EVERTON’S TEAM
October 1, 1941. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Everton hold out hopes that two of their 1938-39 championship side well return to the fold on Saturday to face Manchester United in the Football League game at Goodison Park. They are Tommy Jones and Gordon Watson. Jones has played twice for the Blues this season, but Watson would be making his initial appearance of the season. Gordon underwent an operation some time ago for the removal of small piece of bone from an ankle, but he has made steady progress, and last Saturday had a trial run with the “A” team. He stood the strain well, and Trainer Mr. Harry Cooke now has charge of this grand half-back and expects to have him back on duty. I hasten to point out that it was Harry Jones, of West Bromwich Albion, who played centre-half at Maine Road last Saturday and not Tommy but both are in the provisional half-back line for this week. Yes, and a third Jones –Jack –is also named. George Jackson is once again included in the attack, while the youngsters Lyon and Owen are named among the six forwards. There is still a doubt about goal, Lovett has been suffering from injury, and possibly George Burnett will continue. Everton (from); Lovett, Burnett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Jones (Tom), Jones (Harry), Jones (Jack), Watson; Anderson, Cunliffe, Jackson, Stevenson, Lyon, W. Owen.

FIRST “DOUBLE”?
October 3, 1941. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton will be seeking their first “double” of the season tomorrow, and I have a feeling that they will pull it off. Last Saturday they gave the Manchester folk quite a shock by beating the United 3-2 with inside-forward Harry Jones playing centre-half and putting the harness on 16-goals Rowley in no uncertain fashion. If Tommy Jones cannot get leave tomorrow, no doubt Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly will persevere with Harry in the position. I have hopes, however, that big Tommy will be there so that Harry can lend his weight in attack. I see no reason why the Blues, strengthened by the welcome return of Gordon Watson should not win again. Everton (from): Burnett, Lovett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Jones (Tom), Jones (Harry), Watson, Jones (Jack); Anderson, Cunliffe, Jackson, Stevenson, W. Owen, Lyon. Manchester United; Breedon; Redwood, Roughton; Warner, Porter, Whalley; Bryant, Smith, Rowely, Carey, Mitton.

EVERTON IMPROVING
October 3, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Liverpool have already one “double” to their credit this season. Everton get an opportunity to emulate them tomorrow when Manchester United, whom they beat at Maine Road come to Goodison Park. From all accounts Everton’s attack last week showed welcome signs of improvement. If that is maintained the club’s record will be better for the defence is sound, and with Gordon Watson likely to be back again very shortly the half back line will be more stable. There are still several ifs and buts about Everton’s exact composition tomorrow. Tommy Jones may play, while Watson’s appearance will depend on the progress of his injury. Lovett is not yet fit, so Burnett again deputises. United make no change from the side which lost last week. Everton (from): Burnett, Lovett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Jones (Tom), Jones (Harry), Watson, Jones (Jack); Anderson, Cunliffe, Jackson, Stevenson, W. Owen, Lyon. Manchester United; Breedon; Redwood, Roughton; Warner, Porter, Whalley; Bryant, Smith, Rowely, Carey, Mitton.

BREEDON’S GREAT SAVE
October 4, 1941. The Evening Express
Everton-United Return
By Pilot.
Tom Jones, Everton’s Welsh international centre half, was in the side against Manchester United at Goodison Park today, and Watson made his first appearance of the season following an ankle operation. Everton:- Burnett, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G.), and Jones (H.)(West Bromwich Albion), half-backs; Watson (T.G.), Anderson (Third Lanark), Jackson, Stevenson and Lyon, forwards. Manchester United:- Breedon, goal; Redwood and Roughton, backs; Warner, Porter and Whalley, half-backs; Bryan, Smith, Rowley, Carey, and Mitton, forwards. Referee; Mr. C.P. Womersley (Stockport). Mitton, the former Tranmere Rovers player, was early in the picture, and he forced a corner which was not improved, and Everton developed both wings in turn before Stevenson ran through to Anderson’s pass but the speed of the ball beat him. Harry Jones picked up a short chance from Porter to place just outside. Bentham initiated a brilliant attack which was developed by Stevenson and Lyon, and Jackson was not far wide with the final thrust.
Narrow Escape
Jackson neatly headed to Harry Jones, who was manoeuvring for shooting position, when Roughton got his foot to the ball and Breedon had to make a hasty dive to prevent Everton from getting a gift goal. Play had livened up after a quiet opening, and Warner provided a thrill when he dribbled straight through from his own half to the penalty area, but was fouled by Burnett who ran out to take the ball from his toes. Receiving the ball from a quick throw-in, Harry Jones made a perfect centre for Jackson to head in. It looked a 100-1 on a goal, but Breedon flung himself out to make a sensational one handed save. Everton were dictating the progress of the game, being a little bit quicker on the ball than the United. A penalty line free kick by Tommy Jones failed to penetrate the United’s barricade. Then Breedon confidently held a long, dropping shot from Cook. Stevenson was baulked at the last minute after a well-developed attack, and after persistent pressure Jackson got the ball into the net, but unfortunately he had handled in bringing the ball under control.

EVERTON V MANCHESTER UNITED
October 4, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
Everton:- Burnett, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G.), and Jones (H.)(West Bromwich Albion), half-backs; Watson (T.G.), Anderson (Third Lanark), Jackson, Stevenson and Lyon, forwards. Manchester United:- Breedon, goal; Redwood and Roughton, backs; Warner, Porter and Whalley, half-backs; Bryan, Smith, Rowley, Carey, and Mitton, forwards. Referee; Mr. C.P. Womersley (Stockport). Everton included Watson in their half back line for the first time this season after his troublesome injury. The game, which was seven minutes late in starting, progressed little of note in the early stages, though Everton had an outside chance in the first five minutes when Stevenson put Jones (H.) in possession, and the West Bromwich man only half hit his shot. The Manchester goal had an even narrower escape from a Jackson header. Breedon making a clever one-handed save. A long punt from Cook also caused Breedon a moment’s anxiety, the ball coming awkwardly from a high altitude. Everton had done three parts if the attacking and whereas Breedon had a number of shots to deal with, Burnett was not called upon to handle anything of note until twenty minutes had elapsed when Smith, though well placed, shot straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. United took the lead after 25 minutes very much against the run of play. Rowley picked up a stray clearance not far beyond the half-way line, and ending the challenge of Jones placed the ball well out of Burnett’s reach. Apparently this was just the tonic United needed. At any rate from this point onwards they began to dominate the game and the Everton defence was kept on the collar for some time. Smith finding himself unmarked rammed home goal number two with a terrific shot from close range.
Half-Time; Everton 0, Manchester United 2.
Bryant twice went near increasing the visitors lead early in the second half only a brilliant save by Barnett frustrating him on the second occasion. United, however, were not long denied, Carey getting a third goal at the hour from Mitton’s past. T.G. Jones saved a certain fourth goal by kicking away from his goal line when Burnett was well beaten. H. Jones scored for Everton in the last minute. Final; Everton 1, Manchester United 3
• England won Scotland 2-0 at Wembley, Mercer playing for England and Caskie for Scotland, in front of 60,000 spectators.

