothing would please Southport folk more than a victory over Everton at Haig Avenue, for though the rivalry between the pair has been always friendly and sporting, the lesser lights take keen satisfaction is “putting one over” their senior neighbours. Southport’s lowly position in the Regional table is due mainly to the fact that four of their five games so far have been away from home. While Everton will not be at full strength for this meeting, their side still contains six of the championship team of two seasons back, as well as former first-timers in Jackson and Britton. The Sandgrounders will find this combination a formidable one, and if they can hold the visitors to a draw they will do well. There is a possibility Southport may make a late-on change in their forward line, provided they can get the services of the man they are after. Otherwise it will be as selected. Teams.- Southport; Jones; Little, Grainer (J); Taylor, Harrison, Newcomb; Grainer (D), Deverall, Hullett, R. Rimmer, D. Howard. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; N. Hankin, Bentham, Catterick, Stevenson, C.R. Lewis.
Reserve Derby
Everton “A” play Liverpool “A”, at Goodison Park, tomorrow (3.0). teams; Everton “A” Canavan; Ireland, Dugdale; Sherratt, Lambert, Hill; Sumner, Owen, Williams, Lyon, Penlington. Liverpool “A”; Yorson; Seddon, Rafferty; Fazackerley, Cook, Culshaw; Pickstock, McLaren, Collister, Owens, Catterall
EVERTON TAKE LEAD.
October 5, 1940. The Evening Express.
Everton take Lead.
Brisk Game at Southport
Everton, unbeaten in five games, were the visitors to Haig-Avenue, Southport, today. Southport: - Jones, goal; Little and Grainger (j.), backs; Taylor, Harrison and Newcombe, half-backs; Grainer (D.), Deverill, Hullett, R. Rimmer, and D. Howard, forwards. Everton: - Sagar (captain), goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Hankin, Bentham, Catterick, Stevenson and C.R. Lewis, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Pinston, (Warrington). There was a brisk opening. Britton tried to make the running for the visitors, but he was checked by Rimmer and then Bentham followed up but his shot was kicked away by Harrison. Southport responded with a clever move initiated by Newcombe, who took the ball 40 yards. Rimmer then took possession and gave D. Grainger a glorious chance, but the winger fired over. Play was full of thrills, with clever footwork on both sides. Lewis came into prominence on the Everton left. He beat Little smartly and from his centre Stevenson got in a tricky shot which Jones edged away for a corner. At the other end Hullett tested Sagar from 35 yards, but the Everton goalkeeper had no difficulty in saving. Southport continued in bright mood, and Deverill was unlucky with a splendid shot which had Sagar beaten, but struck a defender and went for a corner. Then Howard beat Britton and Jackson, but Rimmer was too late to take his chance when a wonderful chance presented itself. Harrison repeatedly held up Catterick and company, but the visitors became more persistent as the half advanced, with Hankin showing some nice touches on the right. Hankin won a corner off Grainger and then supplied Catterick with a perfect centre. The leader took aim on the half turn, but put the ball just over the top. It was a grand move. Bentham afterwards tried a shot but Harrison kicked away once again, and Southport swept to the other end, where the best opening so far was missed by Hullett, after Howard had planted the ball to the leader’s feet right in the mouth of the goal. Hullett netted for Southport, but the whistle had gone for offside, and Sagar made a brilliant save from Deverill at the expense of a corner. Catterick scored for Everton in 43 minutes.
Half-time; Southport 0, Everton 1
EVERTON EXTENDED
October 5, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
But Southport Miss Good Chances.
By Stork.
Southport: - Jones, goal; Little and Grainger (j.), backs; Taylor, Harrison and Newcombe, half-backs; Grainer (D.), Deverill, Hullett, R. Rimmer, and D. Howard, forwards. Everton: - Sagar (captain), goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Hankin, Bentham, Catterick, Stevenson and C.R. Lewis, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Pinston, (Warrington).there was a only a moderate attendance at Haig Avenue, where Everton were the visitors, and almost straight away they saw their favourities make an attack which promised to outwit the Everton defence. D. Grainger was given an outstanding chance to draw first blood. He had only Sagar to beat, but sent high over the bar. It was then Everton’s turn, and Jones made a last minute save from Stevenson, following good work by Lewis. There was plenty of life and fire in Southport’s play, and the Everton defence was often called upon to stem promising rails in which the left wing, Rimmer and Howard were prominent. Grainger had another chance –this time it was of good calibre, but the ball struck Greenhalgh in flight and went out for a corner.
A Gift Refused.
Southport were showing good form, and fully extending the Everton side, They had the chance of a lifetime when D. Grainger made a square pass which Howard resumed only a matter of a few yards away from the Everton goal, where Hullett was standing. The former Everton player, however, completely failed to accept the grit offering. Everton replied with a strong attack; and Stevenson was not far off the mark with a shot and later tested Jones with a header. Hankin also brought Jones to work with a shot that was travelling just inside the upright. Deverill from the inside left position, almost caught Sagar napping, the Everton goalkeeper having to come across his goal to keep out a left foot shot. The comes brought some work to Everton, although Sagar was not called upon. Newcombe played some grand football, and Harrison, at centre half kept a watchful eye on the Everton inside forwards. Catterick once got the better of him, but sent high over. Southport tried desperately hard to obtain a half-time lead, but were unable to do so because of their poor finishing in front of goal. It was Everton who held the lead at half-time, Catterick scoring at 42 minutes.
Half-time; Southport 0, Everton 1.
CATTERICK’S GOAL DECIDES
October 7, 1940. The Liverpool Daily Post
Southport 0, Everton 1
Everton Saunter Through
By Stork.
