Everton Independent Research Data
INDIANS WATCH EVERTON
October 2, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Burnley Visitors to Goodison
McIntosh powerful Shot snaps Post in Half
By Ranger.
Everton;- Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G) (captain), and Scott-Lee (Manchester United), half-backs; Grant, Wainwright, Wyles, Sharpe, and McIntosh (Preston), forwards. Burnley;- Strong, goal; Ward and Watson, backs; Rudman, Woodruff and Webster, half-backs; Gardner, Brocklebank, Snowden, Robinson and Kippax, forwards. Referee; Mr. W.B. Nixon (Prestwich). About 8,000 people watched the start of Everton’s return game with Burnley, and the members of the Indian Army Division, who watched the match, were accorded a rousing reception. Sharpe, making his first appearance in Everton’s colours for a couple of years, was a thorn in Burnley’s defence, and was responsible for several good moves, which, however petered out before Strong was called upon. Burnley, likewise, had their chances but first Brocklebank and then Snowden fired high over the bar with hasty shots when a little more deliberation might have brought success. Jackson, endeavouring to pass back to Burnett when threatened by Kippax, gave away a corner which nearly led to a goal. Burnett having to be smart to save a good header by Brocklebank. There was one hectic minute during which the ball bobbed about in the Burnley goalmouth without any Everton man being able to apply the finishing touch, and then came a long swerving shot from Grant which was well saved by Kippax. After half an hour George Jackson’s injury of last week reasserted itself, and he had to go outside right where he was little more than a passenger. Bentham went right back and Grant right half. The defence which all along had been on too continued to hold the upper hand and the really combined movements were very limited. Burnley became more dangerous, but their shooting was erratic. Everton also were not distinguished for their marksmanship. Sharpe was the best in this respect, though the outstanding effort came from McIntosh, who tried to steer the ball into the far corner of the goal, only to see Strong make a brilliant save at the foot of the post.
Half-time; Everton 0, Burnley 0.
Everton had hard lines immediately on resuming when a fierce drive by McIntosh struck the underside of the bar but bounced back into play. The game, which had never been particularly enlivening, went through a dull patch, distinguished only for the excellent work of the respective centre halves. Then Everton got a free kick against Woodruff just outside the penalty area and Tommy Jones effort to “sell a dummy” almost came off. McIntosh delivered a fierce drive which had so much power behind it that when it hit the post which supports the net rigging the post snapped in two.
DEFENCES ON TOP
October 2, 1943. The Evening Express
Keen Goodison Tussle
By Pilot.
Both clubs had to make last minute alterations before the Everton and Burnley Football league game at Goodison Park today, because of the none arrival of players. Jack Jones failed to arrive and so Jackson, although hardly fit, had to play. Scott-Lee the Liverpool University boy from Rhyl was at left half to make his first team debut. Hornby missed the connection at Blackburn and so Burnley were forced to switch their team about. Everton;- Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G) (captain), and Scott-Lee (Manchester United), half-backs; Grant, Wainwright, Wyles, Sharpe, and McIntosh (Preston), forwards. Burnley;- Strong, goal; Ward and Watson, backs; Rudman, Woodruff and Webster, half-backs; Gardner, Brocklebank, Snowden, Robinson and Kippax, forwards. Referee; Mr. W.B. Nixon (Prestwich). Burnley’s opening raids looked promising enough, but faded out rather disappointingly, and Everton looked much more dangerous when Sharp, playing his first game with the Blues for two years, nipped this enterprisingly, and had a shot deflected for a corner. Bentham’s run brought a second corner, but in each instance Tom Jones’s header failed to penetrate the barrier. Grant sent a centre across the face of the Burnley goal and in 10 minutes Snowden should have given Burnley the lead when he was placed through with a long sweeping pass, but he shot hurriedly and over the bar. Sharp, was showing some excellent footwork, and there were some delightful touches by Scott-Lee, as Everton proceeded to call the tune, but continued to keen the ball a little too close.
Burnett’s Save
Kippax forced a corner off Jackson from which Robinson headed in magnificently, but Burnett was on the spot to save. Grant and McIntosh, both levelled centres which caused the Burnley defence endless trouble, but they packed so well that, although each Everton forward tried a shot not one penetrated the barrier. Strong dashed out to dispose of the fine centre by grant, and then McIntosh almost dribbled through but at the last second fell victim to Woodruff’s tackle. Sharp went through in “Westcott” style, but Strong came out to clear. Kippax swerved past Jackson and pushed the ball back for Robinson to take a shot on the run, but he was inches too high. Jackson was obviously unfit and now he went to outside right, Bentham going full back, with Grant at right half. This switch same at the end of half an hour. Brocklebank ,missed a good chance through shooting too hurriedly, and then came the best effort of the day, a dart through by McIntosh, and a shot which came back off the foot of the post. Following a corner, Robinson tried an overhead shot which surprised everyone but Burnett, who made a safe catch. The defence had up to now began too strong in the tackle for the attackers, who were keeping the ball too close.
Half-time; Everton 0, Burnley 0.
McIntosh was out of luck in his shooting, for shortly after the resumption he let go a terrific shot which Strong beaten from the word “go” but the ball came back off the bar and was scrambled away. Everton were still doing more of the attacking, but their forwards suffered through trying to do things too quickly. McIntosh was easily Everton’s most dangerous raider and he tried another left foot shot which was only inches by the far post. Everton kept attacking, but their forwards were too light for the Burnley defence. Whenever Burnley broke away they found Jones and Co, in superlative form. Strong just managed to tip over a centre from Wyles, which was bound for the net. Everton were applying continuous pressure but the Burnley defence was brilliant.
Smashed Supports.
In a sudden Burnley raid Burnett made a magnificent save from Kippax. Everton were soon back again, and McIntosh smashed the net supports, sp powerful was his drive.
EVERTON AGAIN DRAW
October 4, 1943. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 0, Burnley 0
Moderate Play
By Ranger.
The return game which was goalless between Everton and Burnley at Goodison Park produced a very mediocre exhibition with what few thrills there were being concentrated in the last quarter of an hour. Prior to that the game suffered of dull and rather aimless play, though it was never without stern effort by both sides. There was in fact a plenitude of hearty endeavour all through, but much of it, like the shooting was misdirected and came to nothing. Quick tackling and well-timed interceptions by the respective defences, both of which were very sound, kept the forwards so well, in check that there were few really outstanding combined movements, most of the attempts at concerned action being nipped in the bud before they became really dangerous. The ball was too much in the air for the football to be really good, and Everton lacked a schemer in the front line who could provide the openings by drawing the defence.
Jackson’s Centres
As a general rule the forwards either parted with the ball too quickly or else hung on too long they seemed unable to strike the happy medium. McIntosh was the best of the fine and Sharp, did quite well. But the attack was altogether too individualistic to make much impression on Burnley’s solid defence. There was also a reluctance to try a first-time shot, and the passing in the penalty area was frequently overdone. Everton had bad luck in the breakdown of Jackson, who only played following his injury of last week, because Jones (J.E.) had not turned up. After half an hour Jackson had to go outside right. Bentham going full back and Grant right half. Both filled the breach in capable fashion. This enforced shuffle took some of the sting out of the home side, which started in lively manner, and thereafter they made the mistake of playing too much to Jackson. Though he could only hobble on the wing Jackson nevertheless responded gamely by putting across some first class centres. Unfortunately, the inside man were unable to take advantage of them, and Jackson’s handicap prevented him cutting in and having a go himself. Everton’s nearest approaches to a goal were when McIntosh had a brilliant shot saved at the foot of the post in the first half, and in the second when the same player struck the underside of the bar and the ball bounced back into play. McIntosh also broke the rigging post with one terrific shot. Burnley had their moments as well, but their shooting was no better than Everton’s and good chances, particularly in the first half, were thrown away through hastiness. The two outstanding players were the respective centre halves, Jones (T.G.) and Woodruff. Scott-Lee making his senior debut, had rather too much of a handful with the Burnley right wing but struck to his task with rare determination and was well covered by Greenhalgh who played a splendid game. Right on time Greenhalgh kicked away on the goal line to save Everton an undeserved defeat. A draw was a very far result. Everton;- Burnett, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G) (captain), and Scott-Lee (Manchester United), half-backs; Grant, Wainwright, Wyles, Sharpe, and McIntosh (Preston), forwards. Burnley;- Strong, goal; Ward and Watson, backs; Rudman, Woodruff and Webster, half-backs; Gardner, Brocklebank, Snowden, Robinson and Kippax, forwards. Referee; Mr. W.B. Nixon (Prestwich).
• Liverpool beat Bury 2-1, Shepherd and Hulligan for Liverpool and Carter for Bury
EXCITED THE INDIAN TROOPS
October 4, 1943. The Liverpool Daily Post
Guest At Everton
The fourth Indian Division soldiers, native and white, brought their Merseyside tour to a close on Saturday with a visit to Goodison Park, where they were the guest of the Everton F.C., at the match between Everton and Burnley. They were keenly interested and lost much of the dignified decorum that had hitherto marked their very correct behaviour. The great crowd greeted them warmly. Earlier in the day some of them visited one of Bootle’s industries and were delightedly surprised to find that one of the borough’s chief Civil Defence officials Major Salt, air raid precautions officer, was able to interpret the complicated processes to them in their own tongue. Formerly in the Regular Army, Major Salt saw eighteen years’ service in India with the Raputana Rifles and thus Subadar Lalbahdur Thaps, V.C, and his comrades were able to converse fluently in their mother tongue with one who knows their race and native land intimately. The party was welcomed at Bootle Town Hall by the Major and Mayoress of Bootle (Alderman R.O. Jones, and Miss E. Jones) the town clerk (Mr. Harold Partington) and other associated with the civic life of the borough, and at the works they were received by Major J. Entwistle, one of the directors, who referred appreciatively to the exploits of the Fourth Indian Division in Abyssinia, and Libya. After a comprehensive tour the party was entertained at lunch at the Town Hall by the Mayor, other guests invited to meet them including members of the Council and other leading citizens. Other parties were shown over the Liverpool Corporation transport works, factories and other places of interest, and were the guest of the Empire Rendezvous Overseas Club at luncheon.
JACKSON’S BAD LUCK
October 4, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
There was a partial explication of the forwards failing in the reorganisation which had to be made when Jackson’s injury of last week reassured itself and he had to go outside right as the half hour, which meant breaking up the promising right wing. Jackson did extremely well there considering the handicap, but was limited to centring the ball as soon as he got it and there was nobody in the middle who would add the finishing touches when it came over. It is unfortunate that Jackson’s injury –a pulled muscle –is likely to be more serious than it seemed, and he may be out of the side, for some time. He will be missed, for he has been at the top of his form of late. Burnley were just as remise as Everton in front of goal, and Burnett was seldom extended. The too outstanding players were the centre halves, Jones (T.G.) and Woodruff. Scott-Lee tackled a tough job with energy and a certain amount of success, but has a bit to learn yes.
