EVERTON v. BLACKBURN ROVERS
Leeds Mercury - Wednesday 02 September 1903
This first League match was played at Goodison Park in delightful weather, the kick-off being fixed for 5.45. Both sides played full teams, and in the opening stages the game was particularly fast, the Rover's forwards putting in capital work, which brought out all Kitchen's resources. Bowman eventually defeated him with long shot, but Young equalised'. Half-time—Everton 1 goal, to the Rovers 1 goal. In the' second half Everton started strongly, and after Young and Hardman had just missed the mark, Evans, the Welsh international, effected a smart clearance from McDermott. Kitchen also was nearly beaten, and then Sharp got in a grand run, and scored a magnificent goal for Everton. Settle soon afterwards added a third goal. Play was exciting the finish. Result:—Everton 3 goals, the Rovers 1 goal.

EVERTON V BLACKBURN ROVERS
London Daily News - Wednesday 02 September 1903
These Lancashire clubs met at Goodison Park, Liverpool, in delightful weather, the game being commenced at a quarter to six. Both teams were as thoroughhly representative as they could be at so early a date, when how the combination of the men would turn out in a competition match could only be partly judged. From the start the play proved extremely fast, the Rovers' forwards working together in fine style. Kitchen, in the Everton goal, had a lot to do, but defended successfully for some time. At length Bowman beat him with a long shot. Young, of Everton, equalised. The game at the interval stood at one goal each. When the players returned to the field Everton settled down in capital form. Young and Hardman only just missing, while Evans, the Welsh international, who this season keeps goal for Blackburn, was several times called upon to save from McDermott. At the other end Kitchen was nearly beaten. Then a splendid run by Sharp ended in a grand goal for Everton, and before the end came Settle also got through for the home side. Play continued fast and exciting to the end, when Everton could claim a victory by 3 goals to 1.

ROVERS RESERVES V. EVERTON RESERVES
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 02 September 1903
At Ewood Park, before a fair gate and in beautiful weather. The Rovers were trying three new men, in McDonald, at right back, Bradshaw at left half, and Dunkley on the extreme left of the forward rank. The Rovers forwards showed some speedy turns, and twice knock the leather to the Everton custodian's hands. Neither side was giving much away, and while the TRovers's left wing made some determined attempts to get home, they did not make any great impression. Simpson made a capital run past McDonald and Riley, only to shoot feebly. Russell, the home outside right, was working well, and several times set the rest of the quintette in front of goal. The Everton forwards were responsible for one or two pretty touches, and on one occasion Simpson got tight in front, and in spite of appeals for "Offside" shot hard. The ball struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced straight down, apparently just over the line. The leather was whipped up the field again immediately and as no whistle was sounded, play was carried straight to the other end, where a corner was forced, and resulted in the first goal of the match, Carthy giving the Rovers the lead. Play quieteded down, somewhat and the score was not further added to before the interval. On the resumption a hot attack was made by the Rovers but play soon resolved itself into a give-and-take struggle, till Everton got away. Corrin sent in a beauty from the corner flag, and as McIver sent the leather away it was caught by Dilly who rattled it against the bar. Soon afterwards subsquent to a couple of runs by Russell, Simpson sent a soft shot to McIver, who failed to get it away, and Sheridan sent the leather safely home thus putting the accounts equal. Almost immediately after the centre kick the Rovers were awarded a penalty for a foul, and Carthy steered the ball between the uprights again giving his side the lead. They did not hold it long, however, for from a fine kick for a foul the visitors got in again, and after some determined work by their right wing Simpson equalised. During the latter stages of the 80 minutes game matters were very even, neither side managing to pot the necessary goal.

EVERTON 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1
September 2, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
EVERTON OPEN AUSPICIOUSLY
EVERTON WORE BLACK AND WHITE STRIPED JERSEYS IN SECOND HALF
The football season in Liverpool opened last night by a League match between Everton and Blackburn Rovers at Goodison park. It was the first day of the season and although the kick off was not until 5-45. 12,000 persons were present when the game commenced. The weather was delightfully fine, and the ground in capital conditions. Both teams were at full strength the players facing as follows: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Balmer and Crelly backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Blackburn Rover: - Evans, goal, Crompton (captain), and Eastham, backs, Dewhurst, McClure, and Birchall, half-backs, Whittaker, Smith, Bowman, Watson, and F.Blackburn, forwards. Referee J.T.Howcroft. The Rovers commenced operations Everton having to face a somewhat powerful sun, which, however, soon disappeared. The opening exchanges were evenly contested, and then Everton went strongly down the centre, McDermott initiating a move, which enabled Young to get in a good though futile shot. Eastham by a hugh kick removed the venue to the other end. Balmer, however, by a judicious bit of work enabled Sharp to secure possession and indulge in most effective sprints. Eastham accounting for him just as he was preparing for shot. The game ruled fast and exciting many pretty touches being exhibited by both sides. A breakaway by the Rovers left, Bowman with an undeniable chance, but his effort went wretched wide, A free kick to the Rovers was well taken, and after Smith and Walker had participated in some neat passing the ball was transferred to Bowman who shot was brilliantly replied to by Kitchen. Further bombardment of the Everton goal, followed, the exchanges among the Rovers forwards line being quick and incisive, and Balmer, Crelly, and Kitchen had all their work cut out to prevent a score. This they succeeded in doing for sometime, but at length after tricky work on the Rover right wing, Bowman came into possession, and eluding the opposing half-backs sent in with great force a long the ground. Kitchen having no possible chance of saving. This success which came after about 18 minutes play, aroused the Evertonians to the idea that they were engaged in serious warfare. From the centre they made rapid tracks for Evans's end, and a claim was made for a penalty kick for obstruction which the referee, however, ignored. The home team, maintains a strong pressure, for some time, and at length Sharp put in a beautiful shot from a most difficult angle. Evans affecting a magnificent save, which drew forth the well-deserved plaudits of the crowd. After this play, opened out, and Bowman missed a palpable goal by wretched shooting. McDermott and Sharp got away the latter sending across to the opposite wing Hardman forcing an abortive corner. A free kick to Everton just outside the 12 yards line yielded no advantage, as the ball was drive over the line. An exceedingly clever move on the part of McDermott and Sharp should have resulted in Everton getting on level terms, Sharp ultimately swinging the ball across but Settle, just failed to reach it, and Eastham cleared. A miskick by Balmer let in the Rovers, but unfortunately no harm was done, and midfield was the scene of hostilities for some time. At length Wolstenholme put his forwards in possession, but all to no purpose a fruitless corner being the only result. A free kick to the Rovers followed. Blackburn eventually sending wide. By way of a change Everton had a brief spell of attacking a grand attempt by Young going a trifle wide. A free kick to the Rovers was replied to by Crelly, after which Hardman put in a fast sprint to the other end finishing up with a brilliant shot. However, Everton had not long to wait for an equalising point. Wolstenholme took a free kick, Sharp transferring to Young who safely piloted the ball into the net. The interval was announced soon afterwards. Half-time Everton 1goal, Blackburn Rovers 1.
The Everton players had evidently been somewhat confused in the initial half of the game by the similarity of the Rovers jerseys to their own, and when the teams reappeared Everton wore black and white jerseys in place of the ordinary blue. The reopening stages found Everton busily assailing the Rovers charge, a corner falling to them without more tangible result. The pressure was kept up for some minutes, and after some sterling work on the part of Hardman and Settle, Young missed by a few yards. A little later Hardman made a galliant attempt to lower Evan's colours without effect. Whittaker was in evidence on behalf of the Rovers, and than Hardman went up the wing in dashing style, finishing up with a superb centre, Crompton clearing when the odds were distinctly against him. Everton were now displaying excellent football, and the Rovers defenders was kept fully engaged. After fine finessing by the three inside men, Settle, essayed a shot, but Evans was on the quivive, and starved off disaster. The attack by Everton was somewhat prolonged, and the Blackburn citadel was several times in jeopardy, but Crompton, Eastham, and Evans were perfectly safe. Settle on one occasion almost succeeded in doing the trick, following which Booth, with a lofty kick, gave Evans a rare handful, which he successfully coped with. Balmer checked a dangerous rush on the part of the visiting forwards, and then Hardman received the ball from Booth and centred perfectly. McDermott fastened on to it, and shot hard in only to see it rebound from the upright-exceedingly hard lines for Everton. Shortly afterwards Blackburn became very busy, and the Everton citadel had a somewhat lucky escape. Watch sent in hard to Kitchen, who just kept the ball out for Crelly to clear, and whilst the custodian was on the ground Dewhurst placed the leather over the bar. The half-backs on either side but in some useful work, and then Everton went to the front again forcing a couple of unproductive corners. Crompton was hard pressed and was compelled to kick behind to extricate himself, the subsequent corner, however, proving futile. Booth placed his front rank on the aggressive Sharp shooting wide. A couple of corners to the Rovers ensued, and then Sharp secured at the centre line, and racing up the field at a terrific pace he left all opposition standing still, finishing up by scoring a magnificent goal eight minutes from the finish. The delighted spectators vociferously cheered this achievement. Darkness was now approaching, and during the last few minutes it was difficult to follow the game. A couple of corners came to Everton from the second of which Settle added a third. (The Daily Post discovered that it was Hardman who had benn lucky enough score). Result Everton 3, Blackburn Rovers 1. In the earlier stages of the game the Rovers fully held their own, and it would not have been surprising if they had placed themselves in a winning position. After the chance of ends however, they seemed to collapse though until Sharp's brilliant run a little luck might have turned the tide in favour of either side. Once having got the lead there was no holding the Evertonians, who so far as could see in the darkness scored again through Settle (Hardman). After all even of the 1 st September 5-45 is too late for the kick off in a First League match. Everton have reason to be proud of their debut. The new men, Hardman and McDermott the former especially performed very creditably, and the old players seem to have retained the form, which has gained them distinction.

BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
September 2, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 1)
At Blackburn before a small gate, Everton opened the game facing the sun, and the Rovers at once pressed Bow missing an easy chance when under the crossbar. A little later Whitley the Everton custodian, had two shots to clear, and the Everton made their first serious attack from a fine run by Simpson at inside but they were unable to turn it to account. Everton kept the upper hand for some time, but without calling on McIver. Play being transferred Bow and Dunkley became troublesome, but failed to reach Whitley. After 35 minutes play Carthy, the Rovers centre scored a grand a grand goal, and the interval arrived, Rovers 1 Everton nil.
On resuming of the game was evenly contested for a while, Everton made one determined attack led by Corrin whose grand centre from the corner flag occasioned McIver sometrouble to clear. Dilly returned the ball and struck the crossbar and Riley cleared the danger. Everton returned to the attack, however, and Sheridan shot McIver making a poor clearance from Rankin the equalising goal. The game had been only another minute in progress when the Rovers were awarded a penalty kick, and Carter placed them ahead. Simpson brought the score even once more, with a good shot. From this point the game became very even. Result Rovers 2, Everton 2. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson and Murray, backs, Chadwick Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs, Rankin, Simpson, Dilly, Sheridan, and McEwan, forwards.

EVERTON’S FIRST MATCH
The Football Chat and Athletic World-Wednesday, September 2 1903
By “Montezuma
It is strange to find, however, that the now notorious scandal fixture of 1902-3, “Everton v. Blackburn Rovers,” should be the first on the Toffee club’s card for the current race. There is nothing like “taking the bull by the horns,” and I am pleased to find the Everton management thus arranging matters for an early meeting directly they found the “Fletcher system” had hit upon a Cup-tie date. Concerning the Everton team, McDermott, the Celtic forward, who was “fixed up” by director Kirkwood, appears to have made a big impression at inside-right in the trial spins. He is an artist on the ball, dashing, and a fine shot. He should make a capital partner for Jack Sharp. This means, however, that a rare old war horse like Jackie Taylor has perforce to stand down. And this same Taylor was Everton’s most consistent forward last season being ofttimes the life and soul of the attack. Still, McDermott on his practice form could not be held out. Everton hoped to begin the season much better than last season, for Young is now restored to full back, and the defence is reported in the best of trim. Then in Hardman, the Blackpool amateur, they expect to have secured a fine outside-left. Have they raked in the first points?