TABLES TURNED ON EVERTON
October 6, 1941. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 1, Manchester United 3
Manchester United Win.
Manchester United turned the tables on Everton in convincing fashion in the return game at Goodison Park, the home side, who lost 3-1 being well beaten. During the first twenty minutes or so when play lacked instre and incident; Everton had the better of matters but once United had scored, which they did through Rowley just before the half-hour, there was practically only one team in it. Whenever United got within shooting distances a goal was always “on” whereas Everton ragged in attack and deficient in combination, seldom looked dangerous. The visitors won because of their superiority in this respect, allied to good half-back work and their ability to take chances without hesitancy. Half-way through the second portion the home side reshuffle their attack. Jones (H.) going centre-forward, and Bentham and Jackson changing places. Thanks to Bentham’s hard work and determination this affected some improvement but it was too late to sway the issue. Smith got United’s second goal just before the interval. Carey making it three midway through the second half. Everton finished up the last ten minutes with more fire than at any previous period Jones (H.) snatching a goal just before the finish. Burnett gave a good display and though Cook was below par the defence kept its end up well against odds. Only Stevenson of the forwards was up to normal standard. United were sound fore and aft. Attendance 5,965 £306. Everton:- Burnett, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G.), and Jones (H.)(West Bromwich Albion), half-backs; Watson (T.G.), Anderson (Third Lanark), Jackson, Stevenson and Lyon, forwards. Manchester United:- Breedon, goal; Redwood and Roughton, backs; Warner, Porter and Whalley, half-backs; Bryan, Smith, Rowley, Carey, and Mitton, forwards. Referee; Mr. C.P. Womersley (Stockport).
• Liverpool drew with New Brighton, 5-5, Done (3), Dorsett (2), Liverpool also missed a penalty, New Brighton goal scores Malam (2) (1 Penalty), Frost (2), Waring

EVERTON SLIPPED BACK
October 6, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
Hopes of an Everton revival look like being deferred for some time. After their away victory over Manchester United it seemed the forward weaknesses had been solved, but against United at Goodison we were back where we started with the forward line so ragged and disjointed that victory never looked like materialising. True, Everton started fairly well, but once Rowley had given Manchester the tonic of a goal, their was practically only one side to it. Jackson though a persistent trier, is not the solution to the centre forward position, and Harry Jones, who moved there late on, did no better. Lyon was too well held by Redwood to shine, and Anderson faded out after starting promisingly. Even the Everton defences usually so solid, suffering occasional, fritters though it managed to hold out well against periods of pressure. Watson was out of touch, not surprising, after so long an absence, and Cook was below par, but Burnett did well, and had no chance with any of the three goals. On this showing United are worthy of their position in the League. Their attack is quick and dangerous, with Rowley a persistent pursuer of every opening; their halves are constructive and the defence sound. Everton staged a late-on flourish after Jones (H.) had gone centre forward and Jackson and Bentham changed places, but it was more through the individual determination of Bentham than any general improvement in the line. One satisfactory feature of the match was the further confirmation given by the attendance of the increasing interest in this season’s football. Gates are going up, albeit slowly and Saturday’s figures (5,965 and £306) were the best so far.

NO CONNECTING LINKS.
October 6, 1941. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
If football matches were decided on the amount of actual pressure, Everton would duly have completed the “double” over Manchester United at Goodison Park. It is goals that count, however. Everton were applying pressure for fully three-parts of the game, but it was so ineffective that they had to wait until the last minute before Harry Jones got through with a consoling point. The United frittered nothing away and were the essence of opportunism. They employed directness whereas the Blues inclined to overdo the close-passing ad suffering because, diligent as was Stevenson in a creative sense, there was no connecting link. The United forwards had an understanding and an ease in moving to the open space. There was no dallying, the ball was whipped away accurately to the well-positioned colleagues. Rarely has that defensive force of Jones, Cook, and Greenhalgh been blasted open so easily and completely as on Saturday. Those United forwards were good and might have scored more than the trio per quick-fire Rowley, Smith and Carey.
Gordon O’K
The most pleasing feature from an Everton point of view was the satisfactory come-back of Gordon Watson at left-half. This consummate footballer proved that he is suffering few, if any ill-effects of his recent ankle operation. I doubt whether any player in the game gave more generously to the artistic side of the game. Had his colleagues followed his example in exploiting the quick, raking pass instead of playing into the hands of the quick tackling defenders, Everton’s efforts would not have been wasted. There was plenty in the 90 minutes to enjoy and the 5,965 spectators who paid £306 must have been satisfied –apart from the fact that Everton’s ground record was broken. Mr. Harold Hardman, the former Everton winger and member of the 1906 cup winning side came in charge of the United with Mr. Walter Cricker, the secretary, and Mr. Ted Connor himself a first-class outside right just after the last war. There was a good muster of Everton directors under chairman Mr. Will Gibbins, for Mr. Andrew Coffey, Dr. Cecil Baxter, Mr. Dickie Williams and Mr. George Evans –enjoying his first match of the season –all came along.

EVERTON’S TEAM PROBLEMS.
October 7, 1941. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton Football Club will be without the majority of their star players for the Merseyside “Derby” game with Tranmere Rovers at Goodison Park on Saturday. Tommy Jones, the Welsh international centre-half will not be available, owing to R.A.F duties and Billy Cook and Joe Mercer will be at Blackpool playing for the Football League against the Scottish League. Harry Jones the Blues “guest” player, is going to the Midlands to play for his own club, West Bromwich Albion against Aston Villa in the friendly game. Cunliffe, is finding it increasing difficult to travel on Saturday for matches in Liverpool owing to his work of national importance and so secretary Mr. Theo Kelly is faced with innumerable problems.
Just A Suggestion.
You can accept it as certain that Mr. Kelly will not hesitate to bring in the young players to play against the men of experience like Stevenson, Bentham, Watson, Greenhalgh and Anderson. Centre-half seems one of the main problems but possibly Mr. Kelly will bring back Maurice Hill, who is settling down into more than a useful pivot. If he demands more experience for this vital position, however, I suggest that he plays either Gordon Watson of Stan Bentham in that position. I am convinced they could do the job brilliantly for they are both splendid tacklers and distributes the ball well. Everton have either George Jackson of Jackie Jones to fill the right-back vacancy, and I expect to see young Wally Owen getting another chance in the attack. Owen played excellently against Manchester United at Maine-road, where he bagged a couple of goals.