BRILLIANT PIVOTS
October 4, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
This was not an outstanding game, but was redeemed by the brilliance of the centre-half play. Jasper Kerr the former Everton back now Burnley coach, who came with the visiting party under chairman Mr. Tom Clegg, said to me afterwards; “I don’t think I have ever seen a better centre-half than Jones. I am in agreement. Jones was the acme of perfection, yes, and on a day when the vies-a-vis, Woodruff was outstanding. These two players dominated the proceedings, their work providing ample compensation for the lack of goals. Of the Everton youngsters I though Jackie Grant was heroic at right half, that young Scott-Lee is a nature footballer, who is certain to make the grade- I wish he were on Everton’s and not Manchester United’s books –Wyles worried Woodruff like a terrier, Wainwright revealed further improvement especially in parting while Sharp had a grand opening ten minutes and then faded right out. McIntosh was excellent all through, and his fighting spirit must have appeared to the members of the 4th Indian Division, including the Gurkha V.C., who so thoroughly enjoyed their day. And I can assure our Indian friends that it was a real thrill meeting them under the chairmanship of Mr. Will Gibbins and to hear stories of their deeds against the Nazis. The board room was so overcrowded that the only other Everton directors I saw were Messrs Ernest Green and Dick Searle. The others must have been “lost in the crowd” but I had a word with Mrs. S. Ronnie Williams (Liverpool) and Mr. Harry Mansley (Chester). The attendance was 10,977 and the Government receives more than £300 in taxes.
BRITTON AND GOODISON “DERBY.”
October 5, 1943. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Cliff Britton one of the three Everton players who will play for England against Scotland at Maine Road on Saturday week, may make his season’s debut for Everton on Saturday when the Blues appear at Goodison Park against local rivals, Liverpool. Brittonis stationed in the south and Tommy Lawton, on leave in the south at the moment, is contacting Cliff to try and induce Britton to journey up for this game. If Tommy succeeds then Britton will be in for a warm welcome from the Walton fans. Britton has played only six games, with Everton since the war. All those appearances were in the 1940-41 season. Since then Cliff has been playing regularly with Aldershot and recently with England. Cliff played twice for England against Wales in season 1940-41, and then gave way to Goslin (Bolton Wanderers) and Willingham (Huddersfield Town) until the last game in the 1941-42 season –against Wales. Britton was such a success in that game that he played in all five England internationals last season, and was in the Army team against Ireland recently, and helped England to her 8-3 win over Wales art Wembley last Saturday week. Lawton himself is going to come back off holiday especially to turn out against the Reds, and with Alex Stevenson available again under the captaincy of Tommy Jones, Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly should have few team worries.
“LIVERTON” DERBY
October 5, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Anfield Side For Goodison Visit
Ranger’s Notes
Fortune is smiling on Liverpool this season in the manner in which they have been able to keep their side free from too many enforced team changes. No fewer than seven of the side, for instance have played in every match so far, and the defence has been very stables the half back line not having been changed once. For the game with Everton at Goodison Park, the defence remains as it was last week, but the forward line, which has been the seat of most alterations shows a couple of changes. Campbell will be at outside right, Done goes centre forward as Shepherd is not available and Don Welsh returns as partner to Hanson which makes the line read like a pretty still job of work for Tommy Jones and company. Liverpool had hoped that Billy Liddell would be available, but he is on a course and exams and can’t get away. From all accounts the Reds attack at Bury wasn’t up to the standard it has shows in home games. The inclusion of Welsh should help in remedy that, for he is just the type of player to keep the fine moving sweetly and combination. Team; Hobson; Westby, Gulliver; Kaye, Hughes, Pilling; Campbell, Balmer, Done, Welsh, Hanson.
EVERTON CERTAINTIES
October 6, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly, of Everton, is able to announce five certainties, for Saturday’s “Derby” game at Goodison Park with Liverpool. They are Tommy Lawton, Alex Stevenson, Jim McIntosh, George Burnett and Jimmy Logie, is the Arsenal forward now in the Royal Navy who has been operating with Dunfermline Athletic. I am assured Logie is a brilliant player with the creative powers of an Alex James. Thirteen players are included in Mr. Kelly’s provisional team sheet, and among them we find Tommy Sam and Jackie Jones, Joe Mercer and Cliff Britton. If all the players turn up it will be a question of whom to leave out. Jackson of course, is not available because of his muscle, injury. Referring back to last Saturday I should like to emphasise that prior to the Burnley game Mr. Kelly, on the non-arrival of Jack Jones asked Jackson “Are you fit, George?” Jackson replied; “Yes, I’m all right,” so Mr. Kelly said; “You had better get your boots on then, in case Jack does not arrive.” And that is now Jackson became a member of the team. Everton (from); Burnett, Jack Jones, Sam Jones, Greenhalgh; Britton, Tom Jones, Mercer, Bentham, Grant, Stevenson, Lawton, Logie, McIntosh.
EVERTON’S HOPES
October 6, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Mr. Theo Kelly is endeavouring to turn out an extra-special side for Saturday’s Derby game with Liverpool at Goodison Park, and hopes to have Britton and Mercer in the team alongside T.G. Jones, making an all-international half back line. Lawton is certain at centre forward and Stevenson crosses to the right flank to allow Logie, of Arsenal to come in at right inside. Logie is a certain starter this time, and Bentham is general utility man, ready to counter any late-on emergency in either half back or forward line. Sam Jones is named in one of the three probable full backs, as Jackson’s injury puts him out of court for the time being. Everton are going all out to reverse Liverpool’s win in the charity game last August. The team will be finally settled from; Burnett, Jack Jones, Sam Jones, Greenhalgh; Britton, Tom Jones, Mercer, Bentham, Grant, Stevenson, Lawton, Logie, McIntosh.
LAWTON MAKING SURE
October 7, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
I have received a letter from Tommy Lawton, Everton’s centre forward now recalled by England from Aldershot where he is on holiday looking up old friends. Tommy states that he is looking forward keenly to Saturday’s clash with Liverpool at Goodison Park, and to make sure that he will be here he is travelling back tomorrow morning. That is typical of the enthusiasm of our local players. They willingly give up leave to help their clubs.
Everton Reserves (v. Liverpool, at Anfield); Birkett; Woodcook, Doyle; Ashley, McDonnell, Dewhurst; Lowe, Wainwright, Wyles, Scott-Lee, Makin
Everton Colts (v. Wirral; Ath at Orrell-lane); J. A. Jones; G. Taylor, R. Griffths; Stoddart, H. Williams, Melling; Lunt, Lane, Pritcard, Daulby, Higgins.
BLUES AND REDS CLASH AT GOODISON
October 8, 1943. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
The first of the big Merseyside Football League “Derby” games stands out as the premier attraction for tomorrow’s sport cards,” Everton and Liverpool will clash at Goodison Park in what should be a brilliant exhibition of football played in all the pre-war atmosphere. This is the second meeting of the clubs this season, for they meet in a charity match in August at Anfield, when Liverpool staged one of those thrills-a-minute rallies which brought them from behind to win 5-2. Since the first war season Liverpool have fared much the better in these local duels and last season Everton won only one match. That was the final clash –a Liverpool Cup-tie –and although the Blues won the game, Liverpool won the cup. For practically two seasons the Reds have been on top, and if one accepts form at its face value Liverpool will be favourites for tomorrow game, for in the six weeks of the season they have secured ten points to Everton’s seven. The Reds only lapse was away to Manchester City, while Everton fell, at Manchester United and dropped single points to Blackburn Rovers and Burnley at home and Burnley away.
Evenly Matched.
One of the most intriguing factors about football, however, is that teams do not always run to form, and while Liverpool have the better record I think we shall find these teams pretty evenly matched. Let me give you the latest team news, and you will be able to get a better line on the matter. Matt Busby cannot get away to play for Liverpool, but Jim Harley is home on leave, and is included among the back. Whether he plays or not will not be decided until just before the match when the directors confer. The remainder of the Anfield side is as announced except that Done will start at centre-forward with Don Welsh on his left. Turning to Everton the doubt is at half-back. Joe Mercer’s military duties prevent him getting away. Jack Jones will be at right back, with Sam Bentham at right half. Grant retains his outside right position, Stevenson goes to inside left. Tommy Lawton definitely loads the forwards. I must make mention that Tommy Jones is certain to be at centre-half because Jones is the key man to the whole situation. If Tommy is on his game them I expect Everton to win. Jones will take care of the Liverpool inside-Liverpool, and with Lawton expertly fed by Stevenson, the England leader should get the chances he needs. Burnett has been injured at work and Birkett keeps goal. Logie is not available. Experience is on the side of Everton, but Liverpool have demonstrated times out of number that they can make up any lack of experience by sheer honesty of purpose and fighting spirit. Maybe Everton’s cleverness will be upset by the dash and quick-fire shooting of the Reds who always take the shortest cut to goal. Anyway, this is going to be a grand match starting at three o’clock, and while I fancy Everton, I have the utmost respect for the power of Liverpool. Be there early to make sure of a good “spec” and please form orderly queens to assist the limited gate staff. Everton; Birkett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh; Bentham, Jones (Tom), A.N. Other; Grant. Wainwright, Lawton, Stevenson and McIntosh. Liverpool; Hobson; Westby, Gulliver; (or Harley); Kaye, Hughes, Pillings; Campbell, Balmer, Done, Welsh, Hanson.
EVERTON CHANGES FOR LIVETON DERBY
October 8, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
The meeting of Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park, tomorrow, is a titbit which supporters of both clubs have been eagerly anticipating. Ever since Liverpool trounced their rivals in the charity match at Anfield a couple of months ago. Everton loyalists have been waiting to see the Blues get a chance to reverse the verdict. The opportunity is here; whether it will be translated by Everton into accomplishment is another matter. Had the Blues been able to field the side originally hoped for I should strongly have fancied their chances, but his morning’s mail brought a packet of disappointment for Mr. Theo Kelly. First came word from Cliff Britton that he couldn’t make the journey, and with Mercer in the same boat that played havoc with what promised to be an all-international half-back line. Next came a wire from Logie, the Arsenal man, that he, too had to be counted out, and then as though that wasn’t enough, there arrived word that Burnett was hurt at work last night and might not be fit. Everton have recast their side by restoring Wainwright as partner to Grant and putting Stevenson, back in his normal place, but the ubiquitous A.N. Other figures at left half, while Birkett stands by in case Burnett is a non-starter. Birkett did well last season in several senior games, and since then has gained confidence and experience. With these changed Everton’s chances don’t appear quite so bright as they did, but they are still good, for the defence, is sound and the attack, if the ball runs kindly, has great possibilities. The match has a very open look, and I don’t think there will be a great deal in it at the finish. Of one thing we can be sure that both sides will go all-out for victory and if the game is as good as its many war-time predecessors and the football as keen and as clean, we are in for a thrilling display.
Take No Chances
Everton must take nothing for granted –as they did at Anfield when they had a two-goal lead ten minutes from the end, and then let the Reds get five –if they want to come out on top. In backing up the attack the wing halves must remember that speed in recovery is just as vital as sixth-forward work, and that if Liverpool’s nippy line is given big open spaces in which to work something is going to happen. This game provides Laurie Hughes with his biggest test since joining Liverpool. Will he be able to hold Lawton? If the ball is too much in the air Hughes will have the advantage; if Everton keep it on the floor and give Lawton the right type of passes the advantage will be reversed. Everton; Birkett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh; Bentham, Jones (Tom), A.N. Other; Grant. Wainwright, Lawton, Stevenson and McIntosh. Liverpool; Hobson; Westby, Gulliver; (or Harley); Kaye, Hughes, Pillings; Campbell, Balmer, Done, Welsh, Hanson.
Liverpool Res v. Everton Res
Liverpool Evening Express - Saturday 09 October 1943
Everton soon got into their stride and, after clever work on the right, Linacre crossed a splendid centre. Wyles intercepted and gave Everton the lead after ten minutes' play. Liverpool retaliated and Gould ballooned the ball over the bar when nicely placed. He made amends ten minutes afterwards, however, when he took up pass from Hall and lobbed the ball over Birkett's head to equalise. Play was fast and the Everton goal had twd* narrow escapes when Gould and Polk got in great shots which were well cleared by Birkett. Ten minutes from the interval Liverpool took the lead, Shannon heading in from Hall's pass. Half-time—Liverpool Res. 2, Ever ton Res. 1.