OPENING OF THE SEASON
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 02 September 1903
FIRST DIVISION LEAGUE.
EVERTON v BLACKBURN ROVERS
The football season in Liverpool opened last night by a League match between Everton and Blackburn Rovers at Goodison-park. It was the first day of the season, and although the kick off was not until 5.45 fully 12,000 persons were present when the game commenced. The weather was delightfully fine, and the ground in capital condition. Both teams were at full strength, the players facing as follows: —
Everton—Kitchen; goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Blackburn Rovers—Evans, goal; Compton (Captain) and Eastham, backs; Dewhurst, McClure, and Birchall, half-backs; Whittaker, Smith, Bowman, Watson, and Blackburn, forwards.
Referee, Mr. J. . Howcroft.
The Rovers commenced operations, Everton having to face a somewhat powerful sun,which, however, soon disappeared. The game ruled fast and exciting, many pretty touches being exhibited by both sides, the exchanges among the Rovers’ forward line being quick and incisive, and Balmer, Crelly, and Kitchen had all their work cut out to prevent a score. This they succeeded in doing for some time, but at length, after tricky work on the Rovers right wing, Bowman came into possession, and, eluding the opposing half-backs, sent in with great force along the ground, Kitchen having no possible chance of ‘saving. This success, which came after about 18 minutes’ play, ‘aroused the Evertonians to the idea that they were engaged in serious warfare. From the centre they made rapid tracks for Evans end, and a claim was made for a penalty kick for obstruction, which the referee, however, ignored. The home team maintained a strong pressure for some time, and at length Sharp put in a beautiful shot from a most difficult angle, Evans affecting a magnificent save, which drew forth the well-deserved plaudits of the crowd. After this play opened out, and Bowman missed a palpable goal by wretched shooting. However, Everton had not long to wait for an equalising point. Wolstenholme took a free kick, Sharp transferring to Young, who safely piloted the ball into the net. The interval was announced soon afterwards. Halftime—Everton, 1 goal; Blackburn Rovers 1 goal.
-The Everton players had evidently been somewhat confused in the initial half of the game by the similarity of the Rovers’ jerseys to their own, and when the teams reappeared Everton wore black and white striped jerseys in place of the ordinary blue. The reopening stages found Everton busily assailing the Rovers’ charge, a corner falling to them without more tangible result. The attack by Everton was somewhat prolonged, and the Blackburn citadel was several times in jeopardy, but Crompton, Eastham, and Evans were perfectly safe. Settle on one occasion almost succeeded in doing the trick, following which Booth, with a lofty kick, gave Evans a rare handful, which he successfully coped with. Balmer checked a dangerous rush on the part of the visiting forwards, and then Hardman received the ball from Booth and centred perfectly. McDermott fastened on to it, and shot hard in, only to see it rebound from the upright—exceedingly hard lines for Everton. Shortly afterwards Blackburn became very busy, and the Everton citadel had a somewhat lucky escape. Watson sent in hard to Kitchen, who just kept the ball out for Crelly to clear, and whilst the custodian was on the ground Dewhirst placed the leather over the bar. The half-backs on either side put in some useful work, and then Everton went to the front again, forcing a couple of unproductive corners. Crompton was hard pressed, and was compelled to kick behind to extricate himself, the subsequent corner, however, proving futile Booth placed his front rank on the aggressive. sharp shooting wide. A couple of corners to the Rovers ensued, and then Sharp secured at the centre line, and, racing up the field at a terrific pace, he left all opposition standing still, finishing up by scoring a magnificent goal eight minutes from the finish. This achievement was vociferously cheered by the delighted spectators. Darkness was now approaching, and during the last few minutes it was difficult to follow the game. A couple of corners came to Everton, from the second of which Settle added a third point. Result; Everton 3 goals, Blackburn 1 goal.
In the earlierstages of the gamethe Rovers fully held their own, and it would not have been surprising if they had placed themselves in a winning position, After the change of ends, however, they seemed to collapse, though until Sharp’s brilliant run a little luck might have turned the tide in favour of either side. Once having got the lead there was no holding the Evertonians, who, so far as could be seen in the darkness, scored again through Settle. After all,even on the-1st September, 5 45 is too late for the kick off in a First League match. Everton have reasonto beproud of their debut. The new men, Hardman and McDermott, the former especially, performed very creditably, and the old players seem to have retained the form which has gained them distinction.

EVERTON v  BLACKBURN ROVERS
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 02 September 1903
The opening of the football season in Liverpool was signalised by delightful weather, which put local enthusiasts on excellent terms withthemselves. Long before the time for staring operations at Goodison Park, the thoroughfares leading thereto were thronged with cabs and pedestrians, whilst seating accommodation on the electrics” was quite out of the question. Peculiar interest was attached to the meeting onaccount of the sensational character of their last encounter.  Both teams were well represented, and Everton played their two new forwards, Hardman and McDermott, both of whom made an excellent impression. Twenty thousand spectators lined the enclosures when the teams turned out as follow :-—Everton Kitchen, goal, Balmer and Crelly, backs ; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half backs; Sharp,McDermott, Young. Settle, and Hardman, forwards Blackburn Rovers: Ewans, goal; Crompton (Captain) and Eastham, backs ; Dewhurst, McClure, and Birchell, half backs ; Whittaker, Smith, Bowman, Watson, and Blackburn, forwards.
From the moment that Bowman set the leather in motion the game was for fully the fifteen minutes of a ding-dong character with Rovers decidedly on the defensive and in serious difficulty to dispose of the swinging centres put in from both Everton wings. Booth enabled his right wing to find a clear opening, and Sharp dashed away unimpeded until Eastham came alongside and unceremoniously bundled the cricketer clear over the touchline, but not before he had centred. Possession of the ball was disputed between Young and McClure, but the Blackburn man proved the smarter.  After this the Rovers were responsible for great work. which appeared to quite nonplus the home defence for some time, but Kitchen was on his best behaviour, although the same credit was not due to Balmer and Crelly, who were both a bit groggy. Evading the attention of Booth, Abbott, Crelly, Bowman got full force on the leather, and sent in a glorious handful to Kitchen who, however, did not flinch.  The Blues then made a brave effort on their left to change the venue, but their opponents proved wonderfully tenacious, and a grand bit of work came from Smith, who was tackled in turn by Crelly, Booth, and Abbott. The triangular duel was rather clumsy but in favour of the Rover throughout. He tested Kitchen smartly before resuming his own quarters. The leather was not, however, taken out of danger by Everton, and Bowman took up the attack again unaided. He did not seem likely to score, and Balmer left him to Crelly who opposed in leisurely fashion. Bowman took round in the situation instantly, and whipped round Crelly before Balmer could get into line, and then, the ball along a couple of yards at top speed he shot with great impetus The ball was travelling low down, and Kitchen attempted to drop on it but failed and Bowman proved successful in netting the leather after seventeen minutes’ play.  If the Evertonian defence had been steady Bowmen have would certainly have denied his honours.  The Blues lost no time in attempting to retrieve the disaster and their forward play was so that Blackburn’s defence was never idle. After a grand sprint Sharp out- manoeuvredEastham, and had a clear course for Evans, at whom he shot unerringly but the Rovers’ warden was in fine form, and brought off a very classy one-handed save. Everton continued to carry on the campaign in Blackburn territory, and their tactics were tricky and resourceful but only served to bring out the best features of the Rovers defence, whose rear rank proved steady as a rocks.  Another pretty run by Sharp resulted in the leather beingswiftly centred, but Young and Settle both failed to get at it.Settle was most unfortunate as he must have equalised had his intended “header” come off.  All the units in the home forward line did stiff work, and their combined efforts looked very promising at times, but they never seemed to take the measure fully of the Rovers stubborn defence.  Hardman had a good opening before the interval, and travelled very smartly down his wing, when, with rather bad judgment, he tried a long shot which landed the leather well behind.  The Rovers looked like crossing over with the lead,  but a couple of minutes before the whistle sounded Eastham was penalised, and from Wolstenholme’s toe the leather travelled to who placed to Young in a good potion. It was a very smart little effort, and happily worked the oracle, as Young responded with equal alacrity, and tipped the leather into the net a few seconds before the referee signalled a cessation.  Interval One goal each.
The latter half proved of a more sensational character Everton put in much more vigorous work, and seldom let the Rovers’ front line away,  Evans defended his goal in master fashion, and accounted for capital efforts om Hardman, Settle, McDermott, and Young, all of whom should have scored.  At last, from a free kick, Sharp obtained possession thirty yards from his own goal where he proved too quick for Eastham and sped towards Evans, pursued by Crompton, The Rovers’ back could not go the pace, and Sharp beat Evans cleverly, after one of the grandest individual efforts imaginable.  Blackburn strove in vain to draw level, but Hardman put the beyond doubt by scoring a third goal after a corner kick by Abbott.  It was a well-deserved victory as Everton rose to the occasion, and were the superior team during most of the game. Result: Everton 3 goals, Blackburn Rover 1.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 02 September 1903
At Blackburn before a small gate. Everton opened the game facing the sun, and the Rovers at once pressed, Bow missing an easy opening under the crossbar. A little later Whitley, the Everton custodian, had two shots to clear, and then Everton made their first serious attack from a fine run by Simpson on the inside right, but were unable to turn it to account. Everton kept an upper hand for some time, but without calling on McIver. Play being transferred, Bow and Dunkley became troublesome but failed to reach Whitley. After thirty-five minutes’ play, Carthy (the Rovers’ centre) scored a grand goal, and the interval arrived- Rovers 1 goal, Everton nil.
On resuming the game was evenly contested for a while. Everton made one determined attack, led by Corrin, whose grand centre from the corner flag troubled McIver to clear. Crelly returned the ball, and struck the crossbar, and Riley cleared the danger. Everton returned to the attack, however, and McIver, making a poor clearance from Rankin, an equalising goal was shot by Sheridan. The game had been only another minute in progress when the Rovers were awarded a penalty, and Carter place them ahead. Simpson brought the score level once more with a good shot. From this point the game became very even, the final being;- Rovers Reserve 2 goals, Everton Reserves 2 goals.

EVERTON v  BLACKBURN ROVERS
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 02 September 1903
At Goodison Park, before 13,000 spectators. The result of three goals to one in favour of the home eleven was surprising, after the fine form displayed by the Rovers in the first half. Then they were equal, if not superior, to their opponents, but later there was a pronounced deterioration in their play, and Everton’s more skilful tactics asserted themselves. The result was that claimed a much larger portion of the play in the second moiety than the Rovers. The two points were well earned. The visitors were thoroughly beaten. There is no mistake about the efficiency the Rovers’ goalkeeper, Evans, the Welsh international. His grasp is as steady as his head is cool. He is a sure man between the posts. Crompton is not yet in proper trim, nor Eastham. The latter's play was decidedly faulty, and his exhibition weak. Of the half-backs. Dewhurst was the pick—alike clever in feeding and tackling. Whittaker did not shines in all probability due to the way in which he was treated by Smith, the New Brompton man, who, taken the whole, neglected him. Smith is, nevertheless, a good player, and more is expected from him. Fred Blackburn and Watson made admirable partners early in the game, and the outside left did some very smart work. Bowman scored the one and only goal for the Rovers with magnificent shot, though once he completelymissed an open opportunity to plant the ball at rest. The Everton team was strong practically in all departments. Sharp scored probably the finest goal seen on the ground for many a season. Skipping round Crompton the two raced fully half the length of the field together. The Evertonian was speedier, and ending a brilliant run with a spurt, crowned his efforts by baffling Evans, who stood no chance against the shot. It was a dribble as near perfection as possible. Hardman, an amateur, has a future in store for him, judging from his form in this match. He is swift, tricky, and a sure shot. Another clever youth is McDermott,of Chelsea and the three mentioned, along with Young and Settle, composed the forward line. Theback division, which remains the same last year, worked hard, the halves being especially prominent. The Rovers lost on merit, and consequently they took their defeat in a worthy manner.