Southport did well to hold Everton to a single goal at Haig Avenue. They had their chances in the first half to have set Everton something of a problem, but if a side won’t accept their chances then they must be prepared to be beaten. Hullett, D. Grainger, and Rimmer should have given Sagar no chance with the opportunities placed before them, but having failed at the vital spot of football, they must not grumble that Everton snatched a narrow victory through a goal scored by Catterick, three minutes before the interval. Everton also had chances to have built up a solid victory in the second half, for they were often close at hand near to the Southport goalkeeper, Jones, yet they failed to beat him but once. Southport played really progressive football in the first “45” and it seemed that they might take a victory, for their football was good enough to warrant a goal or two. They put up a brave face to a side which included many internationals, in fact Newcombe, the left half, was one of the most complete footballers on the field, and But Hullett was so well taken care of by Jones that much of his wingers good work tumbled down through his abilility to get the better of the Welsh international. There were only 2,000 people present, and they saw some keen play, if at times, especially in the second half, matters were distinctly quiet. Everton’s goal seemed good enough to carry the day, for despite all Southport’s possessiveness they rarely gave Sagar a lot to worry. Once or twice the Everton goalkeeper had to be smart in his judgement, but he should have been left stone cold when Hullett was presented with a ball five yards out of goal. Here must be a certain goal. But once again it was proved that there are no certainties in football. Everton sauntered through to their victory. Their defence was often in the thick of it and handled most situations well. Everton’s two young wingers, Lewis and Hankin, strove hard against men with years more experience, Lewis did well, but Hankin against Newcombe and J. Grainger had a big task on hand. Rather too big for him. There was much more craft in Everton, for Southport were inclined to rely upon more open tactics, which served them well only up to a point. . Southport: - Jones, goal; Little and Grainger (j.), backs; Taylor, Harrison and Newcombe, half-backs; Grainer (D.), Deverill, Hullett, R. Rimmer, and D. Howard, forwards. Everton: - Sagar (captain), goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Hankin, Bentham, Catterick, Stevenson and C.R. Lewis, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Pinston, (Warrington).
EVERTON NEVER IN DANGER.
October 7, 1940. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Everton, Wrexham and Rotherham United remain the only unbeaten clubs in the North. Everton were never in any real danger against Southport, at Haig Avenue, because Southport forwards were not strong near goal. It was a game of two distinct phrases. Both the teams served up bright and purposeful football before the interval, but afterwards the game tailed off. Both attacks were well held by strong defences. Of the three amateur wingers on view, Howard, of Southport was the best, but the openings he made were not ultised. Hankin and Lewis were plucky enough for the visitors, but lacked the experience to get the better of strong backs like Little and Jack Grainger. Harrison also played a dour game, and on one of the few occasions when he was able to get clear Catterick won the game with a splendid shot two minutes from the interval. Everton’s strength was in the middle line when Jones was outstanding. He completely subdued Hullett, although Hullett scored two offside goals. Deverill worked tirelessly, and had bad luck with four fierce drivers. Southport lacked a schemer of the Stevenson type in attack.
EVERTON’S NARROW WIN.
October 7, 1940. Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Southport put up a good show against Everton at Haig Avenue, especially so in the first half, when they gave quite as much as they received, and with more accurate shooting might have run up a score card which Everton would have found it difficult to better. They were not nearly so clever in their manipulation of the ball as their opponents, but they did not mind that so much as long as they could penetrate the Everton defence in other ways. They swung the ball about more than Everton who preferred to make progress by more elaborate methods, and for a time it paid its way; in fact, had their marksmanship been up to the standard of their approach work they should have held the lead at the half stage. Most of the forwards missed chances; none so badly as Hullett, the former Everton forward who was presented with the ball not more than five yards from goal, but he failed to hit the target. How? Only he could tell. It was a tragic miss, for it was shortly after this that Everton burst through and Catterick run through to bang a good shot beyond Jones, the Southport keeper. That was three minutes from the interval. Southport had their fling. Afterwards it became Everton’s turn and, had it not been for some solid work by the Southport defenders, Everton would have added to their goal average.
Yeomen Service.
Harrison, Newcomb the most intriguing player in the Southport side J. Grainger and Little, did Yeoman service for their side when Everton were pounding away at their defence. But even so Everton made openings which should have been turned to account. Sagar had little to do with the exception of a shot from D. Grainger, a fricky header by Rimmer which Sagar finger-tipped over the bar. Jones with more to do, made some saves but he was let off lightly by the Everton forwards, who could not find the right line with their shots, Bentham missed two simple ones, and so did others, so that Everton’s victory remained at a single goal.
Not Maintained.
Young Grainger did not produce his form of last season and Howard-Rimmer wing was not so good as it had been painted to me. It did well on occasions; but was spasmodic and not maintained. Newcomb wears well. He used the ball in the Everton manner, but the laurels go to Little, D. Grainger, and Harrison, for the way they stood up to the Everton forwards. They might have been flayed, but it would have been no fault of theirs had it been so, for they stood up manfully to every Everton advance. Lewis was the better of the two Everton wingers for Hankin often found Grainger’s greater experience an obstacle. Stevenson was cute and canny, and Carter was ever ready to burst through and deliver a shot. Britton was delicate in touch and clever withal while Jones was the usual solid barrier against all comers. Jackson and Greenhalgh, once they got to grips with Southport’s methods, were safe and sound.
ATTACK CHANGES.
October 8, 1940. Evening Express.
Pilot’s Notes
Everton have made two changes in their attack for the match with Stockport. One is positional. The changes affect the right wing –Bentham moves from inside right to the wing, and S. Simmons, an amateur from the “A” team, who has played several games with the second team, takes up the inside right position. Otherwise the team is the same as that which beat Southport. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; Bentham, S. Simmon, Catterick, Stevenson, C.R. Lewis.
EVERTON’S EXPERIMENT
October 8, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Everton make only one change in their side to meet Stockport County, at Goodison park, on Saturday (kick-off 3 o’clock), though it effects two positions. The extreme right wing has been Everton’s main problem this season. Four players have already been tried in six games without solving it, through Cliff Britton would have filled the bill had not Mercer’s departure meant his falling back to the intermediate line. In an effort to mend matters the club is trying Stan Bentham at outside right on Saturday, with Simmons, the former Wallasey schoolboy, in the inside berth. This will be Bentham’s first appearance on the wing. Hitherto he has been regarded as a one-position player though occasionally he has done duty in the half back line when circumstances have necessitated a shuffle in the course of a game. Whenever he plays, Bentham can be relied on for the full 90 minutes’ hard and strenuous endeavour. Catterick leads the attack against the side so which he formerly was on loan, and Lewis retains his place at outside left. Willie Cook is now out of hospital, but will not be fit to play for another week or so. The head wound he received at Nottingham has proved more troublesome than at first thought and had to be reopened when it threatened to turn septic. Jackson takes his place again, so that the team reads: - Sagar; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; Bentham, S. Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson, and C.R. Lewis.