EVERTON MOVE
October 9, 1941. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Mr. Theo Kelly, secretary of Everton, is to make an effort to solve the centre-half problem on Saturday, when Everton entertain Tranmere Rovers at Goodison Park. It is on the cards that the job will be given over to the international inside-forward, Jimmy Cunliffe. Cunliffe is included in the four half-backs provisionally chosen, and if he can get away from his work will play. Young Wally Own, who scored two goals against Manchester United recently, is brought back into the attack as partner to Anderson and Jack Jones will deputise for Willie Cook at right back. Lovett may be fit enough to return in goal, but if not George Burnett will continue. Everton (from); Lovett, Burnett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh; Bentham, Cunliffe, Hill, Watson; Anderson, W. Owen, Jackson, Stevenson, Lyon.
• Marine play Everton “A” at Marine on Saturday, Marine goalkeeper will play for Everton, and St. Teresa- conquerors of Everton last week

EVERTON’S EXPERIENCE
October 9, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
Everton may try the experiment of playing Jimmy Cunliffe at centre half in their side against Tranmere at Goodison on Saturday as Tommy Jones is not available. Cunliffe is not a certain starter and if he cannot play Hill will deputise. Owen returns to the forward line, Jones (J.E.) deputises for Cook, engaged in the inter-league match while if Lovett is not if fit on time, Burnett will take his place again. Everton (from); Lovett, Burnett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh; Bentham, Cunliffe, Hill, Watson; Anderson, W. Owen, Jackson, Stevenson, Lyon.

ROVERS AT GOODISON
October 10, 1941. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Notes.
Everton will again be handicapped for their match against Tranmere Rovers at Goodison Park tomorrow. Mercer and Cook will be playing in the inter-league game at Blackpool, where Matt Busby and Jimmy Caskie will bring Merseyside’s complement up to four. Consequently Jack Lyon and Wally Owen return to the team while it is probable that Jimmy Cunliffe, the international forward, will be experimented with a centre-half. The Rovers come equipped with a fine blend of youth and experience and their hopes will be high seeing that Rosenthal Ashcroft and Coats are back in the team. If Everton can find their goal sense I think they will record their third win of the season.
Everton (from); Lovett, Burnett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh; Bentham, Cunliffe, Hill, Watson; Anderson, W. Owen, Jackson, Stevenson, Lyon. Tranmere Rovers (from); W.R. Teasdale; J.T. Price, Owen; Heydon, Price (W.B), Hodgson; L.L. Ashcroft, Rosenthal, Coats, H. Bell, Lewis, Bridges.

TRANMERE’S TRIERS
October 10, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton are at home to Tranmere Rovers, a fixture which is not foregone conclusion, for the Rovers are eleven triers with a grand team spirit; while Everton’s attack is still far from satisfactory. The home side won’t be able to give anything away. Jack Jones takes the place of Cook at right back, while Cunliffe may deputises for Tommy Jones at centre half. Everton are to make sure of victory, there will have to be better understanding in the front line. Teams from - Everton (from); Lovett, Burnett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh; Bentham, Cunliffe, Hill, Watson; Anderson, W. Owen, Jackson, Stevenson, Lyon. Tranmere Rovers (from); W.R. Teasdale; J.T. Price, Owen; Heydon, Price (W.B), Hodgson; L.L. Ashcroft, Rosenthal, Coats, H. Bell, Lewis, Bridges.
Everton “A” at Crosby
Marine play Everton “A” at Colleague Road, Crosby on Saturday in the Liverpool County Combination game at 3.15. Though Everton’s performances so far this season have not been startling they are always attractive visitors and their visit should have the best crowd of the season. Marines team will be:- W. Butcher; T. Hannan, G. Welsby; F. Edwards, J.K. Morgan, W. Fitzpatrick; W. Arnold, J. Jones, G. Harron, F. Johns, and E. Patterson.

EVERTON V TRANMERE ROV
October 11, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton:- Burnett, goal; Jones (J.E.) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Keen (Derby County) and Hill, half-backs; Anderson (Third Lanark), W. Owen, Jackson, Stevenson (captain) and Lyon, forwards. Tranmere Rovers:- W.R. Teasdale, goal; J. Price and Owen, backs; Heydon, W.B.Price, and Hodgson, half-backs; Ashcroft, Rosenthal, Coats, Lewis, and Bridges, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.N. Brown, Liverpool. The Rovers found themselves a goal in arrears at the eleventh minute. Bentham opened the way for Owen, who cleverly beat Price before he slipped the ball into the middle for Jackson to beat Teasdale with a shot which was deflected off a Rovers defender. Three minutes later Everton improved their outlook with a Stevenson goal, the Irishman scoring from long range, lobbing the ball over a number of Tranmere players and just under the bar. Teasdale had to make a good save from Jackson and at 40 minutes Stevenson scored with a great shot from long range. Jackson having headed his pass so that Stevenson could take it on the run.
Half-time; Everton 3, Tranmere R 0
The second half was just five minutes old when Bridges reduced the lead, following a run by Ashcroft. This little winger with the dazzling feet had little opportunity up to then, but he put his centre across with such accuracy that Bridges was left with the sample task to head a goal. Ashcroft scored for Tranmere 65 minutes. Final; Everton 3, Tranmere Rovers 2.
• Football League beat The Scottish League 3-2 at Blackpool, Cook and Mercer played for the Football League and Caskie for the Scottish League.

EVERTON WIN BY OWN GOAL
October 13, 1941, The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 3, Tranmere Rovers 2
Tranmere Rovers’ Recovery
By Stork.
Everton defeated Tranmere Rovers by the odd goal in five at Goodison Park, after obtaining at interval lead of 3-0. The Rovers started briskly without taking their chances, but later made a good fight of it. Jackson got a goal in ten minutes and Stevenson quickly followed with another and just before the interval scored again. The Rovers had lost their early swing and not until the second half did they recover their balance. Everton apart from the first ten minutes, were complete masters of the half. They moved with impressive combination, which tested the Rovers defence to the full. Had Bridges been in anything like shooting form the Rovers might have had three goals in the first ten minutes. Ashcroft was not fed as he should have been and there were long spells when he did not see the ball, but in the second half he showed what he could do. Within five minutes of the resumption however, his first centre was headed into the net by Bridges. Ashcroft gave Greenhalgh an unpleasant time, he beat him more easily than Matthews ever did. After Jackson had headed against the post and Bridges had missed from another perfect scoring position, Ashcroft swept through to score a brilliant goal. Keen (Derby County) playing centre-half for Everton, twice stopped terrific shots, one of which was enough to knock him out. It was a remarkable turn about and a tribute to the Rovers lightning quality. They almost snatched the game out of the fire. Everton’s first half play was excellent. Stevenson and Owen particularly the former, had a great innings, and Keen, who I understand will often be available, will add strength to the Everton half-back line, but I have seen Greenhalgh play better. Burnett was safe in goal. For Tranmere I liked Rosenthal a classy forward, Ashcroft, Lewis, Price and Owen. Everton:- Burnett, goal; Jones (J.E.) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Keen (Derby County) and Hill, half-backs; Anderson (Third Lanark), W. Owen, Jackson, Stevenson(captain) and Lyon, forwards. Tranmere Rovers:- W.R. Teasdale, goal; J. Price and Owen, backs; Heydon, W.B.Price, and Hodgson, half-backs; Ashcroft, Rosenthal, Coats, Lewis, and Bridges, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.N. Brown, Liverpool.