BLACKBURN RESERVES v  EVERTON RESERVES
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 02 September 1903
At Ewood Park, before a fair gate, and in beautiful weather. The Rovers were trying three new men in McDonald at right back, Bradshaw at left half and Dunkley on the extreme left of the forward rank. The Rovers’ forwards showed some speedy turns, and twice got the leather to the Everton custodian’s hands. Neither side was giving much away, and whilst the Rovers’ left wing made some determined attempts to get home they did not make any great impression. Simpson made a capital run past McDonald and Riley, only to shoot feebly. Russell, the home outside right, was working well, and several times set the rest of the quintette in front of goal. The Everton forwards were responsible for one or two pretty touches, and on one occasion Simpson got right in front, and in spite of appeals for “offside” shot hard. The ball struck the under side of the crossbar and bounced straight down, apparently just over the line. The leather was whipped up the field again immediately, and as no whistle was sounded, play was carried straight to the other end, where a corner was forced, and resulted in the first goal of the match, Carthy giving the Rovers the lead. Play quietened down somewhat, and the score was not further added to before the interval. On the resumption a hot attack was made by the Rovers, but play soon resolved itself into a give-and-take struggle till Everton got away. Corrin sent in a beaty from the corner flag, and as McIver sent the leather away it was caught by Billy who rattled it against the bar. Soon afterwards, subsequent to a couple of runs by Russell, Simpson sent a soft shot to McIver, who failed to get it away, and Sheridan sent the leather safely home, thus putting the accounts equal. Almost immediately after the centre kick the Rovers were awarded a penalty for a foul, and Carthy steered the ball between the uprights again giving his side the lead. They did not hold it long, however, for from a fine kick for a foul the visitors got in again, and after some determined work by their right wing Simpson equalised. During the latter stages of the 80 minutes’ game matters were very even, neither side managing to pot the necessary goal.

EVERTON v  BLACKBURN ROVERS
Liverpool Mercury - Wednesday 02 September 1903
The League campaign was opened at Goodison Park last evening, an attendance of fully 12,000 being present to welcome the once-famous Blackburn Rovers. Both sides were strongly represented, as will be seen from the subjoined list of players, and, considering that it was the first game of the season, played under almost ideal conditions for cricket, the contest was extremely interesting and full of excitement throughout. Everton were not seen to very much advantage in the first half; in fact, for fully half an hour the Rovers held a slight superiority, and when they succeeded in opening the scoring, though a splendid effort by Bowman, it was no more than they deserved up to the juncture. Whittaker ran past Crelly and whipped the ball across to the Rovers’ centre, who tricked Abbott and gave Kitchen no chance with a fast low shot. This, coming, as it did, after 18 minutes’ play, gave the visitors every confidence and the Everton defence was sorely tested; but from a breakaway Sharp obtained possession and tested Evans with a stinging shot from close range which the Welshman beautifully dealt with. The Rovers should have scored again a moment later, for Bowman once more got clean past the home backs, and, with only Kitchen to beat, sent across the goal mouth. As if to equalise the making of mistakes, Settle failed to utilise a similar chance from ma centre by Sharp; and it was near the interval, when the right-winger seemed like running clean through. An attempted trip by the Rovers’ left-half led to a free kick being awarded, and sharp, receiving from Wolstenholme, sent the ball towards the posts, and, cannoning off Young, the ball was diverted past Evans, thus making the scores level. After the interval, Everton were the more aggressive, for Young and Hardman missed by inches only, whilst Evans saved beautifully from McDermott, and repeated the performance shortly afterwards. Then, following upon really smart work by Hardman, the Everton inside-right was presented with a perfect opening. A feeble clearance by Kitchen at the other end looked like giving the Rovers the lead, but Watson shot wide, and, after further pressure, a corner was conceded to the visitors. Young managed to kick the ball clear to Sharp, and a sensational bit of play ensued. The Everton right-winger dodged Eastham, and, on Crompton coming across to assist his partner, there ensued a terrific race between the pair. Sharp got the better of it, and, when just inside the penalty line, sent in a shot which gave Evans no chance. Cheering, loud and prolonged, greeted this really brilliant feat, and victory was now in Everton’s grasp. Rovers rarely got dangerous, and close on time, from a corner, another goal came, which in the gathering gloom appeared to be headed into the net by Settle. Result; Everton 3 Blackburn Rovers 1.
Everton were far superior in the second moiety to their opponents, and, if only for this, deserved their success. In the opening stages the Rovers played uncommonly well, and were a goal better than Everton up to the time of scoring the first point. There was nothing to choose between the sides prior to half-time, but, unfortunately for the visitors, they could not keep up their early incisiveness after the change of ends. Hardman and Sharp were the pick of the Everton front rank, whilst at half-back Booth easily bore off the honours, and was a sore stumbling block to the Rovers’ advances. Balmer was the better of the backs, and the defence all round gave little cause for complaint. The Rovers presented a bold front for a time, but they could not resist the pressure brought to bear in the second half. Bowman gave a good exhibition, as did Watson and Smith; and at half, Birchall and Dewhurst accomplished a great deal of useful work. Crompton was a long way the better of the backs, and in goal Evans made some brilliant clearances, his display being such as to ensure the Rovers’ goal from all possibility of easy capture. The Everton players stood the strain well, and it was pleasing to see them so energetic even in the closing stages of a hard-fought game, this being no doubt the chief reason for their ultimate triumph.
Everton Kitchen, goal, Balmer and Crelly, backs ; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards
Blackburn Rovers: Ewans, goal; Crompton (Captain) and Eastham, backs ; Dewhurst, McClure, Birchall, half backs ; Whittaker, Smith, Bowman, Watson, and Blackburn, forwards.

TOMORROW TEAMS NEW
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 04 September 1903
Everton v. Notts County.—The following team has been selected to represent Everton in this League match at Goodison-park:— Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, halfbacks; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. kick-off 3.30.
Everton v Port Sunlight.- This friendly match will be played at Port Sunlight, kick-off at four o’ clock. The Everton team will be; Whitley, goal; Henderson, and Murray, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, O’Hagan, Dilly, Sheridan, and McEwan, forwards.

THE ANDREW CARNEGIE LIBRARY FOR WEST DERBY
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 05 September 1903
The public library which Mr Andrew Carnegie has given to the city of Liverpool is to be built on a site at the corner of Green-lane and Lister-drive, West Derby, and is in recognition of Mr, Carnegie’s generosity, to be named after him. No effort has been spared to make it a model institution of its kind. The area of the site, part of the estate of the Corporation, is large enough to allow the building being enough to allow the building being set back 100 feet from each of the adjoining roadways, so that the library will when completed be placed in the midst of an open space, which it is intended to lay out as a garden, bordered with trees, and surrounding  by an ornamental boundary of ironwork, divided by stone pillars. From Green-Lane the site slopes gently upwards.  The building therefore stand on a low plateau with grasses slopes, a situation which will exhibit it to the best effect. The institution has been designed by Mr. Thomas Shelmerdine, city surveyor, and is to be carried out under the immediate supervision of Mr. Dawson, his architectural assistant. The materials it is proposed to employ are red Ruabon wire-cut bricks, with dressings of Cefn stone, and of green Westmoreland slates. The style a modern treatment of classic work is at once neat and elegant. In the plan, which is somewhat novel, two points have been kept in view- compactness and a full and even mode of lightning. A prominent feature is the tower at the north-east angle. This, as will be seen from the drawing, is octagonal. It is to be roofed with copper octagonal. The main entrance, in the tower, leads to an octagonal vestibule 19ft 3in, across, from which there is direct access in front to the library and lending department, on the right to the general reading-room, and on the left to the boys’ reading-room The vestibule will be paved with marble Mosaic.  The segmental ribbed ceiling will be a design in fibrous plaster. On each side of the hall are niches for statues.  The general reading-room will be a large and lofty apartment, having a length, including the bays at each end, of 66ft. It will be lighted by two great mullioned windows, the larger 24ft  across, and the smaller 18ft. The bay of the smaller window 9ft deep, is balanced in the interior effect by a corresponding alcove at the end.  These bays will be arched. The roof is also an elliptical arch, divided ribs into panels of decorative fibrous plaster- work. The floor is to be pitch pine blocks, and round the room will extend a glazed dado 6ft in height. All the furniture and other fittings will be of oak. The reading-room, 34ft, 9in. by 26ft. 6in., is similar in style and decoration to the larger room, the bay at one end corresponding to an alcove at the other. This room is also lighted on two sides—south and west.  Both these rooms communicate with the library proper by arched openings in which counters will be placed. The library, which accommodate 30,000 books, is lighted from a dome. The volumes will be arranged round the walls and in cases projecting at right angles. A gallery above is arranged in the same manner as the bookcases on the ground floor. The library is 46ft. 9in by 26ft. 3m. On the opposite side of it, corresponding with the boys room is a reading-room for ladies, 24ft by 20ft., also communicating with the library by an arched opening, and fitted with a service counter. The decorations and furnishing of this room are in keeping with the others, but it has a separate entrance from a door on the west side of the building. This entrance leads to a vestibule giving access both to the library, to the ladies’ reading-room, to the general reading- room. It is proposed to use it also as an extra exit when the larger room is engaged for lecture purposes.
Adjoining the ladies’ room, and leading oat of the library, is the librarian's apartment, 13ft square. A private stair-case for the staff leads to an assistants’ room of the same size on the first floor, where are also placed the staff lavatories. The octagonal room in the tower over the entrance hall can be used if needed as an additional room for books, and will hold about 5,000 volumes. The building is so planned that the librarian may supervise all the reading-rooms at once, and without difficulty. In the basement are caretakers apartments, rooms for the lighting apparatus, coals, paper, worn-out books, &c. the woodwork in the public rooms will be of oak throughout, and the treatment of it architecturally in harmony with the style of the building. The contractors are Messrs, Brown and Backhouse, Chatham-street, Liverpool. The cost is slightly under £15,500. 

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 05 September 1903
Everton v Notts County.
League match at Goodison Park; kick-off 3,30.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Everton Combination v Port Sunlight
At Port Sunlight; New Ferry boat Landing stage; kick-off 4.
Everton Combination; Whitley, goal; Henderson, and Murray, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, O’Hagan, Dilly, Sheridan, and McEwan, forwards.

NOTTS AT GOODISON PARK
Football News (Nottingham) - Saturday 05 September 1903
FAIL TO MAKE THEIR MARK
MORE DEFENCE THAN DEFIANCE
The Notts team had another “man’s” job in this afternoon when they tackled Everton on the famous and splendidly appointed ground at Goodison Park, Liverpool. In many ways it was rough on the “Magpies” to have to face on foreign soil such notable opponents as Sunderland and the “Toffees,” for with Dame Fortune’s face beaming kindly on them, they could scarcely be expected to extract much material comfort from the engagement mentioned. What took place at Roker Park on Tuesday is fresh in the minds of footballers-too fresh, may be, in the minds of Trent Bridge habitues -and notwithstanding the fact that Everton are not Sunderland, the “right blues” showed that they have found their football legs by the free and easy way they waltzed round Blackburn Rovers the same afternoon that Doig and Company were putting on two points at the expense of to-day’s visitors to the leading western seaport. Not only so, the fellow who plays on his own ground always starts with a slight advantage. This is not theory to be used as a half-apology in the hour of defeat; it’s fact based upon a mass of evidence, and therefore Notts., in at least two senses, tripped into the amphitheatre this afternoon with a bit of extra weight in their pockets. But Bell and his merry men carry their hearts in the right place, and instead of being daunted by defeat are inspired thereby to better things, and usually succeed in wiping out the strain on their garments. Although disappointment, and loss dogged the steps of the team on their journey north, there has not been a disposition in official and unofficial circles to treat the result of the Sunderland match too seriously. The home team played a ding-dong and irresistible game, which would have beaten any team in England, and taken on the whole Notts, gave an encouraging exhibition. Therefore Mr. Harris’s party were in good spirits when they set out from the Midland Station this morning by the 9.5 train. They have done conspicuously well at Goodison Park, as the following list of previous engagement demonstrates.
As everyone expected, the “Magpies” directorate decided to again put in the field the eleven which did duty at Sunderland, and naturally, too, Everton made no change in the brigade which came out on top against Blackburn Rovers, in which match Jack Sharp was in great form, so that the rivals faced each other in the following order;-
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, right wing; Young, centre; Settle, and Hardman, left wing.
Notts County; Pennington, goal; Prescott and Montgomery, backs; Mainman, Bull (Captain), and McDonald, half-backs; McCall, and Humphreys, right wing; Green, centre; Glen and Gee, left wing.