TOMORROWS SOCCER.
October 11, 1940. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
The Goodison park side will have Stockport County as visitors. It will be the Blues fourth home match and the only meeting between the clubs so far arranged. Another interesting point is that Catterick, who earlier in the season was on loan by Everton to the Edgeley Park club and led their attack, will be at centre-forward for the Goodison club. Everton’s six games to date have provided them with four victories and two drawn games, whereas Stockport in a similar number of games, have been beaten three times. In the matter of goals; Everton, 13 to 6, have an average of two, and Stockport with 15 and 16, an average of .93. Compared with the side that won at Southport, Everton have a right wing change, Bentham moves from inside right to the outside berth, and S. Simmons, a promising player from the “A” team, will be his partner. Stockport will make a good fight of it, but I expect Everton to retain their certificate. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; Bentham, S. Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson, C.R.Lewis.
Jock Thomson.
Jock Thomson, the Everton’s Scottish international half-back, will assist Fulham tomorrow in their home game with Clapton Orient in the Southern Section. Thomson is an Army P.T instructor and stationed in the South.
EVERTON’S EXPERIEMENT
October 11, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Stockport served up some good football when they were in the city last season. They ran Liverpool to the odd goal of seven at Anfield, and although they got rather a pasting at Goodison, their football was clean and entertaining. Though Everton’s eleven is not as strong as in the earlier days, it will contains four internationals and six of the old championship side, and will uphold the club’s traditions for artistic play. In an effort to remedy the right wing weakness of previous weeks, the experiment is being tried of playing Stan Bentham on the extreme flank, with the 17-year-old Simmons as his partner. C.R. Lewis, who made a promising show on the only occasion I have seen him so far, looks like making himself a permanency in the outside left position. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; Bentham, Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson, C.R. Lewis.
CATTERICK’S DOUBLE.”
October 12, 1940. The Evening Express
Everton lead Stockport
By Pilot.
Everton met Stockport County, at Goodison Park today. Everton: - Sagar (captain), goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Bentham, S. Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson and C.R. Lewis, forwards. Stockport County: - Fielden, goal; Copping, and Butler, backs; Percival, Titterington, and Howe, half-backs; Toseland, Bagley, Burgess, Barrows, and Middleton, forwards. Referee Mr. R.K. Warburton, Bolton. There was a sensational start. A ball meant for a Stockport player rebounded off Catterick to Stevenson. The Everton inside left went ahead and served Catterick, who took a first time shot which hit the top of the net. It was a good goal. A minute later Stevenson had a chance, but he miskicked. The clearance was only momentary, Catterick came back but this time his shot from close range went over the bar. Stockport then took up the attack, and after a good, combined forward work, the effort was spoiled when Middleton, was dispossessed and a clearance was made by Jackson. Everton returned to the attack. First Lewis sent a stinging shot over the bar, and then Bentham made Fielden concede a corner. The corner kick proved fruitless. Stockport tried hard to penetrate the Everton defence, and they had a wonderful chance and after Middleton had made good headway to place Burrows in possession, but again hesitancy in shooting proved their undoing and Jackson came on to clear.
Stockport Equalise.
A moment later, Jackson conceded a corner, and from the kick Stockport took an easy equaliser. Bageley found an opening, and the ball passed slowly into the net, Sagar being unsighted. The goal came after ten minutes. Stockport were now getting a good share of the attack. Everton were unfortunate to lose Watson injured. He went off limping. Bentham fell back to the half-back position. The Everton forwards were in lively form and it was not a surprise when Simmons scored a second goal after 20 minutes. It was a grand individual effort from half way. He broke through the defence to serve Catterick and then take the return pass, to beat Fielden with a low cross shot. Everton got a third goal after 25 minutes. A shot by Lewis was only partly cleared by Fielden. Stevenson snapped on the ball and pushed it past Fielden for Catterick to scoop it into the net from the base of the post. Just before half-time Watson returned.
Half-Time; Everton 3, Stockport County 1.
GOAL IN HALF MINUTE
October 12, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
Everton-Stockport Duel
Two for Catterick.
By Stork.
Everton: - Sagar (captain), goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Bentham, S. Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson and C.R. Lewis, forwards. Stockport County: - Fielden, goal; Copping, and Butler, backs; Percival, Titterington, and Howe, half-backs; Toseland, Bagley, Burgess, Barrows, and Middleton, forwards. Referee Mr. R.K. Warburton, Bolton. Everton started in a manner which suggested a shooting- match, for they opened their scorer in thirty seconds, Catterick applying the finishing touch to good work by Lewis and Stevenson. Lewis set Stevenson off with a neat back-heel pass, which Stevenson passed along to Catterick. The Everton centre forward moved up a pace or two before driving the ball into the net. Stevenson should have added a second goal a minute later but failed to connect with the ball. So far little had been seen of Stockport, but at the tenth minute they got an equalising goal through Bagley. The left wing had made the opening but there was a slackness in the Everton defence, and this allowed Bagley to shoot through a ruck of players and thus well out of the reach of Sagar. Everton were not long in regaining the lead for after nineteen minutes Stevenson, having got over a trip, was allowed to proceed on his way by the referee, and went on to shoot goal No 2.
Catterick Again.
Stockport played some nice football in midfield, but when they met the Everton defence their usually met their masters, although it must be said they had some chances. Everton took a third goal in 19 minutes, Catterick scoring from Stevenson. Prior to this Watson had to leave the field through an injury. This meant a reorganisation in the Everton side, Bentham going left half, leaving four forwards to do all their attacking, and they did plenty. Stevenson tried to lob the ball over the goalkeeper’s head and just failed. Lewis was treading his way through the Stockport defence when he was brought down by Copping but the free kick only meant a handling case for Fielden, who saved from Bentham. Simmons then had bad luck with a shot that flashed right across the County goalmouth and then Greenhalgh had to nip in smartly to hold down the Bagley-Toseland wing.
Half-Time; Everton 3, Stockport County 1.
EVERTON HOLD THEIR RECORD
October 14, 1940. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 4, Stockport County 2
Stockport County Beaten.
By Stork.