OWEN-OWEN DUEL
October 13, 1941. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
One of the features at Goodison Park apart from some wonder shooting by Alec Stevenson, the Blues Irish international, and skipper for the day, was the keen duel between Owen, the young Evertom amateur inside-right and his namesake at left back for the Rovers. They are only a couple of little uns, but with the hearts of lions and no mean ability. I thought the Everton Owen came off best; in fact I regard his re-introduction to the attack as concrete evidence of wise selection, he brought back the life which has been absent in recent games in the Blues attack his strength on the ball speed up to possession and youthful enterprise made this a good attack which, in the opening half, swept through to three goals. Owen pressed George Jackson with the first, and then came the two wonder shots by Stevenson. The Rovers were game as penules, and while they were not to be compared with the Everton in the Everton opening half they struck, manfully to their task. Bridges, who wasted chances early on, said “Thank you” to Ashcroft and reduced the lead. The Rovers rolled up their sleeves and fought back like terriers, Ashcroft scored a grand goal, and then Everton were e hard put to it to hold out. True, the Blues had some bad luck in front of goal. Jackson with a few smiles from Dame fortune would have bagged three-but the Rovers fight back was thrilling. Everton were just that better side and deserved their win, which would have been more pronounced but for some fine goalkeeping by Teasdale. A good goalkeeper, this, and I was deeply impressed with Wally Price, a dominating pivot. Coats and the ever improving Ashcroft, I am still wondering why Ashcroft was neglected so long in the first period. Stevenson was Everton’s generating force, ably backed by Bentham, while Eric Keen, of Derby County, steadied the rearguard. Owen has come to stay, and Jackson is gradually getting a keen grasp of the duties of leadership. Lyon did some great things in a quiet way, and Anderson is getting into his stride all right. Match practice is helping him. The only defensive fault was a penchant to be beaten for speed late on. The Rovers followers, who came under Alderman Egan, had every reason to be satisfied with the display, and so did the 4,381 spectators who made up the biggest gate for an Everton-Rovers wartime game at Goodison. Mr. Will Gibbins, the Everton chairman, had the support of Capt Tom Percy, who came along with Major Lang, Mr. George Evans and Mr. Dickie Williams. Mr. Ike Robinson, the Country F.A. secretary, and Mr. Shuttleworth were among those present while before the game I had a word with Tommy White. Everton’s centre half of the 1933 Cup winning team, who is now on work of national importance.

EVERTON CUT IT FINE
October 18, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
When a side has obtained a 3-goals lead by the interval one usually looks for a fairly comfortable lead, especially so when that lead has been obtained by smooth-flowing football as played by Everton against Tranmere Rovers. But to this war-time football –aye, any period of football –nothing must be taken for granted I admit the Rovers stumped badly they had opened on a bright note and missed some easy ones, and seemed easy prey for Everton, who had played better than for some weeks past, but he scored half saw a complete reversal of form. Jackson and Stevenson (2) were Everton’s scorers during their triumphal march, what time Bridges missed three of four reasonably sample scoring chances, and Jackson had headed against the upright. Could the Rovers produce a rally sufficient to wipe out such a lead? They did and it was mainly due to Ashcroft the little winger the unusual suit. He “made” the first goal with a perfect centre to Bridges and then went on to mark up grant goal for himself, and so fierce were the Rovers onslaught at this point that Keen the Derby player, operating at centre half for Everton, had to stop two terrific shots in avert disaster. Eric Keen I am told will be able to help Everton frequailty. That is good news for he was a string defender with constructional methods and will help solve a difficult problem. Everton have fixed the following Cup-tie dates:- January 10, and 17. Blackburn Rovers, February 7 and 14 Burnley February 21 and 28 Oldham first match in each pair at Goodison Park. Wolverhampton will probably be on January 24 and 31 and Southport December 27 and January 3.

EVERTON READY FOR ROVERS
October 15, 1941. The Evening Express.
Everton for the first time this season, are able to announce their team for the week-end without any “if’s.” The Blues are due to go to Prenton Park to oppose Tranmere Rovers in the return League game, and will have two of their international Joe Mercer and Willie Cook, back on duty. Mercer returns to left half in back on duty. Mercer returns to left half in place of Hill, and Cook comes back to right back in place of Jack Jones. Eric Keen, the Derby County English international will once again be a centre-and half, and young Wally Owen, the local lad who is making a good keeps his place at inside-right as partner to Anderson. There is no doubt that Owen was a tremendous success against The Rovers last Saturday. George Jackson, usually a full back, is improving with every game as a centre-forward. He is quick in front of goal and concentrated on keeping the line moving smoothly. He will again shoulder this task at Prenton with Stevenson and Lyon comprising the left wing. Lovatt is still suffering from injury, and so George Burnett is retained in goal. Everton; Burnett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Keen, Mercer; Anderson, W. Owen, Jackson, Stevenson, Lyon.

EVERTON SELECTION
October 15, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Everton will have the assistance of Cook and Mercer for their return with Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on Saturday, while Keen, Derby County’s half backs is also available again. Lovett is finding the knee injury he received at Chester more troublesome than expected, and Burnett still remains in goal. For the first time this season Everton announce only eleven names, instead of the usual twelve or fourteen probables. Teams:- Burnett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Keen, Mercer; Anderson, W. Owen, Jackson, Stevenson, and Lyon.

DEAN LEADS ARMY XI.
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 16 October 1941
” Dixie Dean, former. Everton and England centre forward, will captain the Army XI. opposing Bristol City, at Warminster, Wilts, on Saturday, Bristol City have arranged a return match with Dean’s side at Bristol, on Oct. 25. Which goes to a professional footballer except playing in the F.A Cup final. He played centre forward for Everton, Liverpool and England. Among his most treasured trophies is the football which was

GEORGE DOBSON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 17 October 1941
Oct 16, at Central Hospital, Wallasey, in his 79th year George Dobson, of 4 Lathom Avenue, Wallasey (late of Everton F.C)  (1882-86) and Bolton Wanderers.  Funeral cortege leaves home at 1 p.m.  Monday next for interment at rake Lane Cemetery at 1-30 R.I.P.