LIVERPOOL’S BIG SCORE
October 9, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s ‘Rise”
By Stork.
Everton;- Burnett, goal; Jones (J.E) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G.) (captain) and Scott-Lee, half-backs; Grant, Wainwright, Lawton, Stevenson, and McIntosh, forwards. Liverpool; L. Hobson, goal; Westby and Gulliver, backs; Kaye, Hughes and Pillings, half-backs; Harley, Balmer, Done, Welsh and Hanson, forwards. Referee P. Snape, of Manchester. This was a sensational Derby, for within minutes Liverpool had taken a two goal lead while the gate of 20,000 was still glowing. Everton, up to the scoring of the first goal at 5 minutes were the more attractive eleven and had Stevenson taken a chance at the second minute, would have scored. Stevie was only a matter of yards out with only Hobson in front of him but he could not hit the ball with full power, so Hobson was able to save. Then there was the case of Pilling passing back to his goalkeeper, who was challenged, and before he could get position the ball was in the centre of the goalmouth, but Westby was there to save the situation.
Two For Done
Almost from this clearance the ball was swept up the middle, and T.G. Jones went up to head away and misjudged the flight of the ball, which want over his head. Done rushed up at express speed, and with his left foot placed the ball into the Everton net before Burnett could move. Three minutes later Done had scored again this time as the result of an excellent passing movement between Balmer, kaye, Welsh and himself. Done went back into position to shoot again with such power that Burnett was left helpless. These two goals had turned the game inside out. Done tried for a hat-trick but was off the mark on this occasion. Welsh was dead on the target with a fierce drive which Burnett turned over the bar. Everton were not exactly idle, and McIntosh provided Lawton with an opportunity to make a header, but the ball was straight to Hobson’s hand. Lawton later, tried again with a header, and was almost successful, but not quite. The game settled down to calmer lines, and Everton hit back but Lawton shot over the bar, as did Balmer, the Liverpool man, but there was no denying the fact that Liverpool were the greater nuisance near goal. Balmer hit one of his best shots, which travelled wide, but Done showed the value of his left foot when he cracked in what appeared to be a certain winner until Burnett flung up his hands and turned the ball over the bar. It was a magnificent save and a magnificent shot. Liverpool’s defence was much more confident than that of Everton, for the Liverpool attack found loopholes down the middle whereas Lawton and company there often than not found the way barred to them.
One For Harley
Liverpool were dominating, and rarely did Everton promise to reduce the deficit. Rather was it Liverpool’s prospects of increasing their tally of goals for they were playing well on top of their opponents, shooting often and accurately. At forty minutes a slip by Jones (T.G.) put Done through again and although Burnett saved the shot he only pushed the ball out to Harley, who returned it into the empty net. Liverpool did not dally when a shooting opportunity arose. They had a shot even though it missed the mark.
Done’s Third
A few minutes before the interval Burnett saved a Balmer shot, but was beaten a little later by Done, who with his right foot screwed the ball just between the near upright and the goalkeeper. Liverpool had won their spurs in this half by dint of good football and the ability to shoot. With the exception of Stevenson’s shot in the first minute their were limited to a few headers by Lawton.
Half-Time; Everton 0, Liverpool 4.
Done almost added to his three goals immediately on resuming for Burnett had to make a one-handed save to keep the ball out of the net.
“Own Goal”
Then, by a struck of misfortune, Hughes, the Liverpool centre-half turned the ball into his own goal in trying to hook the ball round the goal. There did not seem any immediate danger but is oppose the lad was adopting safety first methods. Everton were doing better, and Lawton scored at fifty-four minutes to make the score 2-4, which was a little more satisfying for the Everton folk.
Still They Come
Liverpool still had the power to shoot and when Welsh slipped the ball through T.G. Jones legs it opened the way for that trusty left foot of Done, who increased Liverpool’s score to five at sixty-six minutes. Another minute and Welsh had made it six, after Burnett had pushed the ball out from the right wing. Five minutes from the end Stevenson broke through and cleverly sent the ball out of the reach of Hobson, to score Everton’s third goal. Within two minutes Everton further reduced their lead, McIntosh running through, shooting under the inside of the post, the ball rolled into the back of the net. Final; Everton 4, Liverpool 6.
10 GOALS AT GOODISON
October 11, 1943. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 4, Liverpool 6
Liverpool Win “Derby” Game
Four Scored By Done.
By Stork.
Liverpool won the “Derby” game at Goodison Park by six goals to four, the winners laying the foundation of their success by two quick goals in the early minutes. There were 28,835 spectators and the receipts amounted to £2,226. I have seen more artistic “Derby” games but never a more exciting opening than this one. It was electric, to say the least, and Everton suffered the shock. After Stevenson had missed a fine opportunity Liverpool surprised the onlookers by scoring two swift goals. Done getting the first in five minutes. A ball passed, a few inches over T.G. Jones’s head, and Done rushed in to bang the ball into the net. Two minutes later Done finished off some fine work, which produced the second goal. With this encouraging start Liverpool shot at every opportunity, and when Done hit a ball to Burnett the goalkeeper could only push it out for Harley to place the ball in the net. Liverpool dictated matters so much that Everton were rarely seen in an attacking light and when Done popped on Liverpool’s fourth and his own third goal, one began to wonder what the ultimate score in their favour would be. Everton’s attempts at scoring were paltry Done almost sneaked one in the first attack in the second half, when Everton showed improved form, but even then it was a Liverpool player who scored their goal, Hughes turning the ball into his own net in trying to hook it round the post.
Lawton Goals.
Five minutes later Lawton snapped up a McIntosh centre and scored from the right wing, so the game took on another aspect. Could Everton pull the game out of the fire? McIntosh sent in a fiery shot which Hobson tipped over the bar. When Liverpool, got together again they scored two more goals, in two minutes. Done was of course, one of the marksmen along with Welsh. It now seemed certain that the Anfielders would finish up winners by a good margin, but a sprightly rally by Everton produced two goals through Stevenson and McIntosh, and the final score, 6-4, made to look more respectable from Everton’s point of view. Liverpool’s shooting was magnificent. It was a great contrast to that of Everton, who had one shot at Hobson throughout the first half, the others being headers straight at the goalkeeper. The Everton defence was not so sure as usual, and Welsh, the Charlton half-back and forward, was one of the reasons for its uncertainty. Welsh is the quiet type of player. He never rushes about, but when he does a thing it is accomplished in such a manner that it invariably opens the way for a colleague, with Done playing as a second centre-forward Welsh saw to it that Done got quite a lot of the ball, and the result was four goals.
Smashing Attack
Liverpool’s open play and their smashing attacks completely robbed Everton of the initiative and kept them tied down to defence, for whenever Liverpool launched an attack there was danger in it. Not so Everton, who wanted to work the ball and so, played into the hands of the Liverpool defenders. Speed was another factor in the Anfielders victory. They tackled like lightning and swept the ball about. Young Hughes put up a solid front to Lawton, he made but one mistake, not bad for a boy in his teens playing his first “derby” game. T. G. Jones was not the dominating pivot we know, and with Scott-Lee failing to fill the bill at left half a whole lot of pressure was flung on J. Jones and Greenhalgh, Stevenson was Everton’s best forward, for he held the ball before parting, and so made sure of its destination. But this was Liverpool’s game after the first five minutes. They played well to a man and were well worth their victory. The order of scoring was; Done (5 mins), Done (8 mins), Harley (40 mins), Done (42 mins), Hughes (own goal 49 mins), Lawton (54 mins), Done (66 mins), Welsh (67 mins), Stevenson (85 mins), McIntosh (87 mins). Attendance 28,835. Receipts £2,226. Everton;- Burnett, goal; Jones (J.E) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G.) (captain)and Scott-Lee, half-backs; Grant, Wainwright, Lawton, Stevenson, and McIntosh, forwards. Liverpool; L. Hobson, goal; Westby and Gulliver, backs; Kaye, Hughes and Pillings, half-backs; Harley, Balmer, Done, Welsh and Hanson, forwards. Referee P. Snape, of Manchester.
REDS WIN
October 11, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Liverpool have dashed into the leadership of the Football league North, overtaking Blackpool and Aston Villa thanks to a smashing 6-4 victory over their neighbours Everton, at Goodison Park on Saturday. This is the reward of sheer consistency and a fighting spirit with thrills as well as entertainment. Liverpool’s display in the first half at Goodison proved them to be worthy of their position. Certainly the fall of Blackpool by the only goal at Bury at Bury, and the fact that for the second week in succession Aston Villa dropped a home point, enabled the Reds to forge ahead on goal average, but I am quite confident that if the lads keep up Saturday’s first half form, they will gain their second war trophy. I am convinced Everton will soon draw nearer the top dogs for despite shattering blows to their confidence on Saturday in the form of four first half goals they fought back magnificently to give the Reds plenty of anxious moments. At least Liverpool will know when they receive Everton again on Saturday at Anfield they will have no easy task, for neither of our clubs in these games will ever admit defeat. It is early yet for team news for this return Derby, but I can tell you that Berry Nieuwenhuys is a certainty for the Reds. Berry is travelling overnight to ensure being here.
Done Thanks Don
Cyril Done, Liverpool’s local-born, inside forward, scored a personal triumph on Saturday, by getting four of Liverpool’s six goals and for three Cyril had to say “Thanks a million to Don Welsh, the international, who proved such a wonder driving force behind the perfect Liverpool machine. Cyril got himself two goals in the space of three minutes early on to shatter the confidence of the Everton team and inspite his own colleagues. It was Done’s shot with Burnett could only push out for Harley to ram home, and then Done seized on a rebound from Hanson’s shot to make it four while Everton floundered. So biggest was Liverpool’s first half advantage in a game of pre-war vintage packed with thrills and excellent football. I say without fear of contradiction that Liverpool’s display from goalkeeper to centre forward in the opening 45 minutes was the finest exhibition of collaborative skill and incisiveness I have seen for months. It was precision football plus. It was a sufficient tribute to the brilliance of the Reds that Everton actually copied their methods in the second half, and by this change of tactics got near enough to their rivals to cause much uneasiness among the Reds followers. When it was 4-2 Liverpool were tottering, but then the magical Welsh changed the entire run of the game by giving Done another ready made goal. Before Everton could fight back Welsh put Everton back were they started the half. Once again the pendulum swung around to Everton just as it did right after the interval when Laurie Hughes had the misfortune to place through his own goal, and Lawton well took his one real shooting chance. Stevenson having missed with only Hobson to beat, worked the magician’s trick with Hobson and placed into the net one way as Hobson went the other. McIntosh followed with another and just failed to make it five in a hectic finish. Had Everton drawn level however it would have been an injustice to Liverpool, whose first half display alone made them well worthy of full points.
Pilling’s Brilliance.