Everton scored a victory of 4-2 over Stockport County. Catterick applied the finishing touch to Stevenson’s pass in thirty seconds, but Stockport were not so easily beaten as this quick start would have suggested. They played some really good-class football up to a point, but that failed to overcome the strong Everton defence. True; they equalised in 10 minutes through Bagley, but Everton were soon on their tail again, Simmons regaining the lead following good work by Stevenson. Then Catterick came along with goal No. 3, also the result of a good pass by Stevenson, and close on the interval Simmons might have made it four. Butler, however, kept out his shot, which had beaten the goalkeeper. A lead of 3-1 at the interval was highly satisfactory in one respect, but considering how the County had been over-played it should have been double that figure, for Stockports forwards rarely got the better of the Everton defensive plan.
Contrast In Penalty Kicks.
However, the County got a goal shortly after the interval through the agency of a penalty for a trip on Middleton, and Howe made no mistake from the spot. It was one of the fiercest penalty shots I have seen. Another penalty followed, this time to Everton, Britton taking the easy way with his spot kick and relying on placing rather than brute force, and goalkeeper Fielden had no chance. There the score ended; it should not have done so, for there were numerous chances before the Everton forwards but they were not accepted. However, the victory was complete, so that Everton retained their unbeaten certificate. Simmons made a good impression with his dribbling propensity, but he must not forget that there is a time when the ball must be transferred to a colleague. He was inclined to hang on just a shade too long. Nevertheless he had a good match, and so, for the matter, did Lewis. Bentham spent most of his time in the half-back line, owing to an injury to Watson. Stockport, with some big names in their ranks, were responsible for many good rounds of passing, but the promise made was not sustained, so that Sagar had a rather easy task. The attendance was again on the small side. Everton: - Sagar (captain), goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Bentham, S. Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson and C.R. Lewis, forwards. Stockport County: - Fielden, goal; Copping, and Butler, backs; Percival, Titterington, and Howe, half-backs; Toseland, Bagley, Burgess, Barrows, and Middleton, forwards. Referee Mr. R.K. Warburton, Bolton.
• Lawton scored a hat-trick for Aldershot against Bristol City.
FORWARDS’ SUPERIORITY
October 14, 1940. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Everton retained their certificate in a grand game with Stockport County at Goodison Park on Saturday. They deserved their 4-2 victory, but they had to fight all the way for it. The superiority of the Everton forwards in front of goal, particularly in the first half when they notched three goals, was Stockport’s undoing. The County’s approach work was good, but their finishing was mediocre. Everton’s defenders, particularly Jones, Greenhalgh and Britton, were always ready to take advantage of hesitant raiders. These three, with Sagar, did a good afternoon’s work. In contrast, the Everton forwards were quick to seize chances, and their first half goals were all the result of well conceived movements, finished off with deadly shooting. In the Everton line, the amateur C.R. Lewis and S. Simmons, were in dazzling form, and Catterick was a big success in the centre forward position. Catterick has been on loan from Everton to the County. He signalled his return to the Blues by scoring two goals. There was another local touch to the game for Howe the ex-Liverpool centre forward, was in the County side at half-bk. He was one of their outstanding players. The scorers were for Everton; Catterick (2), Simmons, and Britton (penalty), and for Stockport County, Bagley and Howe (penalty).
EVERTON PRESERVE UNBEATEN RECORD.
October 14, 1940. The Liverpool Echo.
Ranger’s Notes.
On the score of football craft and ability the old gulf between First Division and Third Division clubs have been considerably narrowed, and the former Northern section clubs, I have seen this season have worthily upheld their place in the Regional scheme. While Stockport County were not so polished and precise in their work as Everton, they gave a sound display, and, with more punch in front of goal might have made the home side flight a good deal harder. Up to a point the visiting attack was not far behind Everton’s, but when they came up against Jones –immaculate as ever –Jackson, and Greenhalgh, they faded out with the result that Sagar was not called upon as often as he should have been.
An Object Lesson.
A penalty to each side provided an object lesson in themselves, Fred Howe, figuring in the unusual role of left-half, nearly made a hole on net by the fierceness of his drive; Britton, who took Everton’s glided the ball ever so gently well out of the goalkeeper’s reach. Prior to this Everton had scored through Catterick (2) and Simmons, Bagley having equalised Catterick’s opening goal. Catterick, deputising for Lawton made a very creditable show as also did Simmons, but the latter must learn to eschew over-elaboration. Several times he spoiled otherwise excellent work by dribbling just a yard too much.
EVERTON TEAM CHANGE
October 16, 1940. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Everton have one change from the team that defeated Stockport County, for the return game with Chester at Chester on Saturday. It is at outside left, and it has been necessitated by the fact that C.R. Lewis, the young amateur, who has been playing so splendidly in the position, has joined the Navy. The vacancy will be filled by Gordon Bailey, another clever young player, who has made a number of first team appearances, including one this season –against Preston N.E at Leyfield, when the Blues shared the spoils. Everton thus include two young amateur S. Simmons retaining the inside right berth as partner to Bentham. Simmons, who took the eye against Stockport and played such a prominent part in their defeat, is a former Wallasey schoolboy player and is developing on the right lines. His football craft is good and he promises to be an effective lone raider as well as a sound link in the line. He is not easily shake off and we had an example of this by the great goal of his against the County, when against a determined defence, he thrust his way through from the half-way line. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; Bentham, S. Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson, G. Bailey.
EVERTON’S CHANGE FOR CHESTER GAME.
October 16, 1940. The Liverpool Echo.
Everton make one change in their side to visit Chester on Saturday. Bailey taking the place of C.R. Lewis at outside left. Lewis, who is only 17 years of age, volunteered some time ago for the Navy, and has been called up this week. He takes with him out good wishes. If he fares as well as I did when wearing bell-bottomed trousers twenty-five years ago, he will not have much at which to grumble. When the war is over we shall be glad to see him carrying on where he left off at Goodison. He gave some promising displays, and I imagine Mr. Theo Kelly will take care not to lose sight of him when things get back to normal. Bailey, who takes his place, made a few first team appearances last season, and has one to his credit this term, when he played against Preston, at Leyland and scored one his side’s goals. The experiment of playing Stan Bentham at outside right is carried a stage further with Simmons again his partner. The idea was torpedoed last week through Watson’s early injury, which meant Bentham dropping back to the half-back line, but during his short spell on the wing Bentham certainly looked like solving the problem, and brought more forcefulness and fire to it than we have seen for some time. Cook is not yet thoroughly fit after his recent accident, so that Jackson continues at right back, where he has done grand work to date. Team: - Sagar; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; Bentham, Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson, Bailey.