EVERTON STARS RETURN
October 17, 1941. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton go to Prenton Park seeking their first “double” of the season. Last week they conquered Tranmere Rovers by the odd goal in five at Goodison Park but they may win in more convincing style this week, for three of their international stars return to duty. They are Tommy Jones, Billy Cook and Joe Mercer, and there is no doubt that their return will bring further strength to a side which revealed welcome improvement a week ago. Everton; Burnett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham Jones (TG), Mercer; Anderson, W. Owen, Jackson, Stevenson, Lyon. Tranmere Rovers; W.R. Teasdale; J.T. Price, Owen; A. Ferguson, Price, (W.B); Hodgson, L.L. Ashcroft, Rosental, (A), H. Bell, Coats, Bridges.

EVERTON’S STRONG DEFENCE.
October 17, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Tranmere Rovers should draw their best gate this season when Everton provide the opposition at Prenton Park tomorrow. Tranmere supporters always loyal will be out in full force to encourage their favourage their favourities to produce just little bit extra which may make all the difference. Rovers came near to giving Everton’s big shock last week. I wasn’t there, but one strong Evertonians tells me that the home side were lucky not to be beaten when Tranmere staged their strong second-half rally –and if an Evertonians says that, you can be sure the other side must have been doing a bit of something. Everton, however, will be stronger in defence tomorrow, for not only will Cook and Mercer be back but the incomparable Tommy Jones will turn out at centre half. With a defence like Everton will field, I don’t think the Rovers attack will be able to make much headway, but they won’t fail for lack of trying, and determination often succeeds, where other things don’t. Everton; Burnett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham Jones (TG), Mercer; Anderson, W. Owen, Jackson, Stevenson, Lyon. Tranmere Rovers; W.R. Teasdale; J.T. Price, Owen; A. Ferguson, Price, (W.B); Hodgson, L.L. Ashcroft, Rosental, (A), H. Bell, Coats, Bridges.

TRANMERE ROVERS V EVERTON
October 18, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Tranmere Rovers:- W.R. Teasdale, goal; T. Price, and Owen (A), backs; Heydon, Price (W.B.), and Hodgson, half-backs; Ashcroft, Rosenthal, Coats, Grififths, and Bridges, forwards. Everton:- Burnett, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (TG), and Mercer, half-backs; Anderson, Owen, Jackson, Stevenson, and Lyon, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Delaney, Chester. Tranmere opened on a good note at Prenton Park today and for some minutes kept the Everton defence in their own half, but the work of Mercer, Jones, and Greenhalgh was powerful enough to check all the endearous of the Rovers’ attack, sprightly through it was. The first real goal incident was when Ashcroft put across one of his accurate centres, with which Coats just failed to contact. Replying Lyon worked through the Rovers defensive plan, but then made a feeble attempt with is shot. Coats was almost through when he suffered as off-side decision and Owen of Everton was only just robbed at the last second by centre half Price as he was going through. The Rovers goal after had a remarkable escape when Jackson lobbed the half against the crossbar with Teasdale well, and truely beaten but there were no Everton forwards handy enough to take advantage of the grit offring.
Half-time; Tranmere Rovers nil, Everton nil.
In the second half Haydon was off for a time with injury and Jackson only half hit a shot otherwise Teasdale would have been beaten. Stevenson was off the mark from a good opening and then Bridges made a long run and a fiery shot which Burnett saved smartly. This was the first save the Everton keeper had to make which gives some idea to how much Everton had been on top. Everton piled on pressure and Teasdale was a very busy man before he was finally beaten by Owen at fifty-five minutes.

A DOUBLE FOR EVERTON
October 20, 1941. The Liverpool Daily Post
Tranmere Rovers 0, Everton 4
Tranmere Lose at Home.
By Stork.
Everton completed a double at the expense of Tranmere Rovers when they won 4-0 at Prenton Park, and while admitting that they played by far the more polished football throughout, it was not until the Rovers had their right half-back injured that Everton scored. Tranmere did not produce the form which enabled them to run Everton to a goal a week previously. Teasdale made some fine saves in the first half, but Burnett, although there were one or two “near misses” did not have to handle the call direct. There was no score at the interval. A few minutes after the interval Heydon the Rovers right half-back was injured, and from that moment Everton became a more menacing side, and within a few minutes Jackson put in a shot which was pushed out to Owen, who scored at 55 minutes. Goals followed at regular intervals. The Rovers missed Heydon, Lyon for the first time, was able to do as he liked, and he took advantage of a faulty back pass by W.B. Price to nip in and put the ball into the net. Time 78 minutes. Two minutes later Lyon scored again. Tranmere were beaten and two minutes from the end Stevenson took up a pass from Mercer and scored the fourth goal. Tranmere had fought gallantly against a superior side. Everton were always masters of the situation, even when the Rovers were at full strength. Everton’s forward line was better than I have seen if for some time. Anderson and Owen made up a good wing, put the man of the line was Stevenson. He was a prodigious worker. Everton were well served at half-back, where Mercer was prominent for many long runs Jones an imperturbable pivot and Bentham a man of all work. I liked Rosenthal in the Tranmere attack, for Ashcroft got little chance against Greenhalgh. Tranmere Rovers:- W.R. Teasdale, goal; T. Price, and Owen (A), backs; Heydon, Price (W.B.), and Hodgson, half-backs; Ashcroft, Rosenthal, Coats, Grififths, and Bridges, forwards. Everton:- Burnett, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (TG), and Mercer, half-backs; Anderson, Owen, Jackson, Stevenson, and Lyon, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Delaney, Chester.

TRANMERE BAD LUCK
October 20, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Though Tranmere provided Everton with their first double. It must be recorded that the Rovers had all the bad luck that was going. They held their visitors with four internationals on view, to a goalless first half, and it was only when Tranmere were a man short-Heydon being off nearly all the second half –that Everton played their defence. Tranmere finished up finally with only nine men, J.T. Price also being injured. Not, that Everton should have been without goals in the first half. They ought to have made the game safe long before then with the chances they had, but their finishing was poor, in fact their most dangerous forward in the first portion was a half-back. Mercer, with Cook also having a pop now and again to show his forwards that the direct frontial attack rather than meandering attempts to walk the ball into the net was what was wanted. Everton’s defence carried a few lapses through taking things too easily was sound throughout Jones and Mercer being outstanding. Stevenson worked like a Trojan to lick the front line into a combined force. Owen did well and showed again that he has good football in him, while Jackson was a persevering centre forward. Tranmere’s best were W.B. Price, who was rarely beaten when the ball was in the air. Hodgson a hard working kid, and Ashcroft who, after a fairly outset first half, put in some electrying runs late on. Rovers were better than the score suggests, and made a grand fight under difficult circumstances.