Jack Pilling the lad from the mines was in my opinion the man of the match. Pilling seemed fired by a dynamo, doing the work of three men and doing it well. Pilling and Kaye –another star there were boys who paved the way for victory, blotting out the Everton insides and giving 100 per cent support to their own forwards. The contrast in the wing halves is told in the result. Young Scott-Lee was out of his depth for Everton and was generally chasing shadows, while Bentham, anxious to attack, sacrificed defence, and Jack Balmer made the most of it. With the wing half-backs found wanting. Tommy Jones had an impossible task facing that deadly Balmer Welsh-Done trio who switched positions so bewilderingly. Three to one and the three in possession –small wonder that Jones was outwitted so readily. No single player could have held the trio. Harley well discharged his outside-right duties and Hanson was always useful. In defence Hobson’s positional sense was perfect and Gulliver was the best back on the field, Westby being unable to cope with McIntosh who could not only beat him once, but come back and do it all over again. McIntosh and Lawton were never a menace to Liverpool but their support from the right was not strong and it was Stevenson who did most of the prompting. I though Hughes stood up well to Lawton, although out headed and his persistence in the tackle limited Lawton’s operative room. Certainty Hughes is improving with every game, and he will not always have a Lawton to beat in the air. Greenhalgh had an arduous job, but did it well, and Jack Jones was good until he moved from his ground. Burnett made a number of thrilling saves, as good as goals, but he must remember that fielding a ball is much safer than putting it out. This was a game we shall remember for a long time not only for its high standard of football, and pulsating moments, but for its utter absence of anything questionable. Never have I seen a “Derby” so free from fouls and in saying. Thank you lads, I know I am voicing the sentiment of the 28,934 spectators who paid £2,226. Of the receipts the Government gets £851, but the clubs will get only £650 each. There is something radically wrong there. Billy Liddell was at the match with his broke leg in plaster and he says that medical opinion is that his leg has been cracked before. It will be three weeks before the plaster comes off. Both clubs had a fully representative gathering of directors ably entertained by Chairman Mr. Will Gibbins and company, and to emphasise the pre-war touch I noticed with astonishment coming through the stand after the game that most of the litter was –orange peel!
THRILLS FOR BIG GOODISON CROWD.
October 11, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
The Everton-Liverpool game, has answered, in fairly conclusive manner, one of the main questions which has agitated club officials and legislators during recent seasons, regarding the future of football. Three years ago, when Soccer interest and support fell to a very low level many normally good judges not usually peastentistic folk, felt that the war had dealt a death-blow to football from which it would never recover. Nothing I could say shock their view, and when I protested just the opposite –that football is post-war years would boom as never before –well like little Audrey, they just laughed and laughed. The end of heavy air blitzes two years back was followed by a gradual improvement in gates but it was very slow, and actually it is only in the last twelve months that there has been any really solid pointers to future prospects. Last season’s gates showed very decidedly which way the wind was blowing; this season’s so far have confirmed it and Saturday’s crowd at Goodison gates further evidence, bar anything calamitous that the future of football need cause no anxiety. True, there will be plenty of problems, some of them “sticky” ones, but they’ll be mainly domestic of legislative, not questions of forgetting interest such as perturbed many boards two or three years back. When you consider that 28,835 spectators paid £2,226 at Goodison on Saturday, despite lack of transports and all the other difficulties well it speaks for itself. And what a game this was. Clean, keen, fast and exciting, with almost a thrill a minute and nine good goals –not counting Laurie Hughes mishap. Liverpool were good value for their victory and deserved it because of their marksmanship, their quickness to seize and exploit an opening, and their willingness to go to the ball, not wait for it. Every Liverpool forward shot whenever he got within range, and only Burnett’s great work in the first half saved Everton’s heaviest deficit.
Short Of Shot
Bar one Stevenson effort, Everton never troubled Hobson, with a solitary shot in the first half. All he had to deal with were Lawton’s headers, every one of which was a simple catch, though it was partly Hobson’s anticipated which made then look so simple. Liverpool’s first half exhibition of precise and balanced team work make it look as though they might win by double figures, but a change came over the game, and Everton gained fresh heart when Hughes put the ball in his own goal just after the restart. One of Lawton bucked them in still more and for a time they had the Liverpool defence more than a trifle rattled. Had Everton at this stage as menacing in front of goal –as Liverpool the result might have been very different. Unfortunately for them, they were lacking in shots and the ability to master. Liverpool’s offside tactics with the result that the visitors had time to recover their point and their four goals; although the latter was reduced again in the closing minutes. Apart from their superiority to attack, Liverpool won because of their strong advantage at wing half, which was one of Everton’s weaknesses. Scott-Lee was outclassed, and Bentham though a prodigious worker found the Reds left flank too hot to hold.
Defence Saturated.
Liverpool looked dangerous every time they attacked. They swung the ball about frosty, collected it instead of waiting for it to come to them, and always moved up with the five forwards in line and the halves on their heels. They relied on speed, and number to “saturate” the defence, whereas Everton’s “W” formation demanded that each forward should draw a defender before passing the ball –and too often it wasn’t done. Stevenson was grand at engineering openings, but Wainwright was not so good, and Lawton was most of the time ploughing a lone furrow. Everton also contributed to their own down fall by the case with which they were snared in Liverpool’s offside trap. Time and again promising moves were ruined, yet Everton continued to fall for it. Tommy Jones and his backs, scorning offside tactics found themselves shouldering an undue proportion of work, and they were not as sound as usual. It is rare “T.G.” lets anybody skip the ball between his legs but that happened twice, and Liverpool were so quick in the uptake that it was in the net before he could recover. After such a great game there should be another big crowd at Anfield for the return. If it is only half as good as Saturday, it will still be a winner. The scorers were Done (4), Harley, Welsh, Lawton, McIntosh, Stevenson and Hughes (own goal).
EVERTON F.C. TAX OFFER.
October 12, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton Football Club are prepared to allow themselves to be used as the subject of a test case in regard to Entertainment tax. This statement was given to me by the club chairman Mr. Will Gibbins, who first raised the matter at the annual meeting of the Lancashire Football Association. Mr. Gibbins contends that football should come under the schedule of “living performers as affecting theatres instead of being classified as at present, under the same rule as cinemas. If the F.A, the Football League, and the other clubs will give us their backing,” said Mr. Gibbins “Everton are prepared to pay tax at the living performers rate for any given match to bring the matter before the authorities. We would be prepared to carry the case through to the House of Lord’s if necessary, and, if all the clubs stand together, the expense will not be great. The taxes are out of all proportion at the moment” (taxes took £850 out of last Saturday’s receipts and the clubs received only £650 each and if the rulers of football will not make a move it is up the clubs to see that something is done to bring the whole thing before the Treasury.” Mr. R.S. Trueman, chairman of Tranmere Rovers intended paying only “living performers tax for the Rovers opening games, but suspended such action on receiving an assurance that the Football Association were to send a deputation to wait on the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I chatted with Mr. Trueman about the Everton suggestion, and he said Tranmere Rovers would be quite prepared to do exactly the same thing. We had in fact, intended to” said Mr. Trueman” but delayed action so as not to embarrass the deputation the F.A. promised they would send to the Treasury. “Morally football should come under living performers’ for the present taxation is too high. Our gates against Crewe on Saturday was £156, out of which approximately £60 goes to the Government, whereas Crewe had ourselves got only £41 each, out of which we have to pay wages, banks overdraft, rates and taxes etc. And after that you did not get much change out of £41. Tranmere Rovers will give all support to Everton. Neither Everton nor Tranmere Rovers wish to do anything unpatriotic or deprive the Government of money, but they do want the matter brought before the authorities. That is the sole object of their attitude.
EVERTON’S “DERBY” PROBABLES
October 14, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton will have several new “guest” players in their team to meet Liverpool in the return Merseyside “Derby” game at Anfield on Saturday and there is a big possibility of another international star being includes at the last minute. Newcomers are Hallard of Bradford Park Avenue, Butler the Blackpool Irish International, Murphy of Bradford City, and Roberts of Bury while Lew Ashcroft, of Tranmere Rover’s is also included in a list, of 13 players from which the side will eventually be selected. Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly has had another worrying week securing players and in view of the many disappointing of last week delayed making any public announcement so as not to build-up false hopes. It may not be until just before the game that Mr. Kelly is able to make his decision. Butler can play either full back or wing half back and he is a player of outstanding merit, while Hallard is a fine player who has been recommenced strongly by Mr. David Steele, Huddersfield and former Bradford manager. Roberts played regularly with Chester last season and is the Rhyl lad. Ashcroft’s capabilities are well known and his inclusion is the result of a grand gesture by Mr. R.S. Trueman chairman of Tranmere Rovers, which I told you about exclusively in yesterday’s log. Ashcroft’s only previous game with the Blues was in the cup-tie with Blackpool last season, when he played excellently, Murphy is the Welsh international who scored two goals for Liverpool against Everton in the final game of last season. Everton; (from); Burnett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh, Butler; Bentham, Jones (Tom), Hallard, Roberts, Ashcroft, Grant, Murphy, Stevenson, McIntosh.
Everton Reserves lost at the week-end to Liverpool Reserves 2-1.
Everton Reserves (v. Liverpool Res, at Goodison Park); Birkett; Woodcock, Doyle; Ashley, McDonnell, Watson; Linaker, Wainwright, Wyles, Scott-Lee, Bailey (or Makin).
FOUR “GUEST” VERSUS LIVERPOOL
October 14, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Mr. Theo Kelly has had a tough job getting together the Everton side for the return game with Liverpool at Anfield and four newcomers to Goodison appear in the “probables.” In addition to jack Jones and Greenhalgh, Malcolm Butler, of Blackpool is included to a possible full back, and Hallard (Bradford Park Avenue) is at left half. Six forwards are named provisionally. These include Roberts, of Bury, who last season assisted Chester and Murphy (Bradford City). Though Tranmere themselves are hard put to these days getting their own side together, chairman R.S. Trueman immediately offered the loan of Ashcroft –who has previously played for Everton –when he heard of the Goodison club’s dilemma. In addition to the thirteen players below there may be one big and interesting last-minute change involving the entrance of a well-known player. Meantime however, the probabes are; Everton; (from); Burnett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh, Butler; Bentham, Jones (Tom), Hallard, Roberts, Ashcroft, Grant, Murphy, Stevenson, McIntosh. Four of the shows players –Hallard, Murphy, Butler and Roberts –have not previously figured in an Everton side.
TEAM CHANGES
October 15, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Both Liverpool and Everton will have out different teams for this return clash, but whereas Liverpool’s changes is limited to Nieuwenhuys return to the attack in place of Don Welsh the Everton team has been reconstructed, and several new “guest” players will be on parade. Caskie’s returns after a long absence will go a long way towards solving Everton’s forward problems, for he can play on either flank, and is a dangerous inside man. It is possible that Caskie will open at inside-right with Robert’s his partner, but if that does not suit then McIntosh can always be brought inside and wee Jimmy, one of football’s most colourful personalities and who joined Everton from St. Mirren just before the war, can go to the wing. Murphy, the Welsh international will be there to fill any inside-forward positions. Curiously enough Murphy’s last Derby appearance was in the red jersey when he scored two goals. Mr. George Kay, manager of Liverpool when I told him Everton’s team hopes remarks. “Ah well, Theo is doing all he can to beat us them.” “Yes” I replied and no one can blame him after that first half four goals to nil shock of last week.” One thing,” rejoined Mr. Kay, “It is all building up for a grand game.” That is the spirit. The points matter nothing so much as the game itself, and I am convinced this will be another “smasher.” One must be guided by current form, and after Liverpool’s display in the opening stage of last Saturday’s game I take them to complete the “double” and record their sixth successive win.
Cover Everton.