Referee; Mr. W. Nunnerley. Linesmen; Messrs. R. Wild and W.J. Vaughan. Kick-off at 3.30.
Notts made their appearance at Goodison Park in weather that would have been counted ideal for cricket, but was just a little too warm for energetic football. Notts made no change from the side, which were worsted at Sunderland, and Everton were equally faithfully to the eleven which defeated Blackburn Rovers. Bull and his men were greeted by the crowd just as cordially as Everton, who included two new faces in McDermott, from Celtic, and Hardman, late of Blackpool. There were nearly twenty thousand spectators. Notts won the toss, and Bull placed Everton with the sun in their eyes. Young swung over to Sharp, who bungled matters, and the ball went out of play. Glen and Green run the sphere down, and the latter essayed a shot which was awkwardly cleared by Crelly. Everton at last crossed the line, but could not get on terms with Pennington. Settle eventually found an opening, but Hardman in trying to get round Prescott handled. The free kick helped Notts to beat off the invaders, but Everton, at least, contrived to keep the game in the “Magpie” half. Pennington’s goal narrowly escaped a downfall from a well-judged shot from Young, and a corner given by Prescott resulted in a determined melee in front of Pennington. The ball was badgered about between the contending players, and it seemed only a question of moments when the Notts colours would be lowered. Bull at last worked the ball out of the crowd. Everton returned to the attack, however, and Settle whizzed in a screw shot, which Pennington only partially cleared. Sharp rushed in to complete the disaster, when, luckily, the referee pulled up the game apparently for a foul on Pennington from the opposite wing. Up to the present moment Notts had been under a cloud, but Bull initiated a fine assault on Kitchen’s end. Green trapped the ball and swung over a dainty pass right to the feet of Gee, who made the best use of it. Watching his opportunity, he centred nicely, but Balmer was just a little more speedy in the race for possession than his opponents and relieved. The breathing space allowed Kitchen and his backs was only a short one, and Notts came again with any amount of zest. Kitchen had to save a virile shot from Green, and Humphreys also tested the capabilities of the Everton keeper. This pressure was too hot to last long, and once again Everton swarmed round Pennington. Twice the big custodian saved the shot which have beaten most fort-holders, one of these, engineered by Young with a rocket-like force, being splendidly fielded. Then Notts turn came again, and Gee had a unique chance, but in taking time to steady himself was robbed by the ubiquitous Balmer. Still the “Magpies” were undismayed, and they pestered Kitchen with shots both good and bad. In the former category comes one sent in by Mainman, which the Everton goalkeeper punched out just beneath the cross-bar. McDonald, too, tried his luck, but his effort was less menacing. It was a sternly-fought game, and Notts were holding out well. With a few minutes to go Humphries opened the scoring, beating Kitchen hopelessly from a centre by Glen. Settle equalised from a penalty- Interval;-
Notts 1 Everton 1
In the first half Notts had more than a shade the best of matters, and it was the hardest of lines for them that they should have been robbed of a half-time lead by a penalty given for some reason that could but have been a heinous one. In the second half Everton forced Notts back on their rear lines in the first minute of the game, and Pennington had to save a tricky square shot from Hardman. McDonald punted the ball over the Meridian line, but the Everton light brigade swooped down again, and McDermott shaved the upright. By dint of some nice headwork by Bull, Humphreys and McCall got away, and were prospering nicely when Crelly came to the rescue. Pennington’s end was again the theatre of operations, and he was kept on the alert by Everton attacking in force. He saved rattling shots from McDermott and Booth, and a third from McDermott sailed over the bar. Humphreys and McCall broke away at last, but the former punted too vigorously, and Crelly had plenty of time to clear. The perspiring players seemed inclined to take things a little slower at this stage. One episode of interest was a ripping shot which Humphreys propelled from long range. Kitchen could not have stopped it, and this fact rendered its failure to find a target, but only by inches-all the more regrettable. Everton took up the running with their old vigour at the point, and some pretty work on the left flank ended in Hardman placing the ball right at the toe of Young, who made the most of a clear goal, and gave Pennington no chance. With a goal in arrears Notts played up desperately, but found it impossible to keep the victory-flushed Mersey men at bay. Montgomery cleared well from Sharp and McDermott, but the watchful Booth soon put his forwards in a position of advantage again. Hardman, lying close in goal, cleverly stopped the ball and centred beautifully, but Prescott was too quick for Young, and relieved at a very critical moment. Gee and Glen distinguished themselves by a nice run along the touch line, which Palmer spoiled before it could reach fruition. Hardman, whose forte appears to be centring, was prominent for a fine effort of this kind, but Prescott was as vigilant as on the previous occasion, and once again the Everton forwards were baffled. Notts were playing on the defensive, and they had need to mate their forces, for the “blue and whites” buzzled round Pennington and his backs like persistent Bees. A useful puny by McDonald changed the sphere of interest, but only for a moment, for Prescott was called upon again to look spry. A quick run up the field with glen Green and Humphreys prominently showing ended in Kitchen having to punch away a dropping shot from Green. Everton came again, but the Notts defence was superb, and in vain they tried to break through. The inevitable Hardman, however, was indirectly responsible for Pennington’s protectorate being successfully captured a third time, for one of his centres was trapped by Settle, who transferred to McDermott, and enabled that player to draw his first blood for Everton. Pennington saved grandly from a free kick.
Result; Everton 3 Notts 1
NOTES ON THE GAME
Notts, have indeed started the season badly. There will be an inclination among supporters of the club to apportion some blame to the committees for failing to take the lesson of the Sunderland match to heart, and to have made alterations in the side. This would be an unwise feeling, for, beaten as Notts were, it is difficult to see where any improvement could have been made by swopping horses -in a political phrase. There was not an obviously weak spot in the team, and while Pennington, who gave a great display, Prescott, Mainman, Humphries, and Green might be singled out for commendation, there was not a very wide difference between them and their colleagues. Notts, lost some heart over the penalty which deprived them of their lead, and though Everton succeeded in still further increasing the margin, there was really little to choose between the teams. There was a great deal of luck in the game, and Notts, share of it was small.

EVERTON v NOTTS COUNTY
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 5 September 1903
HUMPHREYS SCORES FOR NOTTS
SETTLE EQUALISES FROM A PENALTY
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
The Goodison Park brigade entered on their second engagement in League fixtures this afternoon with Notts County as opponents. The visitors are always welcome at Goodison Park, because they have frequently figured as a surprise packet, and invariably give both Liverpool teams a really tough game; and, after all, this is what appeals most to a genuine sporting crowd. Everton put the same team in the field which gave the Rovers a dressing on Tuesday evening. On that occasion the two recruits, McDermott and Hardman distinctly proved their metal, the left-winger at times being really brilliant. Consequently many who could not witness Tuesday’s contest had a special interest in attending to-day to judge for themselves the capabilities of the new men, who may make or mar the future prospects of the “boys in blue.” The threatening of the morning happily gave place to mild and sunny conditions which ensued a well-packed gate at Goodison. Mr. W. Nunnerley manipulated the whistle, and he was assisted on the lines of Messrs. R. Wild and W,J. Vaughan. Teams;-
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, centre; Settle, and Hardman, forwards .
Notts County; Pennington, goal; Prescott and Montgomery, backs; Mainman, Bull (Captain), and McDonald, half-backs; McCall, and Humphreys, Green, centre; Glen and Gee, forwards.
There were about fifteen thousand spectators present when Young kicked off for Everton with the sun in his eyes. Just after the start the visitors advanced into the home half, and Kitchen cleared a weak sort of a shot from the Notts left wing. From the kick-out Everton went away, and were soon busy in the Notts’ quarters, but a foul against Hardman led to their utter rout. The home halves soon put their forwards in possession again, and as the result of good all round work Young obtained a hold, and sent in a great shot, which only just missed the mark. Abbott checked the Notts right wing on two occasions at the half line, and on the other wing Wolstenholme was equally useful, and subsequently Settle and Hardman ran nicely towards the Notts goal. Prescot intervened, but Young and McDermott brought the ball back into goal, where there was exciting play until the clearance. The Evertonians had now forced their way almost into Notts goalmouth where a prolonged struggle ensued. The besiegers could not, however, find an opining, but Booth once made a very businesslike kick, which would have materialised, but the leather caught Bull in its flight. The next to have determined pop was Abbott, but he sent the ball flying miles wide. The County made a brief flight towards Everton territory, but Abbott would not consent to any such intrusion and quick enabled his front rank to recommence a really hot attack. Montgomery and Prescott, however, stood very firm, and Pennington was not called upon. Then the County once more flew off on their right, and pretty work by Green, Humphreys and McCall enabled the inside man to so severely test Kitchen as to bring him to his knees. A sharp attack by the Notts forwards was broken up by Booth and then Sharp darted along his wind, and gave the ball to Young, who was given offside. From the free kick Gee got in very nicely, but he was rather hampered, and shot by the side of the post. The County men soon returned to the attack and when Glen was about to shoot for goal he was completely beaten by Balmer. From this point the Evertonians went away but a likely move was spoiled by bad judgment on the part of Hardman, who failed to take a good pass by Young, the homesters being beaten back. Strong pressure being brought to bear by the visitors. Crelly conceded a corner, but the Notts men gained no further advantage, although directly afterwards McDonald had a pot shot at goal, and put the ball by the side of the net. Settle gave his partner a very neat pass, and hardman promptly returned to the centre, when Abbott obtained, and made several ineffectual attempts to find an opening. Wolstenholme next sent in from the line, and the Evertonians again exerted great pressure close to the goal, after which McDermott wound up the movement with a telling shot, which only lacked discretion. Sharp was next in evidence with dashing work, and he worked round Montgomery nimbly, and shot in very speedily. Lucky for the County Bull had fallen back, and the ball caught him in transit or it would assuredly have been netted. The County could not emerge of all for some time, but after Young had given Pennington a rare handful, then gee put in a great run and got clean away, but Kitchen had the little man weighed up, and neutralised his final effort at the crucial moment. Wolstenholme missed his kick, and let in Gee, who trotted down with a clear course, and took deliberate aim for the mark, but Kitchen took good measure of the shot, and brought off a grand clearance. A little later a free kick was given against Everton at the half-line, and from this Green skied the ball over the crossbar. The home contingent went away, but were well beaten by Bull, and then the County made play on the left wing, the pressure at the finish rather strong. McCall got down near the corner, and shot for goal, but Kitchen was again all there when wanted, although on this occasion he was compelled to give a corner, which, after being nicely placed, was well accounted for in front of goal. There was at times a looseness about the home defence that made the onlookers apprehensive, and very frequently the Notts front rank were so nippy in attack that Crelly was all at sea. That disaster did not overtake Kitchen was mainly due to the fortuitous circumstances that the leather usually found some human obstruction, and most perversely declined to enter the net. Still, the Everton lot were much the more lively crew, and had not the County defence been so stubborn the home forwards must very early on have reaped the reward of their labours. At last, Notts found a flaw in their opponents armour, for McCall slipped along smartly on the right and shot across, where Gee manoeuvred cleverly for a moment and then a gave Humphreys a grand opportunity, which the inside right could hardly ignore if he would and he netted the leather under Kitchen’s very nose, for the Everton custodian could not make much effort to stave off disaster. Rare, good passing took place between Gee and Glen the last-named at last sending in a great shot which Kitchen caught just as the ball was about to enter the top corner of the goal. Wolstenholme and Booth kept sending the ball up to their forwards but the Notts backs appeared to be almost impassable. At last one of the Everton halves dropped the ball in front after a free-kick, and Little headed in, the Notts goalkeeper saving splendidly. Just afterwards Mainman committed himself within the penalty area, and the referee had no option but to grant a penalty kick against Notts, from which Settle had no difficulty in making the score even. Half-time came directly afterwards, the score being 1 goal each,
YOUNG SCORES EVERTON’S SECOND GOAL
McDERMOTT ADDS A THIRD
When the teams reappeared old sol was in the ascendant, and the crowds had increased to 20,000. Notts started, but Sharp was the first to do anything of note, but his final shot was tame in the extreme. McDermott, Sharp, and Settle then took possession, but there was little life in their advance, and the leather was dribbled behind. Hardman put behind in attempting to score from Young’s centre. Booth and Balmer made an opening for Hardman but his colleagues dallied dreadfully when within shooting distance. Next a couple of centres from Sharp were not smartly taken up, and McDermott made an ineffective effort to find the net. Sharp was doing grand work, but several capital centres were neutralised by the close attention of Prescott and Montgomery, who showed admirable judgment, and were much smarter in obtaining possession than the Everton inside trio. After Wolstenholme had a rather good shot at the Notts goal the County men were again forced back, and Pennington’s charge was subjected to a fierce attack, the sphere being at length scrimmaged over the goal line. From the kick-out Humphreys and his partner made headway, but were well checked by Crelly when they were becoming dangerous and on Green bringing the ball back down the centre Balmer dashed into the fray and transferred play. Wolstenholme then gave the ball to Sharp, who dashed along the touch-line and centred but there was no one up in time to take advantage of the opportunity thus offered. A short delay occurred owing to Settle being winded and shortly afterwards the Evertonians attacked again and forced a corner, which yielded no advantage. There was a lot of faulty passing on the home side, and many advantages were thus lost. A free kick was ably taken by Montgomery and the County took full advantage until Humphreys was pulled up when very close to Kitchen. Nevertheless the home custodian had a very warm time of it, as the Notts forwards were all making prodigious efforts to get in front. Then Hardman did good work, and removed the venue forcing a corner, which was badly taken. The Blues remained in possession and were very tenacious. At last the leather came out to Hardman, who this time centred, and so accurately that Young had an easy thing on, and put the leather past Pennington without much difficulty. It was an attractive bit of work from the moment when Hardman first took the initiative. McDermott scored his first goal for Everton, as the result of a movement cleverly instituted by Wolstenholme. Hardman and Settle manoeuvred cleverly, and McDermott receiving a centre, put the ball through at close quarters. Final Result Everton 3 goals, Notts County 1 goal.
In the corresponding game last year Everton were victorious by 2 goals to nil.