ANFIELD “DERBY” EVERTON PROBABLES
October 21, 1941, The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Tommy Lawton, the England international centre forward, is included among Everton’s probables for next Saturday’s. Merseyside “Derby” game against Liverpool at Anfield. This will be Lawton’s first appearances with the Blues this season. Tommy is stationed somewhere in the South and, apart from representative games, has been scoring plenty of goals with Aldershot and Millwall. Everton’s only doubt affects the attack, but Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly is ensuring that he can field a line capable of putting up a show in keeping with the occasion. Harry Jones is expected to return after having had two games with his own club, West Bromwich Albion, while Stevenson is okay. Wallis Owen, the young local amateur, is again selected as partner to Anderson and he will have his “Derby” baptism. Gordon Watson will return to left half, Watson played against Manchester United at Goodison Park recently –his first game since his ankle operation –but then asked to have two or three games with the “A” team to retain complete confidence. Tommy Jones, like Joe Mercer, will be playing in the international at St. Andrews, and Eric Keen, of Derby County, comes back to centre-half. Everton (from) Burnett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Keen, Watson; Anderson, W. Owen, Lawton, Jones (Harry), Jackson, Stevenson, Lyon.

EVERTON INCLUDE LAWTON FOR ANFIELD DERBY
October 21, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
Liverpool’s Biggest Test
Ranger’s Notes
While it is gratifying to see Liverpool fourth from the top of North Regional table, and thus justified in their policy of blending experienced guests with their own youngsters, optimistic visions of championship chances should take into account that,, so far the opposition has been on the easy side. This is not befitting Liverpool’s performances, which have proved them a sound and workmanlike side, but remember that six of their eight games have been against ex-Third Division sides, some not of the strongest, and their position may take maintaining when they come up against opposition of a suffer calibre. Their hardest match, so far, comes on Saturday when Everton are due at Anfield in the first of the local derby matches. The Blues are not the side they were at this time last year, when they were able to field pretty nearly their championship side. Now there are rarely more than four of the old “invincible” out at one time and though the defence is still one of the best in the country, no team can win on its defence alone. There must be some match-winning contribution from the attack, and that is where Everton have been remiss of late. Taken individually, there has been no outstandingly weak spot, but collectively the line has been disappointing, lacking particularly in combination and shooting ability. There has been too much finesse and desire to walk the ball into the net. For the game at Anfield the Blues hope to have Lawton back as leader, which ought to make a big difference. T.G. Jones is not available. Keen, of Derby County coming in instead, while Watson resumes at left half. Teams:- Burnett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Keen, Watson; forwards from Anderson, Owen, Lawton, Jones (H.), Jackson, Stevenson, Lyon.

WILLIE MUIR
Daily Record - Tuesday 21 October 1941
The old school of football enthusiasts will regret to learn of the death of Willie Muir one-time goalkeeper of Dundee and Third Lanark who was capped for Scotland.  Mr. Muir who was 65 years of age, until not long ago, was mine host of a hotel at Sandbank where he died.  He was a native of Musselburgh, and he will be buried in Iveresk Church-yard there today. 

FORMER DUNDEE GOALKEEPER
Dundee Evening Telegraph -Wednesday 22 October 1941
Death of Billy Muir
The death occurred at the week-end of Billy Muir, a goalkeeper with Dundee the early 1900's. Muir, a big burly goalkeeper, went to Dens Park from Everton, and after leaving Dundee and taking business Glasgow he made several appearances for Third Lanark. He played against Ireland 1907. He was native of Musselburgh, and was a licensed business in his native town for many years. He was 65 years old.

COUNTY COMBINATION
October 22, 1941. The Evening Express.
The tit-bit in Saturday’s county Combination matches is the clash at Goodison Park between the “A” teams of Everton and Liverpool. Everton have just struck form after an indifferent opening, and have scored two successive 5-1 wins. Everton; “A” Johnson; Ireland, Dugdale; Hill, Kelly, Micheal; Seddon, Mitchell, Wyles, Bailey, Fowler.

HALF-BACKS TO DECIDE?
October 24, 1941. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Personally, I think the outcome depends on half-back power. Liverpool hope to have either Tom Bush, or Whittaker, the Kingstonias, amateur international at centre half, while Phil Taylor, who is certain to play, may be experimented with at left-half. The full-back division will be strengthened by the inclusion of Ramsden, who is home on leave. Berry Niuwenhuys has sent word that he is certain to play. Everton will have Keen of Derby County, at centre-half, with Bentham and Watson on the flanks and backed up by the consistent Cook and Greenhalgh they have no defensive worries. Tommy Lawton definitely will play, and it will be interesting to compare the style of young Cyril Done, the Reds free scoring leader this bag is 18 to date with the international. Harry Jones of West Bromwich, and Stevenson are practically certainties for the Blues so we have all the talent necessary to make this a day to remember. If there are not 12,000 spectators present, I shall be disappointed I look forward to a merry meeting of enthusiasts and a feast of soccer and good music. Liverpool; (from) Hobson; Ramsden, Lambert; Kaye, Bush, Whittaker; Cooke, Taylor; Liddell, Nieuwenhuys, Ainsley (Leeds United), Done, Dorsett (Wolves), Polk, O’Donnell (H.) (Blackpool). Everton (from); Burnett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Keen, Watson; Anderson, (Third Lanark), W. Owen, Lawton, Jones (Harry) (West Bromwich A.), Stevenson, Jackson, Lyon.

GRAND DERBY PROSPECTS
October 24, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Unless they come together later on in one or other of the Cup competition, Liverpool and Everton meet this season in only two Regional games –at Anfield tomorrow and Goodison next week –so that supporters of both clubs will doubtless be out in full force. Apart from the football treat in store, which should give us some of the old pre-war atmosphere, there is the added attraction of the Irish Guards band. As Liverpool so far, haven’t been able to bring the F.A. Cup to Anfield, they’ve done the next best thing, and brought the band that has played at all the Wembley Cup Finals. They will play from 2-30 onwards and at the interval. A collection in aid of the R.A.F Bonevolent Fund will be taken. I’ve appealed already for solid support for this. May I ask, just once more, that everybody should give generously to this grand cause? Now for the match itself. Liverpool’s chief desire this season has been to strengthen their defence. Everton’s biggest problem has been in attack so that where one side is weak the other is strong and vice-verse. Unfortunately for Everton, Jones and Mercer will be at Birmingham; but Keen, of Derby will be a good deputy at centre half, while Gordon Watson after a couple of trial runs with the “A” side, is now back to his standard and with Cook and Greenhalgh at their best in the rear division. Liverpool’s attack is up against a stiff obstacle. So far as Everton’s front line is concerned there is good news this morning a wire from Tommy Lawton confirming definitely that he will play. This will stiffen the attack considerably. Liverpool similarly have good news for they have word from Ramsden who has not been seen here for over twelve month, that he hopes to turn out at right back which will help solve one of Mr. George Kay’s difficulties, while word has also come from Taylor he is a “cert.” With Nieuwenhuys another definite starter and Bush a probable, this looks like being a fair gathering of the Anfield pre-war clan. . Liverpool; (from) Hobson; Ramsden, Lambert; Kaye, Bush, Whittaker; Cooke, Taylor; Liddell, Nieuwenhuys, Ainsley (Leeds United), Done, Dorsett (Wolves), Polk, O’Donnell (H.) (Blackpool). Everton (from); Burnett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Keen, Watson; Anderson, (Third Lanark), W. Owen, Lawton, Jones (Harry) (West Bromwich A.), Stevenson, Jackson, Lyon.