If Everton are to shock their rivals there must be better covering in defence than we saw a week ago. Then defenders were too easily drawn out of position, leaving wide gaps in which, too often, stood Tom Jones without support. And with Liverpool possessing one of the deadliest attacks in the country when it comes to snap shooting the Reds want only an inch in which to pay 100 per cent dividend. That crack-a-jack shot from Balmer last week which flashed by the post was the perfect example of snap shooting, and typical of what these Liverpool forwards can do. Everton must learn to blot them out by sound marking. The Everton defence will be strengthened by either Butler (Blackpool) or Hallard (Bradford), or both but more speed to possession instead of allowing that Liverpool forwards to take the initiative will serve Everton well. Everton’s attack will have to be good to upset that brilliant Liverpool half-back line of Kaye, Hughes and Pilling –one of football’s best at the moment. Personally, I think Liverpool’s hopes centre principally on those three lads in a game which should bring more than 25,000 spectators and which will take you right back to pre-war days. The clubs are combining their gatemen forces, and every turnstile will be opened nice and early. Please come early, form orderly queens and tender the correct money if possible for that save valuable time. Liverpool; Hobson; Westby, Gulliver; Kaye, Hughes, Pilling; Harley, Balmer, Nieuwenhuys, Done, Hanson. Everton; (from); Burnett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh, Butler, Bentham, Jones (Tom), Hallard, Roberts, Caskie, Murphy, Stevenson, McIntosh
CASKIE FOR EVERTON
October 15, 1943. Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Liverpool and Everton followers have a special treat at Anfield tomorrow, for wee Jimmy Caskie is a certain starter in the Everton attack. Caskie promised to be a big box-other draw when he first joined Everton just before the war, but in the last four seasons has appearance have been very infrequent. He will start off at inside right-whenever he may finish is another matter with this will-of-the-wisp-and as Roberts, of Bury, as also certain, Everton have no need to take advantage of Tranmere’s generous offer to loan them Ashcroft. Last week’s “Liverton” Derby with its ten goals may not have been a classic but it was the sort of match to amply satisfy the majority of us. Though there may not be so many goals at Anfield tomorrow, the meantime is fraught with speculation, and almost anything may happen. Last week’s game showed Liverpool in a bright light. They had everything in their make-up, including good class football with a punch and it was the punch delivered before Everton had shaken down which set them on their winning way. What is in store tomorrow? Can Everton reverse the decision? It hardly seems likely after the way Liverpool handled them last week.
Shoot Hard and Often.
Liverpool, of course will be without the steadying influence of Don Welsh. His part in last Saturday’s success was immense and I fear that Done will not be to nicely spoon fed as he was Nieuwenhuys will be the centre forward and if he is at his best there will be some strong shooting from Liverpool’s inside men. Shooting has been one of Liverpool’s chief assets for some seasons now. “To have shot and missed is better than not to have shot at all” is their motto. If has paid them well. Everton, on the other hand are inclined to fiddle in front of goal instead of having a go. In ball play they are nice to watch, but if there is no finishing touch how can goals be scored? They must take a couple of leaves out of Liverpool’s book tomorrow –namely shoot hard and often, and don’t wait for the ball, but go out and seek it. . Liverpool; Hobson; Westby, Gulliver; Kaye, Hughes, Pilling; Harley, Balmer, Nieuwenhuys, Done, Hanson. Everton; (from); Burnett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh, Butler, Bentham, Jones (Tom), Hallard, Roberts, Caskie, Murphy, Stevenson, McIntosh
LIVERPOOL SHOTS FRUITFUL
October 16, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Defeated Again
By Stork.
Liverpool;- Hobson, goal; Westby and Gulliver, backs; Kaye, Hughes and Pilling, half-backs; Harley, Balmer, Niuwenhuys, Done and Hanson, forwards. Everton;-Burnett, goal; Jones (J.E.) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G.) (captain) and Hallard (Bradford Park Avenue), half-backs; Roberts (Bury), Caskie, Murphy (Bradford City), Stevenson and McIntosh (Preston), forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Holt of Rochdale. Liverpool proved last week that shooting was the important factor in football with six goals to their credit; and in the third minute at Anfield today they had opened their account in the return against Everton, through Harley, who had the ball nicely placed for him, and he hit it accurately and truly. Burnett was beaten, so Liverpool had once again started off in a promising way. The football was fast and entertaining, and at seven minutes Everton had drawn level. Stevenson had robbed Balmer and swept the ball over to McIntosh, Liverpool defence moved up in an effort to throw McIntosh offside, but they were not quick enough, and McIntosh went on to score a capital goal. Liverpool hit back and a shot whistled just outside the woodwork and when Hallard was fixing the ball to make a centre Harley popped up from nowhere to take it from his toe, so that a bright chance for Everton was lost.
Plenty Of Punch
Everton were producing plenty of punch, much more so than a week ago and Hobson had to save under the bar and Murphy failed to hit the ball aright. It was Liverpool, however, who took the next goal. Done being the root cause in that he started the movement which saw the ball pass from one to another before it finally came to him to shoot with his foot into the net. Liverpool were now sounding the Everton defence, and Done was almost through and Balmer came along with a grand shot that Burnett turned out of goal.
Balmer’s Goal
Everton changed their forward formation, shortly after that Caskie going to outside left and McIntosh centre forward. McIntosh did net the ball from a Caskie centre, but the referee disallowed the point. At 41 minutes Balmer scored Liverpool’s third goal, Done gave him the pass after some capital work by the Liverpool wing halve, and the half finished with a weak-shot by Stevenson.
Half-time; Liverpool 3, Everton 1
On resuming Liverpool were not long in increasing their lead. It was Everton’s defence who faltered on this occasion, for they stood still in the belief that Harley was offside. The Liverpool winger, had, however, played to the whistle, and took the ball almost to the goalline before the turned it back in front of the Everton goal and Nivvy had a simple task and took it. At the hour, Everton reduced their arrears, Stevenson shooting in from close range. The margin between success and failure was extremely narrow. Liverpool, however, got hold of the game again and playing with great confidence and determination, Balmer headed a fifth goal from Harley’s centre. Near the end the same player shook the upright with a terrific drive. Final; Liverpool 5, Everton 2.
LIVERPOOL WIN AGAIN A 5-2 TRIUMP
October 16, 1943. The Evening Express
By Pilot.
Everton included three new guest players against Liverpool in the return Merseyside “Derby” at Anfield today. They were Roberts (Bury) and Murphy (Bradford City) and Hallard (Bradford), at left half. Caskie made his first appearance for once than a year, and started at inside-right. Liverpool had Nieuwenhuys at centre forward and Harley once again at outside-right. There was again a grand gathering and there must have been more than 25,000 spectators present. Liverpool;- Hobson, goal; Westby and Gulliver, backs; Kaye, Hughes and Pilling, half-backs; Harley, Balmer, Niuwenhuys, Done and Hanson, forwards. Everton;-Burnett, goal; Jones (J.E.) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G.) (captain) and Hallard (Bradford Park Avenue), half-backs; Roberts (Bury), Caskie, Murphy (Bradford City), Stevenson and McIntosh (Preston), forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Holt of Rochdale. The game opened on a particularly high note, both teams developing attacks at an amazing pace, Murphy almost got through after grand work by Caskie and Stevenson, before Balmer tried one from long range, but this was off the target. In three minutes Liverpool had taken the lead, with a grand goal from Harley. Balmer made it possible running through to draw Greenhalgh and then gently slipping the ball through for Harley to cut in and score with a perfectly-placed right foot shot. Liverpool kept it up, Burnett pulling down Niuwenhuys shot from under the bar before Nieuwenhuys had a shot charged down. In seven minutes Everton equalised through McIntosh with a goal engineered by Stevenson. Stevenson robbed Balmer and worked to his left before lobbing the ball just inside the penalty area. The Liverpool defence hesitated claiming offside as McIntosh dashed through, and the winger, hooked the ball into the far corner as Hobson advanced. Liverpool suffered the penalty of not playing to the whistle for McIntosh definitely was onside. The crowd laughed when Harley raced back to rob Hallard and also when Jack Jones and Bentham headed the ball while lying on the ground. Hobson could only turn aside a dangerous centre from McIntosh, but he was quick to dive out and smother the ball before Roberts could shoot.
Bunrett’s Saves
Caskie neatly jumped out of the way to force two Liverpool players to tackle each other, and then McIntosh gave Westby the slip and flashed a shot across the face of the Liverpool goal. Burnett made an excellent save when he dived to hold a header from Nieuwenhuys, and then he leapt out to pull down a centre from Harley. McIntosh gained the first corner of the day, but he placed this too far out and it was “pie” for Liverpool. In 23 minutes Liverpool regained the lead, and it was again Balmer who did the “donkey” work with the Everton inside forward slying to far back, Murphy lacked support, and so the Reds were able to turn defence into attack in a flash. Balmer, who had gone centre forward for a spell, glided the ball through for Done to take it in his stride, move across goal and score with an unstoppable right foot shot. When Tom Jones miskicked Nieuwenhuys sprang in to drive one just by the post and then Everton rearranged their attack, McIntosh going centre-forward with Caskie at outside left and Murphy inside right. Straight away Everton should have equalised for Stevenson was put through but he had run too far forward.
Fine Demonstration.
Liverpool were giving another fine demonstration of precision shooting, and after Done’s shot had been charged down Balmer drove in one of his specialities, Burnett saving at full length. Liverpool kept it up, Burnett beating away, Hanson’s cross-shot. Tom Jones was having a worrying time and on occasions was not at all happy; in fact Everton delay in clearing was often getting them into trouble. Roberts came into the game with a quick shot by the near post, and then the Blues gained two more corners without further reward. A perfect Everton movement, started by Stevenson, saw McIntosh force the ball over the line Caskie’s centre and although Gulliver headed it out, the point was disallowed, Liverpool getting a free kick for what I presumed was pushing. In 41 minutes Liverpool increased their lead, when Done took advantage of Bentham’s delayed clearance and opened up the way for Balmer to drive home from close range. Everton were indeed paying the penalty for “fiddling” in their own goal area –fatal against such a driving force as Liverpool’s. McIntosh had a good chance just on the interval, but delayed his shot and Liverpool escaped.
Half-time; Liverpool 3, Everton 1.
Liverpool opened the second half with a shock, just as they had opened the first. In four minutes Harley ran close in and passed across for Niuwenhuys to bang the ball through. Everton now made another team change, Bentham going inside right with Murphy right half. Everton gradually showed improvement, but the Liverpool defence was brilliant in its marking. Caskie was a box tricks, and it was when he took a quick throw-in to Stevenson that the Blues were brought back into the game in 60 minutes. Stevenson centred from the goal line and, although Hobson beat the ball away, Stevenson followed up and turned it into the net.
Everton Revival
This was the signal for an Everton revival, and they piled on the pressure without finding any loopholes, until McIntosh found himself through but shot outside. Bentham let go a lovely left foot shot which skimmed the bar, and then when Murphy tried a speculative shot, Hobson, although yards out of his goal, managed to fist away. Liverpool were kept on the defence, but Balmer got away to place by the post, and then hook over as Burnett advanced. Play continued highly exciting with the pace still 100 per cent, and Burnett did well to flick over the top a header from Nieuwenhuys. In 85 minutes Liverpool decided the issue with another goal from Balmer, who quickly headed through a grand centre from Harley. Final; Liverpool 5, Everton 2.
• Everton Reserves lost 3-1 to Liverpool Reserves.