UNBEATEN RECORD AT STAKE.
October 18, 1940. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log.
Chester gave Everton a shock when they visited Goodison Park by taking a three-goals lead. Everton, however, thanks to a Lawton hat-trick, saved the day by the odd goal of seven. Thus, if the Blues are successful tomorrow, they will record their first “double.” They are one of the two teams in the Section who are unbeaten. Everton, with one exception, will have the team successful against Stockport County. The change is at outside left, where Gordon Bailey reappears in place of C.R. Lewis, who has joined the Navy. There are several changes in the Chester side compared with the one that opposed Tranmere Rovers. Chester (from); A.N. Other, Brown, Reay; Howarth, Walters, Cole; Jones, Bremner, Yates, Astbury, McIntosh. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; Bentham, S. Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson, G. Bailey.
EVERTON AT CHESTER.
October 18, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Everton who share with Rotherham and Portsmouth the distinction of being the only unbeaten teams in both sections of the League, ought to preserve their record intact at Sealand Road. After a good start, Chester have struck a most unlucky patch, losing five games on the run, with an adverse goal average of 24 against, and 8 for. Their play has been on much higher plane than this dismal record indicates yet I am afraid it is too much to expect the revival to start at Everton’s expenses. The Goodison Park side looks good for another away victory. In the place of C.R. Lewis, who has joined the Navy, this week Everton bring in Bailey at outside left Bentham on the opposite flank. Chester were unfortunate to lose the first game at Goodison Park. With a three goal lead in half an hour they made Everton look like commoners, but threw their advantage away in the second half by altering their attack and concentrating too much on defence. Chester:- (from); A.N. Other, Brown, Reay; Howarth, Walters, Cole; Jones, Bremner, Yates, Astbury, McIntosh. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; Bentham, S. Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson, G. Bailey.
CHESTER HOLD EVERTON
October 19, 1940. The Evening Express.
Blues do Bulk of Attacking
By Watcher.
Everton visited Chester today. Chester: - Shortt, goal; Brown and McNeil, backs; Howarth, Walters, and Cole, half-backs; Jones, Bremner, Yates, Astbury, and McIntosh, forwards. Everton: - Sagar (captain), goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Bentham, S. Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson and G. Bailey, forwards. Referee Mr. A. Baker (Crewe). Walters checked Everton’s first attacks, and after midfield play Chester made progress on the right. Everton replied with a good run by Bentham, whose centre was headed from the goalmouth by Howarth, and soon afterwards the same winger had another good centre cleared by Walters. Chester were dangerous when Bremner put the ball between the backs, but Sagar was able to beat Yates in a race for possession. Everton again pressed on the right and Catterick’s header from Bentham’s centre was smartly caught and cleared by Shortt. Bremner opened the way for a Chester raid, but Greenhalgh stopped Yates when he was almost through. Bremner’s opportunism led to a good run by Mcintosh whose centre evaded attackers but defenders as it went harmlessly across the goalmouth.
Wingmen Prominent
Everton were particularly effective on the right, and almost all their attacks originated on this wing. Chester had been more forced on the left, but one of their most dangerous moves followed a fine centre by Jones, and Sagar was called into action on several occasions. Jones was again prominent on the Chester side, when he took the ball from the half-way line and ended with a fine centre which was just too close into the goalmouth for the home forwards to use it to advantage. Everton did the bulk of the attacking in the first half, but only infrequently looked like scoring. One of the thrills of the match occurred when Simmons fired in a low drive which Shortt stopped on the goal line but failed to hold. The ball trickled out to Stevenson only a few feet away from the goal, but he missed a glorious opportunity by shooting over the bar.
SAGAR HAD TO BE SMART
October 19, 1940. The Liverpool Echo.
Unbeaten Everton at Chester.
By Stork.
Chester: - Shortt, goal; Brown and McNeil, backs; Howarth, Walters, and Cole, half-backs; Jones, Bremner, Yates, Astbury, and McIntosh, forwards. Everton: - Sagar (captain), goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Bentham, S. Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson and G. Bailey, forwards. Referee Mr. A. Baker (Crewe). The attendance was only moderate for so attractive a game and Everton soon played their good football without calling upon the Chester defence. The Cestians, however, almost took the unbeaten Everton by surprise when Yates dashed through the middle and but for a timely charge by Jones, Sagar might have had much more trouble than he had, and he had quite enough to extricate himself from a difficult position.
A Close Shave.
Jones made a timely intervention to complete the clearance. Nevertheless, it was a close shave for Everton. Everton were playing good-class football, and Stevenson, who joined the R.A.F on Tuesday, started a movement which culminated in Catterick heading into the goalkeeper’s hands. Simmons demonstrated his masterly control of the ball when beating the rivals, his final pass to Bentham bringing a centre which Catterick again got his head to, only to put it over the crossbar. Astbury and Bremner were the mainspring of the Chester attack and Jones had to be very sure down the middle to hold down the fast-moving Yates. An overhead kick by Yates gained applause, and also put the Everton goal under fire. So far Everton had not made many calls upon the Chester goalkeeper, despite the fact that they were often in and around his goal, his goal, and Chester by more straightforward methods were undoubtedly a dangerous-looking lot. A centre by Jones, and one by McIntosh in particular, created openings for the Chester inside forwards, which however, were not taken up.
CHESTER BEAT EVERTON
October 21, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
Chester 1, Everton 0
First Defeat Of Goodison Side.
By Stork.
Chester are the first team to beat Everton this season. This is not uncommon for the Cestrians, if my memory serves, did something similar last season. It was only a goal margin that gave them their victory, but it was quite sufficient. Several times this season Chester have complained that they have been unlucky in having big scores put up against them. After what I saw at Chester Stadium on Saturday they are not like a side which had 13 goals rattled into their net in two games. They won because they adopted the correct tactics. They left finesse entirely to Everton and went straight to their objectives, while their defence was impregnable. Everton started as though they would run out comfortable victors. In football craft they were much the superior side. All their fancy footwork, all their high-flown combination counted for naught against a set of men who were determined not to allow Everton to get the whip hand.