PORT SUNLIGHT v.  EVERTON RESERVE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 5 1903
There were great doings at Port Sunlight this afternoon to celebrate the opening of the magnificent new football ground, the Everton reserve team having been booked for the “christening” match. There was a big crowd, and the most excellent arrangements were made to ensure the éclat of the occasion. Mr. W.H. Lever was the kick offer, Mr. John Lewis (English League) was down as referee, and the lines were in the capable charge of Mr. Edward Case (Cheshire F.A), and Mr. Maddocks (Wirral F.A.) while after the match festivities are to be indulged in as a joyous conclusion to the great day. The weather was beautifully bright, but there was a  brisk north-westerly breeze blowing when the band of the village retired from the centre of the ground and the teams came on to face the photographer. Mr. Lewis could not officiate, and Mr. Grant acted as referee. The teams were;-
Port Sunlight.- R. Jones, goal; Grundy and Kelly, backs; Reynolds, Duggan, Gresby, and Davies, halves. Williams, Livesley, Nicholas, Ramsey, and Davies, forwards.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Murray, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, halves, Rankin, O’Hagan, Dilly, Sheridan, and McEwan, forwards.
Everton lost the toss, and Mr. Lever kicked off from the south-end. The visitors at once went off on the attack, but the home backs did well, and Sunlight had a rush down the field, Edward Davies sending in a good shot, which struck the post. Everton were soon at it again, Rankin and O’Hagan dribbling right up the field, the ball going over the line. Then McEwan put in a rasper, fisting out. Clever work by the home forwards who worked through the opposition, resulted in the home side pressing, Livesley and Williams shinning. Everton once more came away, a bold dash by Grundy sending them back; but they had a corner, which was fruitless, and then Davies and Ramsey dribbled to the visitors’ goal, Henderson sending it back. Rankin and O’Hagan got up, and a hot one from the latter was ably handled by Jones. Again the other end was visited, Nicholas pressing Murray, who kicked back to Whitley the latter throwing clear. Everton then had three shots at the goal, one striking the post, Grundy stopping the next, and the third going outside. The home side were playing a brisk game, but a fine run up by their opponents gave a clear chance to Dilly, who kicked high over the bar. Dilly a moment later sent in a stinger from three yards, which Jones got in front of, and was nearly knocked through. Everton were now pressing, their combination being very fine. Several shots went wide, and others were dealt with by the goalkeeper. Five minutes before half-time there was no score.

FOOTBALL
Birkenhead News - Saturday 05 September 1903
By Referee
Everton made a creditable debut to their disappointed patrons of a season ago, and fully atoned for any aspersions cast upon them in a previous encounter. Curiously enough the Rovers opened the stronger side, for whom Bowman, the ex-Evertonian, notched a goal. Before half-time Young, who has benefited greatly by his visit to the Canary Isles, equalised, and after the interval the result was soon placed beyond doubt. Exciting efforts marked the play of both teams, and improving as the game progressed Jack Sharp made a superb run the whole length of the field, finishing up with a terrific shot into the net. On the stroke of time Settle placed a third goal, and Everton won brilliantly by 3 goals to 1.
Having made such a good start the Evertonians should be full of confidence in future engagements. The new strength added to the team by the inclusion of McDermott has already borne fruit, and thirty odd players signed on by the directors are as a whole training out in good style, and yet when one know the facts it is no wonder that they are already in form.
I spent an hour or so last Saturday morning with Mr. W. C. Cuff (secretary) and Elliott (trainer) at the Everton ground. The letter a bunch of keys led the way all over the enclosure, explaining the various systems employed in making and keeping the players fit and well throughout the season. Under the great stand is one of the most commodious sets of dressing-rooms in the kingdom. Slipper baths, plunge baths, and a swimming bath are fitted up in close proximity. Instantaneous water heaters receive water cold and pour it out boiling hot at a minute's notice. A set of scales giving height and weight were adjusted for immediate use, and in an adjoining spacious compartment the players' “lockers” containing clothes, boots, and every requirement for the pastime were all neatly arranged. A few doors away was the referees' and linesmen’s sanctum, a cosy place covered with a thick carpet, while in the corner was a stove surrounded by easy chairs. Elliott entered with an awe and reverence which made one think of going to church on Sundays. Finally we boarded the monstrous stand itself and gazed down on the most compact and  best kept enclosure in the kingdom.

EARLY SEASON FOOTBALL IMPRESSIONS
Athletic News - Monday 07 September 1903
By Junius
Everton gratified their supporters by the capital display they made in their opening fixture against the Rovers.  Sharp (twice) and Settle scored, whilst Bowman followed suit for the opposition.  When fairly settled down, I fancy Everton will require a strong side to lower their colours, for they have a capital set of experienced players for every department of the team.  The “halves” were not seen at their best against the Rovers, but there is some excuse for one of the trio, namely Wolstenholme who appears to be still troubled when the weather is particularly hot, as was the case in this match.  Booth was the most conspicuous figure of this line, but the honours of the game were borne off by the extreme wing forwards, Hardman and Sharp.  The latter’s brilliant goal, which practically decided the match, was the outcome of a dashing run from his own penalty line the full length of the field, with Crompton vainly endeavouring to keep pace with his speedy opponents. I have never witnessed a more exhilarating scene at a football match, and this proved the turning point of the game. Hardman has already established himself a prime favourite, and I shall look to Everton having a successful time this winter. 

EVERTON RARE FORM.
Athletic News - Monday 07 September 1903
By Junius
Whatever may be the result of Everton’s endeavours in the League campaign of 1903-4, there can be no two opinions about the manner in which they have opened their programme. They started most auspiciously by vanquish the Rovers on the first day of the season, and followed this up by a precisely similar success over Notts County, the final figures in both cases being three goals to one, whilst, curiously enough, it was the visitors in each instance who opened the scoring. Everton, however, do not appear to be troubled by details of this sort; in fact to be a goal in arrears seems to be the one incentive necessary to bring the beet football out of the men, and with two glaring instances of this nature recorded in the first week of the season, there Is some justification in anticipating a good time for the Goodison Park brigade. There were fully 18,000 persons present to witness them wear down the Notts County team and play them to a standstill, and the bulk of these no doubt departed fully satisfied with what they had witnessed.
THE SECRET OF EVERTON’S TRIUMPH
This was due to superiority in staying powers, for although the game was evenly contested in the first half, there was no comparison between the teams after the interval. It would be impossible to imagine a more complete kaleidoscopic char than what occurred in this game. To begin with Notts would brook no resistance to their attack, and had their forwards been at all nippy and ready to take advantage of the chances afforded, they must have scored sooner than they actually did. Several times did Gee slip deftly away, but the finishing touches were lacking, and smart movements on the Notts right wing proved similarly abortive. The Everton left wing was in a most persistently aggressive humour all through the proceedings, but the Notts defence unceremoniously staved off every danger, and thus 35 minutes from the start nary a goal had been gained, either legal or illegitimate. At length, McCall forged clean ahead, and sent across the goal mouth, when, in my opinion. Kitchen made an error of judgment in not coming out and clearing. However, he chose to stay under the bar, and Gee pouncing on the ball, whipped it back again to the centre to Humphreys, who caught it on his knee, and landed it over custodian’s outstretched hand into the net. Notts went along even better after this stimulating success, but about three minutes before the interval Mainman was detected pushing Hardman off the ball inside the penalty area, and Settle proved his right to possess a cognomen of this nature by equalising. Thus the teams faced each other after the interval an even basis again, and now comes the explanation of the headline to this paragraph. Never was a team played mom completely off their feet than Notts were during this half. It would be useless to expatiate upon the ceaseless attacks of the Everton men, and the praiseworthy defence of the Midland backs in averting a more decisive defeat. Young scored the second point from Hardman’s centre, and McDermott headed a third, via Settle and Hardman; hence the final figures already mentioned.
CONCERNING THE PLAYERS.
There could be no mistaking the superiority of the Everton team, and I consider that a great deal of the credit for their success is due to the admirable condition in which they took the field. In this respect the trainer, Elliott, deserves more than a passing meed of praise. There was scarcely a weak spot on the Everton side, and the more the men played the better they shaped. The forwards exhibited some of the prettiest passing I have seen for many a day; ’tis true, they may have overdone the maneuvering, but of their cleverness they must have convinced every observer that they were adepts at the business. Settle and Hardman were in a class to themselves, and the latter never seemed satiated with work: he could not get the ball too often, and what is more, he made good use of it when in possession. Settle should now have a partner to his liking, and I want to be introduced, speedily, to a left wing that can beat this pair. Sharp was also in great form. Young showed a vast improvement upon his previous Tuesday’s display and McDermott will, I fancy, suit the inside right position, with further experience, and a wee bit more dash.  The half backs were exceedingly effective; in fact one has to ask the question. When are they not so? And with such a formidable intermediate line. Everton possess the best foundation for a successful side that could possibly be desired. Balmer and Crelley were inclined to take matters easily at the start, but improved afterwards, and a like remark applies to Kitchen in goal; in fact, the only fault on the winning side seemed to be a looseness on the part of the defence in getting off the mark in the early stages. Afterwards, they were irreproachable; but it is just as well to give nothing away in the opening phases of a stern League tussle. As regards Notts, I must confess to a feeling of disappointment. They flattered but to deceive, and they were hopelessly outplayed towards the end. Their best work was accomplished before the interval, and during this period they showed some really clever football, which, could it have been maintained, would have caused Everton trouble. It was a different team altogether after breathing time, and the vast difference between the form shown in the two halves was truly remarkable. The defence acted nobly in the later stages, for they had the onus of the club’s reputation thrown on them during this time, and they must be awarded the credit of keeping down the score to such a respectable margin. Prior to the interval, Glen, Humphreys, and McCall did well in the forward line, whilst farther behind Bull, at centre-half the full-backs and custodian strove unceasingly, though unavailingly, throughout. Everton; Kitchen; Balmer and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman.  Notts County; Pennington; Prescott, and Montgomery; Mainman, Bull and McDonald; McCall, Humphreys, Green, Glen and Gee.  Referee; W. Nunnerley, Wrexham. 