LIVERPOOL V EVERTON
October 25, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
By Contact.
Liverpool had some of their regulars back for this special occasion, but Everton’s was a mixed, middling side with Keen at left half and Harry Jones, the forward, at centre-half. The sides came out side by side after the band of H.M. Irish Guards had given the utmost pleasure with their programme. Liverpool:- Hobson, goal; Taylor and Lambert, backs; Whittaker, Bush and Kays, half-backs; Nieuwenhuys, Ainsley (Leeds United), Done, Polk, and Liddell, forwards. Everton:- Burnett, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (H.) (West Bromwich Albion), and Keen (Eric) (Derby County), half-backs; Anderson (Third Lanark), Owens, Lawton, Stevenson, and Lyon, forwards. Referee; Mr. E.W. Baker. A goal was not long in coming. Ainsley and Nieuwenhuys took the ball along the right wing in lovely style and although Done could not properly get hold of Nivvy’s centre, the ball spun across to Liddell, standing near the far post, and he calmly put it over the line. It was quite like old times to see Liverpool rivalry, especial as the crowd was now well on towards the 20,000 mark. Everton equalised ten minutes after Liverpool scored, and the penalty through which they got the goal was the eight Liverpool have conceded this season. When Busby handled Lyon’s centre, Lawton signalled that he did not desire to take the kick, and Willie Cook came up and duly obliged. A telling pass from Polk opened the way for Liddell to go in, and smash home a lovely shot to give Liverpool the lead again at 18 minutes. But for a superlative one-hand save by Burnett from Done a few moments later it would have been 3-1. Everton drew level again with a nice goal from Lyon, thanks to Stevenson’s spade work, and the game went on its way with tremendous interest and enthusiasm on all sides and enough good football to make us imagine this was one of the good old days.
Half-time; Liverpool 2, Everton 2.
It was not long before the game had warmed up into a fierce battle in the second half, and although Liverpool seemed the more likely to go ahead, Everton were far from being a spent force. Bentham and Lawton were having a good innings, and Jones was holding Done as he has certainly not been held in recent weeks. Some of Everton’s work was up to peace-time standard.

BUSH DECIDES AT ANFIELD
October 27, 1941. The Liverpool Daily Post
Liverpool 3, Everton 2
A Close Struggle.
By L.E.E.
A few minutes from the end of a thrilling Liverpool-Everton meeting at Anfield both sides were struggling hard for a decision goal. It was then that Bush went forward from centre half to use his great height to nod in a corner kick taken by Liddell. So Liverpool won by three goals (Liddell (2), and Bush) two (Lyon and Cook, Penalty) and yet another meeting of city rivals had been impressed on the memories of all who saw it. Characteristically, it was a match which had the little something others have not got. There was more enthusiasm, better football, and a faster pace than we have had for months. There was hardly a goal in it. Possibly the meeting next Saturday will enable Everton to balance up, as it were. There is no doubt they are the best side Liverpool have faced this season. Actually it was much more like a normal match between the two than one would anticipate. After seeing many games played at three-quarter speed this appeared to be fought a whirlwind pace. Everton contributed a lot of good football, but the final thrust was not so evident as it was in the case of Liverpool. Everything tended to make the match exciting. Liverpool’s early lead did not last long. And when Liddell again but this side ahead along came another penalty award against his side to enable Willie Cook to square up. All things considered, neither side could have been expected to play any better, Taylor, Keen, of Derby County and H. Jones of West Bromwich, all playing out of position fitted into new spheres with no apparent difficulty and Done’s quietude was the result of Jones’s heady centre half play.
Liddell’s Skill
I liked the Liddell flick which enabled him to leave Cook yards behind, but that is not to say Cook did not often score in his duel against the boy Bentham as half-back was always doing hard graft to good purpose and Keen and Lawton put more pep into the Everton side than has been there so far this season. Liverpool’s wingers were fast and dangerous, admitting their inner men were inclined to be slow. Lambert and Kaye had their moment’s and Hobson was responsible for two really fine saves. He had rather more to do than Burnett, whose quickness and sure handling marked him out as a goalkeeper who will make his name in normal times. Liverpool:- Hobson, goal; Taylor and Lambert, backs; Whittaker, Bush and Kays, half-backs; Nieuwenhuys, Ainsley (Leeds United), Done, Polk, and Liddell, forwards. Everton:- Burnett, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (H.) (West Bromwich Albion), and Keen (Eric) (Derby County), half-backs; Anderson (Third Lanark), Owens, Lawton, Stevenson, and Lyon, forwards. Referee; Mr. E.W. Baker.
• England beat Wales at Birmingham, Mercer playing for England and T.G. Jones for Wales.

RETURN “DERBY” MATCH PLAN
October 27, 1941. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Two energetic football personalities began, this week-end, to build up their teams for next Saturday’s second “act” in the Merseyside “Derby” thriller. They are Mr. Theo Kelly, of Everton, and Mr. George Kay, of Liverpool. On Saturday at Anfield both had the curious wartime experience of having too many players available. Liverpool could not find a place for Hugh O’Donnell and Everton had Gordon Watson ready, but Gordon agreed that another run with the “A” team would do him no harm, and so he hurried back across the park, to play in the junior “Derby”. Such was the brilliance of this Anfield game, which Liverpool won by three goals to two, that both Mr. Kelly and Mr. Kay set out as soon as the final whistle had sounded to gather their forces for next week’s return at Goodison Park, when I can assure you there will be another gathering of the stars. Everton, for instance, will have Joe Mercer back to compensate for the absence of Tommy Lawton, who cannot get away, but who has booked himself for the Manchester City games in a couple of weeks time. Liverpool will have Berry Nieuwenhuys again, and expect to have a few more of their pre-war stars to ensure that this second act does not fall short of the titanic struggle we saw on Saturday.
Peacetime Pageantry
Not since peacetime have I enjoyed a sporting engagement as much as I did that at Anfield, embracing as it did all the peace time pageantry, a reunion of friends old and new, and a thrill-a-second match with hardly a pin to choose between the sides. It was super-charged football throughout. If anything misfired it was the result. I think Everton were a shade unlucky to lose. A draw would have been a fitting result to a day on which both sides rose to great height. I thought Liverpool the more effective combination in the first half, but Everton attacked for three-parts of the second half and just could not clinch it. It was massive Tom Bush who came up for a corner kick and nodded home the winner. Yes, and it was Bush who home the winner. Yes, and it was Bush who had paved the way for the win by the zealousness of his policing of dangerous Tom Lawton got one real chance in the second half, and then Alf Hanson made the save of a lifetime. The Reds obviously decided that if they stopped Lawton they would win, and so Bush had a couple of helpmates –Phil Taylor, was a fine emergency back –all the time, and the Reds recorded their sixth win the last seven games, and now stand second in the League chart.
Done Denied
The More I see of Billy Liddell, the more convinced am I that he is soccer discovery of the age. It was he who bagged both Liverpool’s first half goals and he was the best forward of the game. It was fine to see the electric Nieuwenhuys again, but the Reds attack, lacked the cunning of the Blues. Cyril Done a new experience. It was the first time this season that he had failed to score. The reason was the brilliance of Harry Jones, as centre-half, the man who had stopped Rowley at Maine-Road. Jones was grand and so was Billy Cook, while Stan Bentham and Eric Keen was indefatigable in their endeavours. Lyon I thought was more effective of late and it was he who got the Blues second goal after Cook had accepted yet another penalty chance. Liverpool have found a useful lad in Whittaker the amateur international half-back, who, with young George Kaye, helped to strengthen that fine defence which Tom Bush welded together so solidly and which, with Liddle’s menacing attack really made the points Liverpool’s Burnett and Hobson did their bit thoroughly, while Lambert, Greenhalgh, Anderson, Ainsley, and Polk handled their roles well in a game which still thrills at thought.