Great Shot By Astbury
The all-important goal arrived thirty seconds from the interval. Astbury, the grand little inside forward drove in a terrific shot, the ball hitting the cross bar and bounced down on to Sagar’s body and into the net. It was the first real shot of any account that the Chester forwards and delivered for up to that point Everton had practically done all the attacking, with one or two exceptions. Everton were loath to lose their unbeaten certificate, and in the second half tried desperately hard to pull the game out of the fire, and how near they came to it only the 2,000 odd people present can imagine. They hammered the Chester defence incessantly, and had it not been for some fine goalkeeping by Shortt, Chester would not have been able to claim a victory. He made at least three great saves from Catterick, the like of which would have brought down the house in a normal league game. He saved others too, but those three will stand out in the memory of the Chester people for some weeks. The great difference between the two sides was that whereas Everton waited for the ball to come to them, Chester went out to meet it, and it was only natural that the advantage would be with them. Time and again they took the ball off an opponent’s toes to cut out what promised to be a smart Everton movement. This is not the first time that such tactics have accounted for Everton. Let us hope it will be a lesson to them. They must not get it into their heads that they can saunter through every defence at will. Naturally Everton are feeling the want of two good class wing men. Bailey the “A” team boy, had little scope, yet almost sneaked a goal for his side, and Bentham is essentially an inside forward. He wanted to work the ball too much for a winger, and that of course, played into the hands of the rugged Chester defence. Chester: - Shortt, goal; Brown and McNeil, backs; Howarth, Walters, and Cole, half-backs; Jones, Bremner, Yates, Astbury, and McIntosh, forwards. Everton: - Sagar (captain), goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Bentham, S. Simmons, Catterick, Stevenson and G. Bailey, forwards. Referee Mr. A. Baker (Crewe).
ASTBURY GOAL DECIDES
October 21, 1940. The Evening Express.
By The Watcher.
Although Everton’s display at Chester was not exhilarating they were unlucky not to share the honours. The Blues did not produce the football one expects from them and they appeared to get unbalanced when Chester went ahead, through a goal by Astbury a few seconds before half-time. Stevenson was the bright spot in the Everton front line, but although he worked hard he did not get the support necessary. Bentham was an alert winger, but the other forwards did not impress. Apart from Bremner, who initiated most of the raids, the Chester forwards lacked finish. Walters and Howarth were sound halves and to them went the chief credit for the Cester victory. Brown was a forceful back and Shortt gave a good goalkeeping display. Play was never very fast and there were frequent dull patches. Probably this was due to the fact that it was a match in which defences were so frequently on top, and in which the respective centre half backs were so often the masters of the leaders of the attack.
HOW THE MIGHY FELL.
October 21, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
A goal scored thirty seconds from the interval, and at least three miraculous saves by the Chester goalkeeper, Shortt placed a nasty blot on Everton’s unbeaten record at the stadium on Saturday. The game was almost a replica of last season’s meeting when Chester by selfsame tactics inflicted upon Everton their first defeat. What were Chester’s tactics? Grit and determination, and the will to be first to the ball. They knew that to allow Everton to get their machine into full working order would be prejudicial to their chances, so they laid their plans accordingly. They were to tackle instantly and go out for the ball and not wait its coming and their plan paid them full advantage. The pity was that there was only a handful of spectators –just over 2,000 –to see this smart win. Chester have had some unsavoury scores put up against them in recent weeks, yet they had the belief that one or two of the results were entirely false; all against the run of the play. Well, they proved to some extent that all is well with the Chester side as it was constituted on Saturday. They had something to play for, for it is always the ambition of a “junior” side to pull out something extra against a side which boasts of an unbeaten certificate. Everton are still feeling the want of two experienced wing men. It was on the wing that they failed at Chester, for neither Bailey nor Bentham had a good match. Bentham has been too long at inside forward to tumble into the requirement of a winger immediately. He wanted to work the ball whereas the first essential of a winger, to get the ball into the middle. To dally with the ball was playing in the hands of the opposition. Everton started off by playing good class combination only to find the rugged Chester defence was not to be beaten by such methods. True, there was nothing of a classical nature about the defensive methods of the Chester defence. All they wanted was to see the ball away from their goal area, and to every attack Everton launched they put up a cover which proved successful.
EVERTON’S CHANGES.
October 23, 1940. Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Lawton and Mercer, who for the past three weeks have been on Army training courses, and Cook, who has been on the injured list, return to the Everton team for the match with Bury at Goodison Park. Cook displaces Jackson at right back. Mercer will be at right half. This means that Britton goes back to outside right, and that Bentham returns to the inside berth to the exclusion of S. Simmons. Lawton displaces Catterick at centre forward, and a further change in the attack, is at outside left, where H. Penlington comes in for Gordon Bailey. Penlington played in the two games against Manchester City. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Britton, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, H. Penlington. Simmons, Lyons and Bailey are standing by in case of last minute changes.
EVERTON AT STRENGTH.
October 23, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton will be back at full war-time strength for they meeting with Bury, at Goodison Park, on Saturday. Cook has now fully recovered from his injury when playing for the Army team and Mercer and Lawton having completed their course down south, are back with their units again. Britton goes back to the extreme right wing, where he has made one previous appearance this season, which lets Bentham occupy his more familiar role at inside while Penlington fills the outside left perch. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Britton, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, and Penlington.
TOMORROW GAME
October 25, 1940. Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Everton, who have won all their four games at Goodison Park, Everton’s opponents at Goodison Park will be Bury, the club that discovered, and eventually transferred to Merseyside one of Britain’s greatest half-backs –Tom Bradshaw, formerly of Liverpool F.C. Bury have an encouraging away record –they have won once and drawn twice in four games –but the task they face tomorrow is perhaps their greatest so far this season. They will meet an Everton at full strength. With Lawton, Mercer, and Cook again available several changes have been made in the Bury Blues’ side compared with that beaten at Chester. Cook displaces Jackson at right back, and Mercer is at right half for Britton, who reverts to outside right. Bentham taking up the inside right berth. Lawton leads the attack in place of Catterick, and Penlington is at outside left for Bailey. Bury have made changes in the middle line and attack. Watson moves from inside left to left half, while Dougal and Livingstone are back in their usual position at inside forward. No decision has yet been made regarding the outside right berth, where either Jones or Wood will play. Everton will have to go all the way to win, but I fancy will preserve their home record. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Britton, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Pennington. Bury; Fairhurst; Robinson, Hubbick; Griffiths, Atkinson, Watson; Jones or Wood, Dougal, Davies, Livingstone, Carter.