EVERTON V NOTTS COUNTY
London Daily News - Monday 07 September 1903
Some eighteen thousand spectators assembled at Goodison Park, Liverpool, to watch the game between these clubs. Notts began well, but Everton pressed later on. The attack in each case was successfully resisted, but Humphreys eventually scored for Notts, and Settle equalised with a penalty kick, Everton began the second half in great style, and quite outplayed their opponents. Young gave them the lead, and after a prolonged atatck, McDermott scored a third point. Notts county had asll the worst of the play, and Everton won by three goals to one.

EVERTON 3 NOTTS COUNTY 1
September 7, 1903. The Liverpool Daily Post
At Goodison Park Everton faced Notts County, and the teams faced as Followers: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, half-backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Notts County: - Pennington, goal, Montgomery, and Prescott, backs, McDonald, Bull, and Mainman, half-backs, Gee, Glen, Green, Humphreys, and McCall, forwards. Referee W,Nunnerley. From the kick off Everton went away, and were soon busy in the Notts quarters, but a foul against Hardman let to their utter rout. The home halves soon put their forwards in possession again, and as the result of good all-round work Young obtained a hold and sent in a great shot, which only just missed the mark. Abbott checked the Notts right wing on two occasions at the half line, and on the other wing Wolstenholme was equally useful, and subsequently Settle and Hardman can nicely towards the Notts goal, Prescott intervened, but Young and McDermott brought the ball back into goal, where there was exciting play until the clearance. Booth broke up a sharp attack by the Notts forwards, and then Sharp started along his wing, and gave the ball to Young, who was given off-side. From the free kick Gee put got in very nicely, but he was rather hampered, and Shot by the side of the post. The County man soon returned to the attack, and when Glen was about to shoot for goal he was completely beaten by Balmer. From this point the Evertonians went away, but a likely move was spoiled by bad judgement on the part on the part of Hardman, who failed to make a good pass from Young, the homesters being beaten back. Strong pressure brought to hear by the visitors, Crelly conceded a corner but the Notts gained no further advantage, although directly afterwards McDonald had a pot shot at goal, and put the ball outside the net. Wolstenholme missed his kick, and let in Gee, who trotted down with a clear course, and took deliberate aim for the mark, but Kitchen took good measure of the shot, and brought off a grand clearance. A little later a free kick was given against Everton at the half-line, and from this, Green skied the ball over the crossbar. The home contingent went away, but was well beaten by Bull, and then the County made play on the left wing, the pressure at the finish being rather strong. McCall got down near the corner and shot for goal, but Kitchen was again all there when wanted, although on this occasion he was compelled to given a corner, which after being nicely placed, was well accounted for in fron t of goal. At last Notts found a flaw in their opponents armour for McCall slipped along smartly on the right, and shot across where Gee maneuvered cleverly for a moment, and then gave Humphreys a grand opportunity which the inside right could hardly ignore he would, and netted the leather under Kitchen very nose, for the Everton custodian could not make much effort to stave off disaster. Rare good passing took place between Gee and Glen the last named at last sending in a great shot which Kitchen caught just as the ball was about to enter the top corner of the goal. Wolstenholme and Booth kept sending the ball up to their forwards, but the Notts backs appeared to be almost impassable. At last one of the Everton halves dropped the ball in front after a free kick, and Settle headed in the Notts County saving splendid. Just afterwards Mainman committed himself within the penalty area, and the referee had no option but to grant a penalty kick against Notts, from which Settle, had no difficulty in making the score even. Half-time came directly afterwards, the score being 1 goal each.

Notts restarted but Sharp was the first to do anything of note, nut his final shot was tame in the extreme. McDermott, Sharp and Settle then took possession, but there was little in their advance, and the leather was dribbled behind. Wolstenholme then gave the ball to Sharp, who dashed along the touchline and centred, but there was no score up in time to take advantage of the opportunity thus offered. A short delay occurred owing to Settle being winded, and shortly afterwards the Evertonians attacked again, and forced a corner, which yielded no advantage. There was a lot of faulty passing on the home side, and many advantage, were thus lost. Montgomery ably took a free kick, and of this the County full advantage until Humphreys was pulled up when close to Kitchen. Nevertheless the home custodian had a very warm time of it, as the Notts forwards were all making prodigious efforts to get in front. Then Hardman did good work and removed the venue forcing a corner which was badly take. The Blues remained in possession, and were very tenacious. At last the leather came out to Hardman, who this time centred, and so accurately that Young had an easy thing on, and put the leather past Pennington, without much difficulty. It was an attractive bit of work from the moment when Hardman first took the initiative. McDermott scored his first goal for Everton as the result of a movement cleverly ineffective by Wolsrtenholme. Hardman and Settle maneuvered, and McDermott receiving a centre put the ball through at close quarter. Final result Everton 3, Notts County 1.

PORT SUNLIGHT 0 EVERTON RESERVES 5
September 7, 1903. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton played at Port Sunlight on Saturday, and placed the following team on the field: - Whitley goal, Henderson and Murray backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs, Rankin, O'Hagan, Dilly, Sheridan, and McEwan, forwards. Everton lost the toss, and Mr. Lever kicked off for the South-end. The visitors at once went off on the attack, but the home backs did well, and Sunlight had a rush down the field. Edwards, Davies, sending in a good shot, which struck the post. Everton were soon at it again, Rankin and O'Hagan dribbling right up the field, the ball going over the line. Then McEwan put in a vasper, Jones fistling out. Clever work by the home forwards, who worked through the opposition, resulted in the home side pressing. Livesley, and Williams shinning. Everton once more came away, a bold dash by Grundy sending them back, but they had a corner, which was fruitless, and then Davies and Ramsey dribbled to the visitor's goal. Henderson sending them back. Rankin and O'Hagan got up, and Jones ably handled a hot one from the latter. Again the other end was visited, Nicholas pressure Murray, who kicked back to Whitley, the latter throwing clear. Everton then had three shots at the goal, one striking the post. Grundy stopping the next, and the third going outside. The home side were playing a brisk game, but a fine run up by their opponents gave a clear chance to Dilly, who kicked high over the bar. Dilly a moment later sent in a stinger from three yards, which Jones got in front of, and was nearly, knocked through. Everton were now pressing their combination being very fine. Several shots went wide and the goalkeeper dealt others with. First minute before half-time there was no score. In the second half Everton had it all their own way, in spite of the dogged resistance of the home club, who really played a good game, against long odds. Makepeace and Dilly scored in quick succession and McEwan added a third after a fine run up. Then Sheridan put on a fourth, and from a penalty kick, O'Hagan added another, and Everton won by 5 goals to nil.

EVERTON REVIEW
September 7, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton have opened the season in a manner which is highly gratifying to their numerous supporters- two victors, four points, six goals for and two against, being the sun tatal of their endeavours against the Rovers and Notts County during the first week of the campaign. What is of more important, however, is the manner in which these double triumphs have been attended, and there has been a striking similarity in the two performances. In the first fixture the Rovers led the way in the scoring, kept Everton at concert pitch throughout the first half, and conveyed the impression that they would not be beaten without a severe struggle. Then Everton equalised just before the interval, and in the second half effectual settled the pretensions of their opponents. This methods of procedure was reproduced against Notts almost exactly, for the Midlanders obtained the first goal through Humphreys, while Settle equalised a few minutes before half time. On resuming Everton simply walked through their opponents, played them to a standstill, and won with incredible ease by the same score that they had overthrown the Rovers. Such a series of coincidences would almost appear impossible, though it must be stated that Notts were far more decisively beaten than the Rovers three-day's previously. These early evidences of Everton's abilities, and of the excellent condition in which the men take the field, are sufficient to justify pleasing anticipatious for the future, and in both cases to which allusion has already been made, Everton have won on their merits, have displayed superior football, and fairly vanquished their opponents by the superfine character of their movements. With the reference to the details of the success over Notts, little need be said. For some time the visiting forwards proved exceedingly aggressive, and secured openings, which they repeatedly muddled, and in other cases nullified by reason of a lack of string and incisiveness when in the home team'' territory. The Everton defence experienced some narrow escapes, but after 35 minutes fairly even play, McCall raced along on the outside right, and sent the ball obliquely across the goalmouth. This should never have been allowed to pass unheeded either by Balmer, and more particularly Kitchen, though both may have imagined that the ball would go over the line, before Gee could get to it on the left wing. The latter, however, reached the leather, and flashed it back to Humphreys who with his knee placed it into the net over the outstretched arm of the custodian. After several capital efforts to equalise, in which Hardman, Settle, and Sharp were especially prominent the former was pushed off the ball by Mainman inside the penalty area, and Settle promintely placed the scores level. In the second half there was only one team playing all-round football, for Notts could not make any appreciable headway, and were fully run of their feet. Their defence withstood the severe pressure in capital style, but Young added a second, and a third came from McDermott, who was the recipient of a most judicious pass from settle. The Everton speedy outside men were almost continually on the move, for Booth and his halves fed them as if they had been starved for six months, and during this period the home players showed really exhilarating form. As regards the Everton players, it is impossible to speak too highly of their performance, and having set such a high standard in their opening matches, they will needs have to maintain this form to satisfy their ambitious supporters. That the team is thoroughly sound in every branch has been clearly proved. The defence appeared a bit slow in settling down against Notts, and it was perhaps fortunate that the visiting front line were not smart enough to make the most of the chances which they secured in the first twenty minutes afterwards, they did not even get an opportunity of scoring, and Kitchen acted the part of a spectator in the second half. Of the forwards Hardman and Settle indulged in some most delightful footwork, and the Notts right half Mainman, could scarcely get a sight of them. The inside player treated the crowd to one of his choicest displays, for he kept his partner going ahead with some brilliant passing, and the pair twisted and turned and wriggled about until the Notts defence was fairly bewildered. At the other extremity of the line Sharp was equally difficult to keep in check, and McDermott, though no so showry as Settle, displayed good judgement, and justified his selection. Young was the weakest member of the line, though his exhibition was in advance of that given on the previous Tuesday, and one point in his favour was the marked manner in which he attended to his wings. The halves were fine, Booth fairly smothering the Notts centre forwards, and being thereby the most conspicuous figure in the intermediate line. Wolstenholme and Abbott did many smart things. Crelly gave a capital display at full back, and with Balmer and Kitchen preserved a solid and crediable defence. Notts fell ready victims to the prowess of their opponents, and they could make no sort of a show in the second half. McCall and Gee were occasionally seen to advantage; but the pick of the forwards was Humphreys, and in the first half Glen was also a prominent feature in the attack. As a line, however, they did not possess the cohesion neccassary for complete success, and though they occasionally displayed neat passing, and thereby gained favourable opportunities for scoring, they were losse and erratic when the final touches were required. At half-back Bull was ahead of his confreres, though McDonald worked hard without gaining much for his labours. The defence was the best part of the side, and both full backs kicked sturdily, and likewise rashly at times, though it should not be forgotten that they were over whelmed with work after the interval, and did not fare badly, in holding out as successfully as they managed to do. Pennington kept goal well, and had no chance to stop the shots which took effect. Thus have two home matches been won, and if Everton, can maintained similar form in their away fixtures they should have a successful time this winter.