LIVERPOOL WIN AGAIN
October 18, 1943. The Liverpool Daily Post
Liverpool 5, Everton 2
A “Derby” Double
By Stork
The return “derby” game, at Anfield was just as big a triumph for Liverpool as the first; in fact I preferred their latest successes, for Everton were in better form, yet they were beaten by a greater margin -5-2-and Liverpool were undoubtedly that much better. Liverpool won once again because they played the open game, kept the ball moving swiftly, and shot when ever there was a semblance of a chance. Their football lost none of its skill by the open method employed. Liverpool ate up ground by a single pass, but Everton took two often three to make half as much ground. Another big factor in Liverpool’s success was that they played five forwards, whereas Everton exaggerated “W” formation tied them down to three forwards and this was not sufficient to break down the strong Liverpool defence. It was grand to see the Liverpool men covering one another, leaving few loopholes. Everton, as last week opened on a good note but it was Liverpool who showed then how to snap up chances, and within three minutes they had taken the lead. The frills and fancies were not for them. They wanted goals and went after them, but they were helped in that the Everton defence was not at its best. T. G. Jones for the second Saturday running was uncommonly out of touch with the game, but nevertheless Everton struck back and within four minutes had squared matters through McIntosh, who thus wiped out Harley’s goal. It was a thrilling opening, and with the game running along on fast lines, goals incidents were often and thrilling, but Liverpool’s shooting was more dangerous than that of Everton’s.
Power Drives
Everton ran into a spell when their passes persisted in going wrong, often through ill-fortune and eventually Liverpool’s power drives were rewarded. Done has never played better than in these two “Derby” games. He started and ended the second goal, but Balmer’s final pass to him was just the sort that Done desires and his shot went flashing into the net at 23 minutes. Balmer almost into the net at 23 minutes. Balmer almost followed suit a minute later. Burnett saving cleverly. Everton were still fighting every inch of the way, but there was not the punch in their attack, although McIntosh netted again, only to have the goal disallowed for an infringement. Four minutes from the interval Done returned the compliment to Ballmer by putting the ball across for him to crack it into the net. Everton had altered the formation of their side considerably, and Caskie did some clever things at outside left, but his colleagues were not up to finish off the work. It was grand fare the players put before the crowd of 25,000 and the latter showed their appreciation. Four minutes after the restart the Everton defence stopped playing in the belief that Harley was offside. He was not and he bounced forward to make a close centre from which Nieuwenhuys turned the ball into the net. Everton were not done with, for Stevenson come along with a goal at the hour, and for a while they promised well, but the Liverpool defence was not to be caught napping. Bentham made two near misses and McIntosh challenged Hobson unsuccessfully, but with ten minutes to go Harley broke through and his perfect centre was headed with perfection to the back of the net by Balmer. It was Liverpool’s team work, their speed and shooting ability allied to some streaky Everton defence that enabled them to bring off the double against their city friends. Here is the order of scoring; Harley ( 3mins), McIntosh (7 mins), Done (23 mins), Balmer (41 mins), Nieuwenhuys (49), Stevenson (60), Balmer (80). Attendance 24,907. Recipts £1,861. Liverpool;- Hobson, goal; Westby and Gulliver, backs; Kaye, Hughes and Pilling, half-backs; Harley, Balmer, Niuwenhuys, Done and Hanson, forwards. Everton;-Burnett, goal; Jones (J.E.) and Greenhalgh, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G.) (captain) and Hallard (Bradford Park Avenue), half-backs; Roberts (Bury), Caskie, Murphy (Bradford City), Stevenson and McIntosh (Preston), forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Holt of Rochdale.
• England beat Scotland 8-0 at Maine Road, Britton, Mercer and Lawton played for England and Gillick for Scotland. Lawton scored four goals, in front of 60,000.
L’POOL COMPLETE THE “DOUBLE”
October 18, 1943. The Evening Express
The Pilot.
Liverpool completed the double “double” over Everton on Saturday to commune in leadership of the Football League (North) and make county combination headways. The Reds still head the major competition on goal avenge, thanks to getting another five against their Goodison Park rivals, and believe me, if Liverpool keep up this form they will not be headed at all. Liverpool defeated Everton 5-2 while their Reserves were winning 4-1 against Everton Reserves at Goodison and England with three Everton stars were thrashing Scotland by eight clear goals at Manchester. The Blues supporters may take some measure of consolation by the fact that the club could not be beating Scotland and Liverpool on the same day, and Tom Lawton’s four goals at Maine Road, backed up by the super-brilliant half-back work of Mercer and Britton were major factors in England’s overwhelming success. Lawton was missed at Anfield but even allowing for that it is beyond dispute that Liverpool so far have demonstrated themselves as a superior side to Everton. What change will come as the season progresses we do not know but every Everton official and followers freely admit that Liverpool were thoroughly deserving of that double success.
Half-Back Power.
In my pre-match commentaries I plumped for Liverpool and England because I visualised their superiority at half-back, and it was panned out just like that Liverpool’s triumph in yet another game played without venom, and grandly by Mr. Holt of Rochdale was built on that perfect half-back formation of Kaye, Hughes and Pilling. Those lads constituted the hub around which a devastating football machine revolved. Not only did these players negative the danger work of the Everton forwards –and believe me Everton were pretty dangerous all through –but they spoon-fed their own forwards who revelled in the good material presented them. It was these boys who set a pace I hardly seemed possible for the teams to maintain, and they were completely unrolled by the many chops and changes of the Blues. There was no disgrace for Everton in these defeats except that on Saturday they too often “led with their chins” –and paid the penalty. The Everton defence repeatedly asks for trouble by scorning the quick clearance for intricies in their own penalty area, and to attempt that against such an attack as Liverpool’s was as dangerous as looking for a gas leak with a lighted match. Delay in clearing their lines played into the hands of Liverpool. The Blues opened up exceedingly and were calling the tune when Balmer weaved a spell and Harley cracked home a beauty. That was in three minutes and so Everton were quickly fighting an uphill battle just as in the first game. It’s is time, however they drew level through McIntosh in seven minutes, but the Done-Balmer due brought Done a leading goal in 23 minutes –yes, and per the right foot. Then Balmer took one before half-time and within four minutes of the restart Nieuwenhuys almost broke the net for a fourth. This looked all over bar the shouting but as at Goodison, Everton took command, and Liverpool had the chance of reveal themselves as a defensive combination for minutes on end. And how they did it.
Fatal Misses.
For long spells we saw nothing of the Liverpool attack, and when Stevenson reduced the lead in an hour it was anybody’s game. Another goal just then to the Blues and I might now be writing a different story. The opportunities were there too, but McIntosh, Stevenson and Bentham all missed openings they would have accepted 99 times out of 100. At other times Hughes and company stood firm, and just when it looked as if the Reds must crack under the strain we had a perfect Harley-Balmer due which culminated in a timely headed goal by skipper Balmer, easily the best forward on view. The fight went out of Everton then, and the points to the more deserving force. Yes Everton had their chances but too readily did the defence play into Liverpool’s hands, and there was a touch of over-eagerness when golden opportunities arose. The Blues fought gallantly and well in a brilliant exhibition of the high-powered football in which the fouls; and they were merely minor offences – could be counted on the fingers of one hand. One point which struck me forcibly was the regularly with which Liverpool beat Everton with the ball in the air. Even Tommy Jones found himself out headed by Nieuwenhuys. As a matter of fact Tommy did not have a happy afternoon and with Greenhalgh inclined to hang away from the winger the Blues defence was unsettled. Burnett was all right in fact he made some excellent saves. Of the three newcomers to Everton, Murphy especially when he went to wing half, was the pick, but Hallard gave promise of useful service when he has settled down. That Roberts was blotted out was due primarily to Gulliver the game’s best back. Gulliver did to Roberts what Jack Jones did to Hanson. The wingers were out of it. Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly has hopes of all three players putting in more games with the Blues, and you will find they have derived benefit from this initial run. Jimmy Caskie was a delight to watch the essence of cunning and nippiness, and ever a keen worker. What a star Caskie will be for Everton in post war days. Bentham and Stevenson grafted well though generally “lying the odds” to the opposition, and McIntosh did well until he went centre forward, where he got one change whatever from Laurie Hughes.
Switch Again.
Liverpool made full use of their inside forward switch, and certainly Nieuwenhuys fell right into the scheme of things, worrying the opposing defence to death. Done has come right back to the best form –and that best is the tops –while Jim Harley can go back off leave content in the knowledge that he had a big hand in these two wins. Harley’s orthodox ways and speed were the secrets of his success as a winger. The team work and understanding of the Reds was better than that of the Blues and the sweetest of all the victory “sweets” to Chairman Mr. Lawson Martindale who headed the assembly was that the Reds had out eight of their own players and even one of their “guest” made his name at Anfield. Everton featured only four “guest” of course. This was a game of 100 per cent thrills artistry and grand goals and the one disappointment was the attendance. The crowd numbered only 24,982 with receipts £1,861 or nearly £400 less than at Goodison. Still it is a nice windfall for the clubs. Both directorates were well represented and it was grand welcome back, Captain Tom Percy of Everton, whose military duties have kept him away so long.
LIVERPOOL WIN AGAIN
October 14, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
It must surely be a record for two Merseyside Derby games to produced 17 goals. I have not looked up the records but I cannot recall two such high scoring Derby games in one season (writes Stork).
The Anfield game was infinitely better than the one at Goodison, for Everton played better were more on a par with Liverpool yet they could not hold the rampant Liverpool side, and again had to suffer defeat. What is the secret of Liverpool’s success? Last season they failed in only one match to score this year they have scored in every game, and they look like continuing the good work, for their shooting was excellent. But there is a lot more to it than mere shooting. They are welded together into one strong body, play open football which will always keep an opposition defence on tenterhooks and when it comes to covering one another Liverpool have worked it out to a fine art. It is a case of each for all and all for each. Their rapier like thrusts produced flaws in the Everton defence. One or two of their goals came through faulty defensive play, and a forward line with such shooters as Balmer, Done and others must not be given any such chances and expect to be let off. Liverpool are not built that way. They go the quickest way to goal. It may not be the pretty way but it brings its dividends. Let me state just one fact, Everton made one attack to which half-a-dozen players participated but how much ground did it bring then? Just ten yards. By comparison Liverpool simple ate up ground by their sweeping methods. Goals are the very essence of the game, and Liverpool went for them by the short route. Nevertheless Everton did not take it lying down. There was one short period in the second half when they sounded the Liverpool defence to the depths, and gave their supporters some promise of bringing the score closer together, but they found the Anfielders defence stout-hearted and able Liverpool attacked as a five-point attack. All up and doing when there was the slightest chance. Not so Everton, whose exaggerated “W” formation robbed the forward line of some of its striking power. T.G. Jones was not anything like the Jones we know. He was forced into too many errors for my liking. The “guest” apart from Roberts did quite well, particularly Hallard and Caskie treated us to some typically Scottish craft.
LAWTON RETURNS TO EVERTON
October 21, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Tommy Lawton, four goal hero of England’s triumph over Scotland returns to lead the Everton attack against Wrexham at the Racecourse on Saturday, when the Welsh club should have their biggest attendance of the season. The notable return brings about a team shuffle as compared with the side defeated by Liverpool. Caskie of course, is not available, and so Stan Bentham goes forward to his real position of inside right to partner Roberts of Bury. Alex Stevenson and Jimmy McIntosh once again constitute the left wing of the attack. Murphy the Welsh international goes to his true position right-half, with Hallard, of Bradford again at left-half, and Tom Jones in the centre. Murphy’s parent club is Bradford City. The doubt affects the backs, where Malcolm Butler, the Blackpool and Irish International defender, is bracketed with Jack Jones and Norman Greenhalgh. A decision regarding the division will be made later. Everton (from); Burnett; Butler, Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh; Murphy, Jones (Tom), Hallard; Roberts, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, McIntosh.