FULL MEASURES
October 27, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
By Contact.
It would be hard to say which was more winded –the Irish Guardsmen, who gave us full measure of the post hour before the Anfield match or Everton or Liverpool players after the 90 minutes of whirlwind football. Whichever it was, nothing can detract from the entertainment value of the Irish Guards band of the football we had from our city sides. Possibly the two naval lads who made their own barrack square and did their drum-majoring and marching on the kop may disagree, but the majority of the 13,000 who made the ground look like old times, were well content. The charm of the match lay in the speed its severity and Everton’s climb-up to level pegging after twice being behind. Each side mixed old and new guest players, and found the blend satisfying. If there were no shortage of oranges it would have been exactly like old times. Yes, even to the little display of temper, which it seems, must arise in these meetings to spoil the day and engender antagonisms for another day. Liverpool won because Tom Bush’s head boddbed up in the goalmouth, a few minutes from the end, to take a corner kick goal when stalemate was in the offing. Bush had come with Phil Taylor and “Nivvy” to give a true Anfield redness to the teamsheet. Everton were not quite so well provided for in the matter of their regulars, but Tom Lawton, Bentham, and Keen (Derby) and Jones (West Bromwich) made up for deficiencies. Lawton was very lively and a more dangerous forward than at this time last year. Liddell was perhaps the outstanding of them all. Two good goals and the ability to out speed Willie Cook was his forts. Cook made no mistakes at close quarter, or in his tactical moves. Strange to say, it was Hobson, of Liverpool, who was the busier goalkeeper. The other man, Burnett, is sure in is grip and quick to move, and looks as good a prospect as I’ve seen for some time. Here’s to the next meeting at Goodison. The promise of a similar match would draw from far and wide.

ALL STAR PARADE AT GOODISON
October 28, 1941. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
There will be another all-star parade at Goodison Park on Saturday for the second of the Merseyside “Derby” matches between Everton and Liverpool; I warned you that Messrs Theo Kelly and George Kay were going all out to bring the personalities of pre-war days together for this game. Their plans are proceeding well. Encouraging news for the Evertonians is that Joe Mercer the England star, is a certain starter and that Tommy Jones, the Welsh skipper, is an odds-on probable. Tommy thinks he can secure the necessary leave and if so he and Berry Nieuwenhuys, of Liverpool, who is practically certain to play again, will travel back together on Sunday’s the same R.A.F station. Another tit-bit for the Blues is that Tommy Lawton, the England centre forward is expected to play again. There is still a doubt about Lawton, but if it is at all possible Tommy will be there. Alex Stevenson will be on duty again, and apart from our usual regulars. Gordon Watson, Eric Keen, and Harry Jones are included in the 14 Everton probables.
Whittaker –centre-Half?
So far as Liverpool are concerned, it is possible that Whittaker, the amateur international half-back, who made such a satisfactory debut last Saturday, will go to centre half, as Tom Bush is extremely doubtful. Centre-half is Whittaker’s real position. Mr. Kay has out a number of telegrams asking for players, and hopes they bring a rich reward. Niewnehuys is a certainty, and it is probable that Phil Taylor will be available again Len Carney, the clever inside forward, is another whom I expect to see in action. Defence and half-back are causing Mr. Kay his problems, for the attack is all right. Hugh O’Donnell, of Blackpool, is included in the probables, and Ainsley is certain to play. These with regulars in Liddell, Done and Polk, allow for the selection of an effective line. Young George Kaye will once again be at left half and there is always Cooke standing by ready to step in should an emergency arise. However, until Mr. Kay, receives the replies to his telegrams he cannot be too definite. Incidentally, there will be a collection at the game in aid of the Merseyside Fund for the Blind. Everton (from); Burnett; Cook, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Tommy Jones, Mercer, Watson, Keen; Anderson, W. Owen, Lawton, Harry Jones, Stevenson, Lyon
Liverpool (from); Hobson; Taylor, Macdonald, Lambert; knave, Whittaker, Cooke; Nieuwenhuys, Ainsley, Done, Carney, Polk, Hugh O’Donnell, Liddell.

COMBINATION CHOSEN
October 30, 1941. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
On Saturday will be the return between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield. Liverpool have now won four successive “derbies” against the Blues. Everton “A” (from); Johnson; Ireland, Dugdale; Wyles, Kelly, Simmons, Micheal, Mitchell; Halsall, Sharp, Smith, Bailey, Fowler.

ALL SET FOR GRAND RETURN DERBY
October 31, 1941. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Not at any time since the war started has an Everton-Liverpool meeting aroused so much interest as that which takes place at Goodison Park tomorrow. Any amount of folk I know who hitherto have taken little or no cognisance of war-time football want to see this game. Providing the weather is good and other circumstances propitious I think we shall see the biggest gate in this city since pre-war days, if the football served up reaches the standard of last week then everybody ought to be satisfied. I didn’t see the Anfield game, but from accounts from unplashed spectators it seems Liverpool were a trifle fortunate to win. This time they will have an even greater incentive for not only would a double against they old rivals be very sweet to the Anfield palate, but place Lincoln City from the leadership of the Regional table. Everton, of course have other ideas on the subject and with the return of Mercer (certain) and Tommy Jones (probable) the Blues defence will be of the cast-iron variety. The deciding factor will be Everton’s attack, which, with its wayward in-and-out form has not struck the right note on many occasions thus far. Much will depend on whether Lawton will play. Everton hope to have his services, but the position is still a trifle uncertain, in his absence Harry Jones of West Bromwich will take over. If he does as well there as I’m told he did at centre half last week then there won’t be much to worry about.