BURT SHOULD GIVE EVERTON A GOOD GAME.
October 25, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
The list of clubs with 100 per cent home record in the North League has now been whittled down to five. Everton who are one of them, ought to preserve their winning home sequence tomorrow when Bury provide the opposition. The Blues defeat at Chester last week was the shock result of the day, even after making allowances for the absence of Lawton and Mercer. Tomorrow Lawton will be back on duty, but there is a slight doubt about Mercer who has had a couple of days in hospital this week with gastric trouble. He hopes to be fit and is left in the side for the meantime. Cook also returns to the full back division where Jackson has been doing valiant service in his absence. While Everton on paper, look good for a victory, they must not fall into the error of thinking they can win whenever they want. They have had plenty of lessons in the past of the folly of letting the other side get in front. If they repeat the mistake against Bury they won’t find it easy to make up the leeway for the Gigg lane are a strong go-ahead side, with just the right blend of youth and experience. In spite of their defeat they put up a grand show against Liverpool a fortnight ago, and produced some excellent football.
Give It a Trail.
For some obscure reason, Everton’s followers have not been giving the club the same support this season that Anfield folk have accorded to Liverpool. If they feel that present day soccer is not up to what they have been accustomed to all, they need do is sample it for themselves. The games I have seen this season have all reached a very satisfactory standard. The old crowd-atmosphere is missing of course, but that is all. There’s nothing milk-and-watery about war-time soccer –and some of the matches have had a real cup-tie bite. May I remind spectators of the Everton-Liverpool book and games collection for the troops? Please take a gift along tomorrow and leave it with the gateman. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Britton, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Penlington.
GOODISON THRILLS
October 26, 1940. The Evening Express.
Everton Take Early Lead.
By Pilot.
Bury were the visitors to Goodison Park today. There was a change in the Everton team. Mercer switching over from the right-half to right wing, Britton taking the half-back position. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Mercer, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Penlington, forwards. Bury:- Fairhurst, goal; Robinson and Hubbick, backs; Griffiths, Atkinson and Watson, half-backs; Jones, Dougal, Davies, Livingstone, and Carter, forwards. Referee Mr. E.W. Baker (Manchester). Everton missed a gift of a chance from the kick-off when Tom Jones served Britton. He passed neatly to Mercer who worked his way to within a yard or two of the Bury goal, but there was nobody there to take his final pass. Bury retaliated and Sagar was called on to deal with a shot by Carter. A hefty kick by Cook ended in Penlington sending a terrific shot across the Bury goal. Bury were again aggressive and good forward work again brought Sagar into action. He dealt with another shot from Cater. After Bentham had sent one over the bar Sagar saved another hot shot this time from Dougal. Everton took the lead after good combined work between half-backs and forwards and Bentham nipped through to send a low shot well out of the reach of Fairhurst. Bury’s reply to this was a stinging shot from Livingstone, the ball flashing past the base of the post. The forward work of both teams was a delight to watch, and a particular effort of the Bury line gave Sagar a warm time. First Jones sent in a shot which travelled along the top of the bar, and then Livingstone worked his way through the Everton defence to see Sagar just check the ball from going over the line. Everton scored a second goal after delightful work by Mercer and Britton, Mercer passed back to the half-back and he sent in a dropping shot which Lawton neatly headed into the far side of the net. Determined work by the Bury forwards brought them reward, when Dougal went through on his own to serve Cater, who sent in a great shot well out of Sagar’s reach. There were plenty of thrills and both Sagar and Fairhurst were having a busy time. Half-time; Everton 2, Bury 1.
CARTER MEANT BUSINESS
October 26, 1940. The Liverpool Echo.
A Goal For Bury V. Everton.
A Lawton Nod
By Stork.
Bury had the assistance of several Bolton players for their game with Everton at Goodison Park, while Everton had Mercer and Lawton back. Mercer appeared in the uncommon role of outside right. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Mercer, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Penlington, forwards. Bury: - Fairhurst, goal; Robinson and Hubbick, backs; Griffiths, Atkinson and Watson, half-backs; Jones, Dougal, Davies, Livingstone, and Carter, forwards. Referee Mr. E.W. Baker (Manchester). In seven minutes Bentham scored the opening goal of the day. He took up a pass from Lawton, and as the Bury goalkeeper advanced from his goal Bentham slipped the ball into the net. Everton took a second goal in fifteen minutes, Lawton was the scorer and Stevenson the originator. The little Irishman, by his “check” caught Hubbick napping when that player thought the ball was going dead. Stevenson, however, slipped it back up the line to Britton, whose centre went right to Lawton’s head. Lawton got a perfect line, nodding the ball right away from the Bury goalkeeper, Fairhurst. Bury reduced the arrears three minutes later when Carter took up a pass by Dougal and cracked home a great shot. Mercer should have had a goal but shot outside. Carter had hard luck when he slashed a ball on to the crossbar and later was unlucky with a cross-shot, which Sagar saved at the second attempt. Half-time; Everton 2, Bury 1.
FINE PLAY AT GOODISON
October 28, 1940. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 3, Bury 1
Everton Beat Bury
By Stork.