Goodison International
The England and Scotland Army international match at Goodison Park on December 4 will in all probability be an all-ticket match.
Everton Reserves play undeated Liverpool University at Goodison Park; team; Birkett; Woodcock, Eyes; Ashley, McDonnell, Watson; Linaker, Wainwright, Gordon, Scott-Lee, Ringstead.
Everton Colts (v. Tolematchs O.B at Orrell); Jones (J.A); Taylor (G.), Griffiths (R); Scholfield, Cox, Melling; Williams (A), McCallum, Billington, Croft, Lunt.
BLUES STRENGTHENED FOR WREXHAM VISIT
October 21, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton will have Lawton back in their side, fresh from his triumph at Manchester for their game with Wrexham at the racecourse on Saturday. His return allows Murphy, of Bradford City, to go right half, which in turn releases Bentham for inside right. Malcolm Butler, Blackpool’s Irish International is included in the probables, Roberts (Bury) and Hallard (Bradford) being other guest players. Everton’s two defeats by Liverpool have pegged them back in the table and they will be keen to make up some leeway at Wrexham’s expense. Team from; Burnett; Butler, Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh; Murphy, Jones (Tom), Hallard; Roberts, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, McIntosh.
EVERTON SHOULD WIN
October 22, 1943. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Everton have an excellent opportunity of getting back to winning form when they tackle Wrexham at the Racecourse. No doubt the Welsh fans will roll up in strength to see the all-star Everton with Lawton back in the leadership –in action. I expect the ground to house its best gate of the season so far. Lawton’s return does make a tremendous difference to Everton for Jim McIntosh can concentrate on his wing work with Stevenson, and Stan Bentham can return to his inside right role to give Everton their 1939 championship inside forwards. Murphy and Hallard will have derived a lot of benefit from last Saturday’s initial run with the Blues while the defence looks okay with Malcolm Butler, the Irish International, ready for duty if needed. Wrexham have struck a bad patch since they overwhelmed Tranmere Rovers and have suffered three successive defeats. I doubt whether they can stop the run this week. Wrexham will be strengthened by the inclusion of Len Butt, the Blackburn Rovers and former Huddersfield Town inside-forward, while Whitelaw the former Southend United goalkeeper, makes his first appearance for them. Wrexham (from); Whitelaw; Jones (C.), Hill; Hughes, Stuttard, Tudor; White, Livingstone, Reid, Butt, Bremner, Thomas, Simmy. Everton (from); Burnett; Butler, Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh; Murphy, Jones (Tom), Hallard; Roberts, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, McIntosh.
MORE “PEP” WANTED
October 22, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton, with Lawton back in the side, are hopeful of resuming winning ways when they visit Wrexham, but to do so they will have to close up their ranks and bring pep and pace into their game. They will not of course, find Wrexham so strong as Liverpool, though the Welsh club fields an experienced side. Lawton showed in the international match what he could do when given the right sort of passes so it is up to his colleagues to see he gets em. While it may seen harsh to criticise an attack which has scored five goals in two goals, as Everton did against Liverpool –ignoring the “own goal” one –there were still many cases of simple chances being missed. Equally important to remedy as this is the need for a stiffening in defence. Liverpool found loopholes in what used to be a perfectly balanced defence, and these must be sealed up against Wrexham forwards. A bad patch is likely to strike any player. Tom Jones has not been his usual dominant self recently, but before his old supporters I expect him to be again at his best. There is a doubt about the back division where Butler, Blackpool’s Irish international is included. Wrexham will have some new guests in their side, including a strong acquisition in Len Butt, of Blackburn Rovers, and Whitelaw, formerly Southend’s goalkeeper, as well as Red, an Old Kingstonian forward. Teams from;- Everton; Burnett; Butler, Jones (JE), Grenehalgh; Murphy, Jones (TG), Hallard, Roberts, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, McIntosh. Wrexham; Whitelaw; Jones (C.), Hill; Stuttard, Tudor, Whits, Livingstone, Reid, Butt, Bremner, Thomas, Simms.
WREXHAM V. EVERTON
October 23, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Wrexham:- Whitelaw, goal; Jones (C.) and Stuttard, backs; Hughes, Tudor (West brom), and Hill (Arsenal), half-backs; Simms, Bremner (Arsenal) , Thomas, Livingstone and White, forwards. Everton;- Burnett, goals; Jones (J.E.) and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Jones (T.G.) (captain), and Hallard (Bradford Park Avenue), half-backs; Lowe, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and McIntosh (Preston), forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Williams, of Bolton. There was great interest in the appearance of Lawton, who last week got four goals for England, and the return to the Racecourse of their old favourites Tom Jones. The attendance some minutes before the start would be 4,000. Wrexham during the first half-hour provided the better football, but it lacked the one important thing of the game –shooting. They made a beautiful combined movement in their attack on the Everton goal, but once they got within shooting distances there was no shot of any consequence. However, Livingstone with a fine drive, and Thomas with a header forced Burnett to save. Jones (T.G.) was dominating against the Wrexham inside forwards who passed and passed again when a shot would have brought better dividends. Having had their fling Wrexham saw Everton score first with a shot from Lawton’s boot and at 31 minutes Stevenson and McIntosh had worked the opening, but the Wrexham defence had covered so well that Lawton had to work to obtain his shooting chance, but having got it, made no mistake. Burnett and Co, were a shade fortunate during the next few minutes when Wrexham piled on all they knew but could find no loopholes in defence. Then came Everton’s second goal. The ball came swinging up the middle and Lawton seized on the opportunity to sweep the ball first time into the Wrexham goal. Half-time; Wrexham nil, Everton 2.
Wrexham almost rubbed out one goal of their arrears for Simm’s shot was only inches off the mark. Lowe made a tame shot, and Studdard kicked off the goal line from a McIntosh effort. Stevenson twice shot over, and Thomas shot with direction, but Burnett saved. At 56 minutes Wrexham scored through Livingstone.
WREXHAM FAIL NEAR GOAL
October 25, 1943. The Liverpool Daily Post
Wrexham 1, Everton 3
Three for Lawton
By Stork.
Although Everton won 3-1, their success at Wrexham was not accomplished without some anxiety, for the Welsh side had a spell in the second half which seemed likely to make up leeway, for they had the Everton defence doing double time. The only failure of the Wrexham forwards was that they did not finish off their work when it came to shooting. I have seen this happen before on the Racecourse. It seems to be a habit of theirs, and until it is righted Wrexham are liable to find the opposition walking off with the spoils. I liked the way Wrexham worked the ball. It was exceptionally fine combination, and had they finished as well as they played in midfield Everton would not have won as they did. For forty minutes Wrexham showed Everton how football should be played, yet they go nothing for their own weakness near goal, and the excellent work of the Everton defence, particularly the strange hold T.G. Jones had on the inside forwards. Nevertheless it was Burnett who really held them up at the vital stage, for he made several grand saves from Livingstone and Thomas during this period, when, had Wrexham scored, a different tale might have had to be told. Everton with fewer chances, were two up as the result of Lawton’s opportunism. It was all against the play, but only goes to prove that a side must take the chances when offered; they may not come again. Lawton’s first goal came in thirty minutes. Nine minutes later Lawton saw a ball coming soaring up the middle, and without hesitation he swept it beyond Whitelaw, who was beaten by the speed. Wrexham still went on battling and by dint of good football they ultimately got their due reward when Bremner pushed the ball nicely through to Livingstone, who hit a stormer of a shot which did not rise above a foot on its lengthy journey to the net at fifty-six minutes.
Narrow Escapes.
Simms was only an inch out and White twice almost levelled matters before Everton scored their third goal. Whitelaw caught Lowe’s centre but when he saw Lawton coming down in his hands he stepped back with the ball in his hands, Lawton charged him and Whitelaw’s only ball over the line. This was Whitelaw’s only error, although most of the earlier work consisted of catching centres from McIntosh, who preferred to shoot or over dribble instead of getting the ball into the middle where Lawton was so often waiting. I marked out Jones (T.G.), Tudor, his opposite number, Burnett, Lawton, Bremner, White, and Stuttard for special mention, but I liked the Wrexham side as a whole, for they combined so well, showed us soccer as it should be played, but their shooting was not imbalance with the test of their play. Had Lawton been their centre forward he would have got many goals. T.G. Jones however, was at his best. Lawton showed how dangerous he can be given half a chance, Lowe with little opportunity did quite well, but McIntosh tried to do too much and usually fell into the hands of C. Jones. Attendance 5,482. Receipts £373. Wrexham:- Whitelaw, goal; Jones (C.) and Stuttard, backs; Hughes, Tudor (West Brom), and Hill (Arsenal), half-backs; Simms, Bremner (Arsenal), Thomas, Livingstone and White, forwards. Everton;- Burnett, goals; Jones (J.E.) and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Jones (T.G.) (captain), and Hallard (Bradford Park Avenue), half-backs; Lowe, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and McIntosh (Preston), forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Williams, of Bolton.
• Liverpool Lost 4-3 after being 3-0 up to Manchester United. Balmer (2), Welsh, for Liverpool, and Smith, McDonald, Pearson (2) for Manchester United.
LAWTON’S HAT-TRICK
October 25, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
It was clearly demonstrated at the Racecourse what a tremendous asset to Everton is Lawton. Without Lawton the Blues line lack punch, but on Saturday Tommy came back to register a hat-trick against a fighting Wrexham and being welcome points to Goodison. Everton took a long time to settle to their work so persistent were the Wrexham boys but after half-an-hour Lawton beat two men to score, and then a twenty yarder made it two before half-time. Wrexham battled back gallantly, and Simms struck a post, but Everton were generally playing confidently, and although Livingstone scored for the Welshmen, Lawton duly completed his three bags to give Everton a deserving win. Young Lowe played quite well at outside-right and Jack Grant again demonstrated what a useful emergency wing half he is. Tommy Jones delighted his old Wrexham admirers with his precise work in a good game in which Wrexham were far from disgraced. Now that Everton have again got back to winning ways I hope to see a steady climb up the league ladder on which Liverpool have now dropped to fourth place, with Aston Villa –only unbeaten club in the whole kingdom –on top.
WREXHAM FAIL
October 25, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Although they were beaten by Everton at the Racecourse, Wrexham gave a grand show of clever football. There was only one difference as, if not better than the winners (writes Stoke). Lawton the scorer of all Everton’s three goals in every other respect Wrexham were as good as if not better than the winners. Had they shot with the same consistency as they framed their attack, Everton would have been fighting a stiff battle. For well over half an hour Wrexham made Everton look just a moderate side, except in defence, for it required good defence to prevent Wrexham whittling through to goal. Their combination was an eye-opener. I will frankly admit that I though a Wrexham victory seemed assured, for such attractive football must bring its reward; it certainly deserved a better reward, but if forwards will not accept their chances then they cannot blame anyone but themselves. Everton’s attack had done nothing for half an hour, except centre to the goalkeeper’s hands, whereas Burnett had three good saves to make and “T.G.” and his colleagues had to stand up to a heap of pressure in which Bremner, Livingstone, and White stood out. But once again it was proved that an opportunist in a side is worth all the finesse without the necessary finish. It was Everton’s first attack which produced their opening goal, and Lawton had to battle for his opening. His goal was undoubtedly all against the run of the play, but only went to show where Wrexham had failed. Near the end Lawton got his hat-trick. Goalkeeper Whitelaw caught a centre from Lowe under the bar. He must have got a glimpse of Lawton coming down on him, for he stepped back on to his goal line. Lawton quick to see an opening charged Whitelaw still in possession, and he went further back carrying the ball with him, and the referee immediately signalled a goal.