EVERTON v NOTTS COUNTY
Nottingham Journal - Monday 07 September 1903
ANOTHER DEFEAT FOR THE “MAGPIES”
On Saturday Notts County played their second match of the season at Goodison Park, and suffered another defeat, registering only one goal against three obtained by Everton. On the top of the Sunderland reverse the loss of another couple of points comes as a sore disappointment to the supporters of the club, who earnestly hoped that the heavy defeat of four to one on Tuesday night was one of those flukes which are bound to occur in the settling down process at the beginning of the season. Notts had every hope of reversing the two goals to nil discomfiture at Goodison Park a year ago, but they found the Evertonians in very fine form. There was not so much difference in the display of the sides as the score would appear to indicate, and if it had not been for the fact that Everton obtained their finest goal, after Notts had opened the scoring, from a very vexatious penalty decision, the result might easily have bene a draw. Mr. Nunnerley considered that Mainman pushed Hardman within the penalty zone, but the players who saw the incident affirm that the referee- whose introduction to First League football, we believe was made on Saturday-was in error. At any rate, Notts., instead of crossing over with a goal lead were no better placed than Everton at the interval. The football in the second half, notwithstanding the summer heat, was of a fast and exciting character. Pennington’s defence was twice beaten, but for all that the resistance of the visitors to the sweeping rushes of the home attack, who were fed beautifully by the new Blackpool recruit, Hardman, drew great admiration from the crowd. The form of the Notts men was very good all round. The defence, as hinted, deserve much praise, some of Pennington’s saves being worthy of any goalkeeper, while he was well supported by the backs, and, when needed, by the intermediate line. Humphreys, Green, and Gee were all sources of trouble to Kitchen, who had quite as much work to do as Pennington, and the new men, McCall and Glen, made a good impression, a fine effort of the former leading up to Notts’ first and only goal. Two successive defeats at the opening of the season is not a palatable hors d’ceuvre for the winter football fare, but those who have seen the team perform may safely predict that there will be an improvement before very long. Possibly this may take place on Saturday, when Notts receive Stoke at Trent Bridge. Teams and detailed description;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp and McDermott, right wing; Young, centre; Settle and Hardman, left wing.
Notts County.- Pennington, goal; Prescott and Montgomery, backs; Mainman, Bull (Captain), and McDonald, half-backs; McCall, and Humphreys, right wing, Green, centre; Glen and Gee, left wing.
Referee; Mr. W. Nunnerley. Linesmen; Messrs. R. Wild, and W.J. Vaughan.
Notts made their appearance at Goodison Park in weather that would have been counted ideal for cricket, but was just a little two warm for energetic football. Notts made no change from the side which were worsted at Sunderland, and Everton were equally faithful to the eleven which defeated Blackburn Rovers. Bull and his men were greeted by the crowd just as cordially as Everton, who included two new faces in McDermott, from Celtic, and Hardman, late of Blackpool. There were nearly twenty thousand spectators. Notts won the toss, and Bull placed Everton with the sun in their eyes. Young swung over to Sharp, who bungled matters, and the ball went out of play. Glen and Green run the sphere down, and the latter essayed a shot which was awkwardly cleared by Crelly. Everton at last crossed the line, but could not get on terms with Pennington. Settle eventually found an opening, but hardman in trying to get round Prescott handled. The free kick helped Notts to beat off the invaders, but Everton, at least, contrived to keep the game in the “Magpies” half. Pennington’s goal narrowly escaped a downfall from a well-judged shot from Young, and a corner given by Prescott resulted in a determined melee in front of Pennington. The ball was badgered about between the contending players, and it seemed only a question of moments when the Notts colours would be lowered. Bull at last worked the ball out of the crowd. Everton returned to the attack, however, and Settle whizzed in a screw shot, which Pennington only partially cleared. Sharp rushed in to complete the disaster, when, luckily, the referee pulled up the game apparently for a foul on Pennington from the opposite wing. Up to the present moment Notts, had been under a cloud, but Bull initiated a fine assault on Kitchen’s end. Green trapped the ball and swung over a dainty pass right to the feet of Gee, who made the best use of it. Watching his opportunity, he centred nicety, but Balmer was just a little more speedy in the race for possession than his opponents, and relieved. The breathing space allowed Kitchen and his backs was only a short one, and Notts, came again with any amount of zest. Kitchen had to save a virile shot from Green, and Humphreys also tested the capabilities of the Everton keeper. The pressure was too hot to last long, and once again Everton swarmed round Pennington. Thrice the big custodian saved the shot which would have beaten most fort-holders, one of these, engineered by Young with a rocket-like force, being splendidly fielded. Then Notts turn came again, and Gee had a unique chance, but in taking time to steady himself was robbed by the ubiquitous Balmer. Still the “Magpies” were undismayed, and they pestered Kitchen with shots both good and bad. In the former category comes one sent in by Mainman, which the Everton goalkeeper punched out just beneath the cross-bar. McDonald, too, tried his luck, but his effort was less menacing. It was a sternly-fought game, and Notts were holding out well. With a few minutes to go Humphreys opened the scoring, beating Kitchen hopelessly froma  centre by Glen. Settle equalised from a penalty.
Interval Notts 1 Everton 1
In the first half Notts had more than a shade the best of matters, and it was the hardest of lines for them that they should have been robbed of a half-time lead by a penalty given for some reason that could but have been a heinous one. In the second half Everton forced Notts back on their rear lines in the first minute of the game, and Pennington had to save a tricky square shot from Hardman. McDonald punted the ball over the Meridian line, but the Everton light brigade swooped down again, and McDermott shaved the upright. By dint of some nice headwork by Bull, Humphreys and McCall got away, and were prospering nicely when Crelly came to the rescue. Pennington’s end was again the theatre of operations, and he was kept on the alert by Everton attacking in force. He saved rattling shots from McDermott and Booth, and a third from McDermott sailed over the bar. Humphreys and McCall broke away at last, but the former punted too vigorously, and Crelly had plenty of time to clear. The perspiring players seemed inclined to take things a little slower at this stage. One episode of interest was a ripping shot which Humphreys propelled from long range. Kitchen could not have stopped it, and this fact rendered its failure to find a target, but only by inches-all the more regrettable. Everton took up the running with their old vigour at the point, and some pretty work on the left flank ended in Hardman placing the ball right at the toe of Young, who made the most of a clear goal, and gave Pennington no chance. With a goal in arrears Notts played up desperately, but found it impossible to keep the victory-flushed Mersey men at bay. Montgomery cleared well from Sharp and McDermott, but the watchful Booth soon put his forwards in a position of advantage again. Hardman, lying close in goal, cleverly stopped the ball and centred beautifully, but Prescott was too quick for Young, and relieved at a very critical moment. Gee and Glen distinguished themselves by a nice run along the touch line, which Palmer spoiled before it could reach fruition. Hardman, whose forte appears to be centring, was prominent for a fine effort of this kind, but Prescott was as vigilant as on the previous occasion, and once again the Everton forwards were baffled. Notts were playing on the defensive, and they had need to mate their forces, for the “blue and whites” buzzled round Pennington and his backs like persistent Bees. A useful puny by McDonald changed the sphere of interest, but only for a moment, for Prescott was called upon again to look spry. A quick run up the field with glen Green and Humphreys prominently showing ended in Kitchen having to punch away a dropping shot from Green. Everton came again, but the Notts defence was superb, and in vain they tried to break through. The inevitable Hardman, however, was indirectly responsible for Pennington’s protectorate being successfully captured a third time, for one of his centres was trapped by Settle, who transferred to McDermott, and enabled that player to draw his first blood for Everton. Pennington saved grandly from a free kick.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 07 September 1903
The Everton club, like Sunderland, Derby County, and Sheffield Wednesday, have made an excellent start by winning the first two fixtures on their programme, and this so far as the Goodison-road club is concerned has been accomplished by hard and determined work. Saturday’s play, although it was no walk-over for the Everton men, left little doubt as to what the result would be, for the winners played to win. The heaviest work was in the first stage of the game, and here the Everton left pair of forwards, Hardman, the Blackpool youth, and Settle, were led a merry and lively dance, but they came through it all with flying colours and a creditable show of football. the Goodison-roaders ought to make a name for themselves this season. They have the making of a strong and capable team- a sound defence, an able half back line, while the forward string, when they get into each other’s swing and settled down, will form a quintet any club would be proud of. Sharp appeared as though his summer’s cricketing had done him little harm; on the contrary, he was as fit as could be, as several fine sprints showed him. He will no doubt find an able partner in McDermott when they become better acquainted with each other. Young at centre seemed a bit slow with his work, but a game or two will perhaps wake him up, and tend to make him more reliable and assertive. If the Everton team can improve-and they ought to do- even the slightest on the form they exhibited on Saturday, they will become a formidable lot, and may make a big bid for premier honours once again.
Tuesday last introduced us to a grand Tuesday last introduced us to a grand change in the weather and a great crowd at Everton, who welcomed “the boys in blue” as heartily as ever. They were opposed by Blackburn Rovers, who led them a merry dance during the first half, and the home lot were very lucky to equalise through a penalty, just before the interval. Everton lacked cohesion in front, and were distinctly slack in the rear, but the game was not without brilliant flashes, which promised rare improvement in the future. Sharp gave his side the lead after one of the most attractive individual efforts that could possibly be imagined. He had to run nearly the full length of the field, slip past Eastham half-way, and rob him. Then he beat Crompton for speed and withstood his final charge, and ultimately shot past Evans who had been defending his breach very skilfully throughout. The crowd rose up as one man and cheered the cricket to the echo. A few minutes yet remained and so desperate were the Rovers that the issue hung in the balance and darkness was rapidly setting in. Abbott took a corner kick, and hot exchanges followed in front of Evans; the ball was netted-someone had scored. It was so dark that it was almost impossible to identify the scorer. Judging by next day’s papers, the veracious chroniclers of the game were content to guess. The “Daily Post” discovered that it was Hardman who had been lucky enough to score at the first time of asking. Tuesday’s success stimulated the Everton crowd and 20,000 were present after the interval on Saturday to witness the discomfiture of Notts County. The game was by no means slow or uninteresting and each team strove mightily from start to finish for success. In the first half Notts quite held their own, and Humphreys success resulted from high-class play. Mainman’s offence was not very palpable when Mr. Nunnerley awarded a penalty kick, and Everton who had previously been unlucky a dozen times, were now distinctly lucky to equalise. The second half disclosed a wonderful chance in Everton. They had greater confidence and energy, and some of their passing and combination was really splendid. On the left wing Hardman won golden opinions, for he is speedy and resourceful, and centres rapidly and accurately. McDermott scored the last goal on Saturday in dashing style, so that both he and Hardman have already proved their metal. The play of the Notts contingent could scarcely strike an onlooker with admiration, and the whole side will have to buck up if they want to make a better show than they did last season.

EVERTON v.  NOTTS COUNTY
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 07 September 1903
At Goodison Park, before 19,000 spectators. Both sides played their full teams. Everton faced the sun, but had the advantage for some time. The Notts defence was very steady, and so was Everton’s when their goal was assailed. Humphreys opened the score for Notts from Gee’s pass, and Settle equalised from a penalty against Mainman just before the interval.
Half-time; Everton 1; Notts County 1.
The home side in the second half had almost all the play. Notts only on rare occasions got away, and then were scarcely dangerous. Young from Hardman’s pass gave Everton the lead, and, after a persistent bombardment of the Notts’ goal, McDermott added a third. Everton pressed to the finish.
Result; Everton 3 Notts County 1.
Everton.- Goal, Kitchen; backs, Balmer and Crelly; half-backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott; forwards, Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman.
Notts County.- Goal, Pennington; backs, Montgomery and Prescott; half-backs; McDonald, Bull (Captain), and Mainman; forwards, Gee, Glen, Green, Humphreys, and McCall.