Everton and Bury provided one of the best game seen at Goodison Park this season. Everton won 3-1, but they had to fight for their victory for the Bury team augmented by a number of Bolton players played some good class football against a side which, however, was just that shade better. Present day football, it has been claimed has lacked that little bit of bite which made the game in normal times. They were plenty of it in this game. Everton took an early lead, and it seemed that they would stride forward to a comfortable victory, but Bury were not inclined to let Everton in without having to tussle for their success. They met Everton’s good football with good play on their own behalf. And although Everton made a 2 goals lead in 15 minutes. Bury reduced it 3 minutes later. It then became a close fight and let it be said that Bury should have had other goals, for twice they hit the woodwork with goalkeeper Sagar helpless to have done anything had the direction been somewhat better. Sagar by the way, joins the Royal Corps of Signals next week. He made a grand farewell. But he did not outshine Fairhust, who made at least two one-handled saves which could not have been bettered. Two to one was a good enough victory, but it was too close for Everton to allow so they made doubly sure 15 minutes from the end of the game when Stevenson shot through. The other scorers were Bentham and Lawton, Cater, one of the nippiest wingers I have seen for some time, got the honour of scoring Bury’s goal. Mercer was tried at outside right, but went inside in the second half. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones and Watson, half-backs; Mercer, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Penlington, forwards. Bury:- Fairhurst, goal; Robinson and Hubbick, backs; Griffiths, Atkinson and Watson, half-backs; Jones, Dougal, Davies, Livingstone, and Carter, forwards. Referee Mr. E.W. Baker (Manchester).
LEADERSHIP UNCHANGED.
October 28, 1940. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
There is no change in the first three positions in the North Regional competition, although Manchester City, the leaders, only shared the spoils. Everton keep third place with a goal average of 2.00. Everton’s game with Bury at Goodison Park provided 90 minutes packed with good and strenuous football. For 20 minutes the North Lancashire hammered at the Everton defence. Everton’s goal had two remarkable escapes, but Bury generally found Tom Jones, Greenhalgh and Sagar, in particular, in great form. The mastery of the Everton forwards was a feature. The splendid foraging of Mercer, who took an inside position in the second half, had much to do with providing Lawton. Stevenson and Bentham with chances, they were rarely off the mark. There was some neat work, too, by Penlington, who showed he cannot be cowed by persistent first time tacklers like Robinson, the Bury back. Watson and Britton were sound at half back, and though Cook took some time to settle, he finally mastered Bury’s wing pair, Carter and Livingstone.
GOODISON’S BEST
October 28, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton and Bury provided one of the best games seen at Goodison Park this season, for there was just that little bit of “bite” in it take made one forgot that it was only a friendly. Bury, with several Bolton Wanderers’ players in their ranks, were almost the equal in skill of Everton, who experimented with Joe Mercer on the right wing, Joe did his best –he could not do otherwise –but it was plain to be seen that he is not a winger. He made a go of it until the interval, but then went inside. Everton, however, played some grand football. It included everything, but Bury were very little behind in point of skill. The margin of goals between the two sides was hardly commensurate with the play, for while Everton missed chances –Mercer the easiest of all –Bury should have had further goals. It was highly entertaining fare, even though Everton started as if they would riddle the Bury defence, for they commenced on a high note and took two goals (Bentham and Lawton) in fifteen minutes, but Carter slashed an oblique shot beyond Sagar it became anyone’s game. There was, however, a difference in the forward line, where Bury were strong Everton were weak, and vice versa.
EVERTON CHANGES
October 29, 1940. Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
There are several changes in the Everton team compared with the side that defeated Bury at Goodison Park last Saturday, for the return game at Gigg-lane, Bury, on Saturday. Sagar joins the Army on Thursday, and his place in goal will be taken by Lovett, who before the war played for the Everton Central League side and did well. This will be Lovett’s first senior team appearance. In the intermediate line, an amateur half-back will also make his senior team debut. He is H. Finnis, who has been playing with the “A” team, and who will be 20 years of age next month. He takes the left half position, Watson having been chosen to fill the outside berth. Britton will not be available owing to Army duties. Mercer goes back to right half. Bentham will again be at outside right and S. Simmons reappears at inside right. Everton; Lovett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, H. Finnis; Bentham, S. Simmons, Lawton, Stevenson, Watson.
EVERTON CHANGES FOR VISIT TO BURY
October 29, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Everton make several changes to their side to visit Bury on Saturday. The departure of Ted Sagar for the Army –he reports on Thursday morning leaves a vacancy beneath those sticks which Sagar has hitherto filled with such distinction and credit. It falls to the lot of Lovatt to fill it. This youngster has been doing good work for the past couple of seasons for the second string. Now he gets a chance to show his capabilities in a higher sphere, and he should take it well, for on the few occasions I have seen him he has shown plenty of ability and confidence and a safe pair of hands. Gordon Watson is tried in the usual position of outside left, which means that an opening occurs for Finnis, a local lad who has won much praise for his sound displays at centre half with the reserve side. The left half berth is no now one for him, for he originally came to Everton in that position two years ago. Bentham appears again at outside right, and Simmons as his partner. From all accounts Stan wasn’t too happy there when he made his previous wing appearance at Chester, but in the previous game against Stockport I thought he shaped well enough until an injury but short his winging and sent him to his accustomed position. The team reads: - Everton; Lovett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, H. Finnis; Bentham, S. Simmons, Lawton, Stevenson, Watson.
BOYES MAY PLAY
October 30, 1940. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Everton may have the services of Wally Boyes, their international outside left for the match with Bury at Gigg-lane. Bury, on Saturday. The club have received word that he may be available. Two changes have been made in the Bury team, Bradshaw home on leave, will make his first appearance of the season in goal Burdett who has been assisting Hull City, will be at inside left. Bury; Bradshaw; Robinson, Hubbicks; Griffiths, Atkinson, Watson; Jones, Burdett, Davies, Livingstone, Carter.
Everton “A” will include a debutant in the side to meet Rootes Athletic at Goodison Park on Saturday. He is Prendergast a Liverpool boy, and he will figure at outside left. Everton “A”:- O’Hara; Ireland, Dugdale; Hill, Atkins, Hankin; Sumner, Williams, Owen, Lyon, Prendergast.
EVERTON RESERVES SIDE
October 31, 1940. The Liverpool Echo
Everton “A” are home to Rootes Athletic in the Liverpool County Combination game on Saturday (3 p.m) and will field the following:- Everton “A”:- O’Hara; Ireland, Dugdale; Hill, Atkins, Hankin; Sumner, Williams, Owen, Lyon, Prendergast. Prendergast is a 17 years-old Liverpool lad, whom Everton are giving a trial on a strong recommendation. He has not previously played for the club.
October 1940