GRANT’S NEW EVERTON ROLE
October 28, 1943. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Everton have decided to persevere with jack Grant the young inside-forward from the north-east, at wing half-back. Grant has been selected to play right half against Wrexham in the return Football league game, at Goodison Park, on Saturday. Wrexham will have Reid, the Kinstonians centre forward on duty and except that J. Jones may be in goal for Whitelaw this is the only change from last week. Grant had not played at half-back until the game at Burnley on Sept 25 and then, in an emergency, he dropped back to become one of the stars of the game. In the next match –against Burnley at Goodison –Grant again had to go right-back in a team shuffle and last Saturday, at Wrexham when Murphy was not available, Grant was called up for half-back duties, and did astonishingly well. Anyway Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly has been so impression with the virile work of the youngster in the intermediary line that Grant is chosen for the position this week, and on the other flank will be Irish International Sam Jones, of Blackpool now completely recovered from injury. Cecil Wyles who has been playing with Tranmere Rovers during the last couple of weeks is recalled to deputise for Tommy Lawton at centre forward, and Roberts of Bury will be at outside-right with Bentham as his partner. The left wing and the defence remain unchanged. Jack Humphreys, the former Varsity half-back is coming home on leave, and will be available for both games with Tranmere Rovers. Everton; Burnett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh; Grant, Jones (Tom), Jones (Sam); Roberts, Bentham, Wyles, Stevenson, McIntosh. Wrexham; Jones (j.); or Whitelaw; Jones (C.), Stuttard; Hughes, Tudor, Hill; Simms, Bremner, Reid, Livingstone, White.
Everton Reserves (v. Rootes Athletic at Speke); Birkett; Woodcock, Doyle; Ashley, McDonnell, Watson; Stein, Wainwright, Casey, Scott-Lee, Makin.
Everton Colts (v. Rockville, at Port Sunlight); J.A. Jones; Lamb, Mortimer; Barrett, W. Cox, Davidson; P. Turner, Scott, Gordon, Grenfell, Higgins.
EVERTON’S TEAM
October 28, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton will be without Lawton for their return game with Wrexham at Goodison Park on Saturday, as he is in the Army representative game at Cardiff, Wyles takes his place. There is also a change at half-back, where Sam Jones of Blackpool makes another appearance with Roberts (Bury) returning at outside right. In other respects the team is unchanged and Everton look strong enough to make sure of the “double”. Teams; Everton; Burnett; Jones (Jack), Greenhalgh; Grant, Jones (Tom), Jones (Sam); Roberts, Bentham, Wyles, Stevenson, McIntosh. Wrexham; Jones (j.); or Whitelaw; Jones (C.), Stuttard; Hughes, Tudor, Hill; Simms, Bremner, Reid, Livingstone, White.
J.V. Humphreys, the former University player, who did so well last season as deputy for Tommy Jones is coming home on leave next week and will be available for the two games against Tranmere Rovers. He has been playing for Crystal Palace recently.
WREXHAM’S VISIT
October 29, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
One of the most enigmatical sides in the district Wrexham will be at Goodison Park to tackle Everton tomorrow, Wrexham’s standard of football compares favourably with any club in the competition but the Welshmen have lost the knack of rounding off their good approach with goals. It is quite true that they ran up nine goals against Tranmere Rovers and eight against Chester, but since those games they seem to have broke down in the penalty area all too readily. It was so when I saw them at Anfield and I can assure you that during the second half of last week’s game with the Blues Wrexham gave the Everton lads some shocks. It was Everton who breathed in relief when Lawton got the third goal to clinch the deal. Wrexham should prove a fine attraction for they have a wealth of tip-top “guest” talent, including Gordon Bremner, the Scottish International and his Arsenal colleagues, Hill, while Tudor, of West Bromwich Albion, is proving a grand centre-half. Everton bring back Cecil Wyles knowing that the Peterborough lad can take the half chance. If Stevenson and Bentham can carve out the openings Wyles will take them. Roberts returns to outside-right, and I shall be keenly interested in the play of Jack Grant at right half. If ever there was a worrier it is Grant. Hallard and Lowe retain their places in a team which should duly complete their first “double” of the season. Everton; Burnett; Jones (jack), Grenehalgh; Grant, Jones (Tom), Hallard; Lowe, Bentham, Wyles, Stevenson, McIntosh. Wrexham; Jones (J) or Whitelaw; Jones (C.), Suttard; Hughes, Tudor, Hill; Simms, Bremner, Reid, Livingstone, White.
G Eccles
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 29 October 1943
Eccles. trainer to Bolton Wanderers F.C. since 1909.,has retired at the age 71. As a full back he helped West Ham. Everton., Wolverhampton and Bolton.
WREXHAM NO “WALK-OVER” FOR BLUES
October 29, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton having got over the toughest part of their first half season campaign, ought to start to climb in the League table, and tomorrow’s return with Wrexham at Goodison Park should provide them with their first “double.” Although Everton scored a 3-1 victory on the Racecourse, it was only the opportunism of Lawton and the grand work of the defence, particularly T.G. Jones, which enabled them to do it. In many respects, Wrexham were the equal of their conquences, and their football was of top class in everything but shooting. They were the more skilful in combination but failed to take their chances. Everton must not think that because they have ground advantage tomorrow the return is going to be a “doddle.” In the first place, they will be without Lawton, and it was Lawton’s three goals last week when nobody else remotely looked like getting one, which sealed the issue. Sam Jones will be at left-half, and his skill and wise ball distribution should be an asset in attack as well as defence. Wyles, deputising for Lawton, is not the complete centre forward, but he is a real trier. I haven’t seen Roberts since last season, when he put up a great show for Chester at Goodison in the Qualifying Cup-tie. He should bring speed and punch on the right wing if he can reproduce that form. Everton showed last week that a shooter in the front line is of more value than a collection of over-elaborate craftsmen. This lesson has been impression on them more than once. If they will shoot hard and often tomorrow, they should be good enough for a win. Maybe Wrexham also, will have taken the same advice to heart. If so, we shall see a good struggle. Up to now the Welshmen have lacked a centre forward able to take advantage of the openings engineered by the other forwards. Should Reid, the old Kingstonia turn out in that position at Goodison as is hoped, the visitors will be a more effective side than latterly, but I fancy Everton’s defence will be just a shade too strong for them. Teams; Everton; Burnett; Jones (jack), Greenhalgh; Grant, Jones (Tom), Hallard; Lowe, Bentham, Wyles, Stevenson, McIntosh. Wrexham; Jones (J) or Whitelaw; Jones (C.), Suttard; Hughes, Tudor, Hill; Simms, Bremner, Reid, Livingstone, White.
EVERTON’S EARLY GOALS
October 30, 1943. The Evening Express
Wyles’ Two In 13 Minutes
By Pilot.
Hallard, of Bradford, and Lowe made their first home appearance of the season for Everton when opposing Wrexham at Goodison Park today. Grant was at right half with Wyles leading the attack. There were no fewer than five members of the Jones £family” three being in the Wrexham side, Victor of the ilk, of Derby County, was a last minute choice, Savage, the former, Liverpool player was at left back. Everton; Burnett, goal; Jones (jack) and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Jones (Tom) (captain), and Hallard, half-backs; Lowe, Bentham, Wyles, Stevenson, McIntosh (Preston), forwards. Wrexham;- Jones (John), goal; Jones (Cyril) and Savage, backs; Hughes, Stuttard and Hill (Arsenal), half-backs; Simms, Jones (Victor) (Derby County), Reid, Livingstone, and White, forwards. Referee. Mr. J. Williams. Wrexham made the first thrust, Livingstone placing by the far post, and when Everton tried to apply pressure they found the Wrexham wing halves masters of intervention. Lowe did some nice work before racing clear to level a magnificent centre, to which John Jones leapt out to fist away. Stuttard baulked Wyles and Bentham in turn as they tried to find shooting openings, and then neatly intervened to intercept McIntosh cleverly headed centre. Savage was the next to save the Wrexham lines, for when John Jones dived but failed to gather another McIntosh cross, Savage was on the spot to kick clear.
Opening Goal
Reid troubled Burnett with a low shot, but in ten minutes Everton took the lead with a picture goal by Wyles. Tom Jones, who had been defying the Wrexham forwards repeatedly doubled right into the Wrexham half and placed far across to McIntosh, who slipped the ball through to Stevenson. Stevenson stabbed the ball so that Stuttard ran past him, and then accurately lobbed the ball over for Wyles to head into the net. Within three minutes Wyles had increased the lead. Wrexham stood still when McIntosh lobed the ball forward and Wyles chased ahead unchallenged to run close in and score. Wrexham appeared for offside, but Wyles was in his own half when McIntosh played the ball. Wrexham reduced the lead in 20 minutes, and although Reid was the scorer, Livingstone was the man who made it possible.
THE JONESES COME TO PLAY
October 30, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Hat-Trick For Wyles At Goodison
By Ranger.
Everton; Burnett, goal; Jones (jack) and Greenhalgh, backs; Grant, Jones (Tom) (captain), and Hallard, half-backs; Lowe, Bentham, Wyles, Stevenson, McIntosh (Preston), forwards. Wrexham;- Jones (John), goal; Jones (Cyril) and Savage, backs; Hughes, Stuttard and Hill (Arsenal), half-backs; Simms, Jones (Victor) (Derby County), Reid, Livingstone, and White, forwards. Referee. Mr. J. Williams.
This was the battle of the Joneses for there were five players of that name on view. Wyles got a hat-trick in the first half. After Livingstone had opened out with a long shot for the visitors. Tommy Jones came up to assist in some Everton attacks which had the Wrexham defence anxious on more than one occasion. Tommy Jones made another upward run, and it led to a goal after McIntosh and Stevenson had combined effectively, Stevenson sending over a perfect centre for Wyles to head in after 12 minutes. Two minutes later Wyles got a second when McIntosh, retrieving the ball after a Wrexham corner, punted it right up the field where Wyles, unmarked, ran through while Wrexham were appealing for offside. He rounded Jones (J.) to put the ball into the net. Slackness in the Everton defence led to Wrexham reducing the lead at the 20thy minute, Reid heading through from Livingstone’s centre. After Everton had fiddled about and missed two good chances, Wyles completed his hat-trick as the 24th minute. Wrexham strove desperately, but they came up against a stonewall defender in Jones (T.G.). Two long shots were made by Livingstone. Jones (J.) made a grand save in the Wrexham goal at point blank range from Stevenson after McIntosh had hit the bar. In the closing stages of the first half Burnett made three brilliant saves in quick succession from Jones (V.), Reid, and White.
Half-time; Everton 3, Wrexham 1.
Wrexham rearranged their attack on resuming, Reid and Simms changing places, and it produced some improvement. White brought forth one of Burnett’s most masterly saves, and Wyles was slow with two good openings. Savage continued to be Wrexham’s star defender, and for Everton Tommy Jones was taking up an attacking move at every opportunity. Grant given a fine display at right half. Wyles fell into Wrexham’s offside trap repeatedly, and then, after some good work by Livingstone and White, who had changed places, Hughes reduced the lead from a corner at the 75th minute. Five minutes later Bentham scored for Everton. Final; Everton 4, Wrexham 2.
October 1943