PORT SUNLIGHT v.  EVERTON RESERVES
Birkenhead News - Wednesday 09 September 1903
DAWN OF A NEW ERA
By the Special Commissioner
Last Saturday saw the laying of a foundation at Port Sunlight on which will be erected much of the future history of local football. In these days of jerry builders, when almost every scrap of land is being acquired for building purposes, and long established football clubs are buffered about from pillar to post, as it were, in search of a patch of land whereon to play their favourite games, it is good to hear that at least one spot in the district has been turned into a permanent home for football. I had heard much about Port Sunlight’s new enclosure, but up to Saturday last, these eyes of mine had not gazed upon its fair surface. True, I was “pic-nicking” down in the North of Wales with some “brothers” about two months ago, and as we bounded on the outward journey, its situation was pointed out, but there, on a fine day in June, when your brain is full of cricket matches, etc., the most ancient of footer enthusiasts is apt to lack fire. Anyhow, I saw Sunlight’s new home on Saturday, and let me here say that search where you like, of its kind, there is no more lovely spot on the map. In the heart of the village, amidst blocks of delightful cottages, their exterior covered with beautiful herbages, the air of the hills flowing softly on one side, while the bracing wafts of the not-distant river comes up on the other. Place these details in a nutshell, and there you have an outline of what this model ground is like. Of course all concerned have to thank Mr. W.H. Lever for providing the district with yet another lasting memorial of his generosity, for it is due to the King of Port Sunlight, that an enclosure costing some £600 to fit up has come into existence. The turf itself is like a billiard table. There is room for ten thousand spectators. Turnstiles are fixtures at each entrance. The playing portion is railed in with strong barriers, while the ground itself is surrounded with a fencing of corrugated iron. On the reserve side, a compact dressing room replete with all requirements for two teams is a prominent feature. So far no covered stand has been erected, nor has the Press been given an uninterrupted view. However, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and no doubt the Rev. Gamble-Walker and his hard working colleagues will give at least one of these items serious consideration. For an opening day nothing could have been finer. The weather was delightfully warm and sunny, and with the principal “heads” of north football, adding tone to the function with their presence, it was left to Mr. Lever to make the company complete, which he did, a large bus, bringing up he and his party from Thornton Manor. Many football celebrities accepted invitations to be present, and one was glad to  renew the acquaintances with such notables as C.J. Hughes (Football Association), R.E. Lythgoe (Liverpool F.A.), Edward case (Cheshire F.A.), J. Maddocks (Wirral F.A.), J.D. Munro (Wirral League), while others to be seen were Dr. Baxter (Everton), Rev. Gamble-Walker, W. Crump and W.H. Williams, who despite his inveterate love of cycling could not resist the opportunity of witnessing this epoch-making ceremony. The teams lined up before the advertised time, and faced each other as follows;-
Port Sunlight; Goal, R. Jones; full-backs, Grundy and Kelly; half-backs; Reynolds, Duggan, and Kelly; forwards, Williams, Livesley, Nicholas, Ramsey, and Davies.
Everton Reserve; Goal, Whitley; full-backs, Henderson and Murray; half-backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace; forwards, Rankin, O’Hagan, Dilly, Sheridan, and McEwan, forwards.
Referee. J. Grant (Liverpool F.A.); Linesmen, E. Case (Cheshire F.A.) and J. Maddocks (Wirral F.A.).
Fully two thousands spectators were in attendance when Mr. Lever entered the arena and after being introduced to the officials and captains, have the initial propulsion to the ball. The play opened very briskly, but as was expected the professionals were soon operating in the home quarters, and the spectators were settling down to an exhibition of scoring goals. When Grundy and Kelly forced a retreat excitement went up a few degrees, and the pulse beat quicker as Jones, the Sunlight custodian, fisted out a couple of hard shots. Away went the home outside left, and racing around Henderson, Davies found a chance to shoot, the ball striking the rigging in its well-directed flight. Some hard shots by Dilly and Sheridan at the other end were still unproductive, and by tint of keen tackling Port Sunlight were enabled to cross over with a clean sheet.
The second half wrought a great change in the nature of the game. Immediately after restarting the Evertonians dashed for the net, and quickly shot a quintette of goals. Makepeace initiated this drastic change, and in a few minutes Dilly, Sheridan, and McEwan followed the example. Port Sunlight fought hard for a score, and looked like going through several times. Success however was not forthcoming, and returning to the home end, a penalty was awarded to the Toffies, who increased their lead with an accurate shot by Makepeace, and the end came leaving the visitors easy winners.
Result; Everton Reserves 5 goals, Port Sunlight Nil.

A FINE WIN FOR EVERTON
The Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday, 9 1903
As one anticipated, the Everton team, strengthened by the inclusion of Hardman, of Blackpool, and McDermott, the Celt, proved equal to defeating Blackburn Rovers at Goodison on the opening night. It was a fine game, and for quite half the battle, Crompton’s brigade fully held its own. It was curious somewhat that Bowman, the Toffees’ centre forward transferred man, should open the scoring against his old love. But Sharp equalised on the stroke of half time, and for the succeeding “45” the Everton boys went hot and strong, this being plain evidence of their fine condition. Still, time was travelling on apace before they got their heads in front. This goal ranks as possibly the finest ever scored on the ground, and Jack Sharp was the executant. Single-handed he took the ball through all opposition for a distance three-quarters the length of the field. Then Young scored a third on the stroke of time, and Everton thus succeeded in almost reversing last season’s figures. The shinning lights for the winners were Balmer, Booth, Sharp, and Hardman. In the Rovers’ ranks Evans, the Welsh international keeper, gave a great account of himself, whilst Crompton caught a tartar in Hardman. Dewhurst appears to be turning out a real good half-back, and Smith, the New Brompton recruit, more than once displayed capital dribbling and dodging powers.
EVERTON TOO GOOD FOR THE LAMBS
Everton’s week-end opponents were Notts County. Neither side made any change from their Tuesday teams, although the “lambs” had fallen heavily at Sunderland. This meant that the Lacemen took along two fresh faces compared with their 1902-3 servants in Glen, the ex-Grimsby inside-left, and McCall, a sturdy forward and outside-right hailing from Bristol. This game was almost a replica of that seen at Goodison four days before, for the visitors opened the scoring, and had rather the best of the first half, Everton-as before- equalising per a penalty by Settle just on the interval. Then in the second stage the Merseymen almost completely monopolised the attack, and it was due to fine defence by Bull and Prescott in chief that but two further goals accrued, Young and McDermott being the executants; Everton, as on Tuesday, came through with a 3 goals to 1 victory. It is quite evident the “blues” are going to take some reckoning with this season, for they are strong both fore and aft. The inclusion of Hardman (who is a genuine amateur presently studying for the legal profession) has strengthened the team wonderfully. He is only small, but he is as fast as they make ‘em, as slippery as an eel, a ceaseless worker, and a forward who plays throughout the piece with both eyes open! His powers of correct and dangerous centring appear unlimited, and he was distinctly the lion of the piece on Saturday. Blackpool evidently is the nursery ground from whence come the Mersey club’s left-wingers, for Cox, the Liverpool flyer, went to Anfield from the seaside club. Settle is coming back to form, as is Young the Toffees’ centre-forward. Booth played another great game, whilst Kitchen kept a rattling good goal. In the Notts ranks Prescott, Bull, and McDonald were to the fore in defence, whilst the attack periodically proved very troublesome. When Humphreys glues on the ball he is a hard customer to shake off, whilst Gee did some good things against his previous masters. Humphreys has improved out of recognition since leaving the Rangers of the South.

EVERTON v SHEFFIELD UNITED
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 09 September 1903
TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL ECHO
Sir.- The directors are replying on the same which has so successfully borne them to victory up to the present. We recognise that it will be a very hard fight, but we have started with the strong intention of making a long fight for the championship, and we will enter the field on Saturday with the firm resolution to, if possible, repeat our victory of October 4, 1902.
The team under the charge of the secretary and several of the directors, will leave the central Station for the cutlery capital at 11.20 a.m., and no doubt they will be accompanied by many enthusiastic supporters- Yours, &c., W.C. Cuff, Secretary, Everton Football Club Co. Ltd. Goodison Park, Liverpool.

TO-MORROW’S TEAM ARRANGEMENTS
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 11 September 1903
Everton v Sheffield United. -For this match at Sheffield the Everton directors are replying upon the same team which has started the season so well. They recognise that it will be a very stiff fight, but having started with the intention of making a great struggle o secure championship honours they will enter the field with the intention of repeating last season’s victory. The team will be;- kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle and Hardman, forwards. Reserve; Taylor. Kick-off 3.30 p.m.
Everton Combination v Preston North End Reserve.- This Lancashire Combination match will be played at Goodison Park. Kick-off 3.30. The following team has been selected to represent Everton;- Whitley, goal; Henderson, and Murray, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, O’Hagan, Dilly, Sheridan, and McEwan, forwards.

EVERTON v.  SHEFFIELD UNITED
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 12, 1903

1 GOAL EACH AT HALF-TIME
DEFEAT OF EVERTON
After their two home victories, the Everton travelled to Sheffield this morning in order to meet their first engagement with the United club. The journey was made in excellent time, and it was noticed that large tracts of the country were under water, while acre upon acre of ungathered corn lent added desolation to the dreary landscape. In Sheffield itself the weather was surprisingly warm and fine, and, consequently, a great crowd turned out to see the match. The Bramall-lane enclosure never looked better. The playing patch for years has been, as all know, notoriously deficient in verdure, but just now there is a thick covering of well-trimmed turf, which is most agreeable to look upon. The Everton directors relied upon the same eleven that performed so well last Saturday, and the home contingent were at their fullest strength. Brilliant-sunshine prevailed when the players lined up as follows;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Sheffield United.- Lewis, goal; Thickett and Boyle, backs; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham, half-backs; Bennett, Common, Brown, A. Needham, and Lipsham, forwards.
Referee.- A.S. Carr, London.
The visitors won the toss, and the United started with their faces to the sun. After the opening exchanges Everton were awarded a free kick, but nothing came of it, and then the home forwards rushed down at top speed, and Brown sent in a terrific shot which passed over the crossbar. The visitors worked their way down on the left, and another free kick put them in close proximity to the home goal. Lewis was forced to run out in order to clear, but Hardman got the return, and passed neatly to Young. The Everton centre, after almost losing possession, regained himself and sent in a low shot, which took Lewis thoroughly by surprise, and rolled into the net. This success gave added zest to the work of the visitors, but it also stimulated the home team, and the United forward put in some exceedingly clever work, Brown being ruled off-side when in a very dangerous position. After some midfield play Booth got possession, but he was easily robbed, and a moment later the United forwards got close in, and Kitchen had to negotiate a very hot shot. A breakaway by Sharp and McDermott was nullified by Boyle kicking out. Following upon this the Blades attacked with dogged persistency. The whole forward line moved along in fine fashion, and for a temporary check by Booth, Earnest Needham sent in a magnificent shot, which Kitchen just managed to cope with. There was now no mistaking the determination of the home team to get on equal terms if possible, and for a long time they subjected the Everton goal to a terrific bombardment. Smart work on the right ended in Common shooting unsuccessfully, and then Bennett, screwed the ball from near the corner flag right on to the net. The Evertonians at length succeeded in raising the siege, and some beautiful passing on the part of Sharp, McDermott, and Settle was seen, but the movement ended in McDermott heading over. The visitors were now reasserting themselves, and another advance terminated in McDermott shooting wide. The visitors continued to enjoy the bulk of the attack, and some extremely clever short passing was seen, but its effectiveness was spoiled by the vigilance of Thickett and Boyle. The next movement of interest was a breakaway on the left, and this ended in disaster for Everton. Lipsham from long range, sent in a dropping shot, and Crelly, instead of attempting to stop it, allowed the ball to pass over this head, and the result was that Kitchen was only able to partially clear before Bennett dashed up and netted the leather amid great cheering. The Sheffielders now played up with renewed vigour and a moment later a corner was forced and from this Kitchen just managed to tip the ball over the bar. After this the game opened out considerably, and the game became somewhat shower. Both ends were visited in turn, but without result. Everton however, ran down again on the left, and hardman put in a perfect centre, which passed between the backs, but Ernest Needham came to the rescue and saved the situation at the cost of a corner. This gave Everton no advantage and a breakaway by Bennett and Common looked very dangerous, Crelly being completely beaten, when Balmer ran across to his assistance and kicked out of play. From the throw in the leather was sent across to the left wing pair and Lipsham running through, put in a magnificent shot, which Kitchen succeeded in tipping over the bar. A promising piece of forward work on the part of Everton was nullified through Young fouling Thickett and the second advance was rendered abortive from a similar cause. The visitors, however kept pegging away, and for a considerable period they kept the Blades within their own territory. A diversion was caused by Needham and McDermott coming to loggerheads but the referee calmed them, and then United raced down on the right which ended by Bennett sending with a low swift shot which the Everton custodian dealt with in masterly fashion. Towards the interval the home eleven made desperate efforts to gain a lead, and the Everton defenders were given an anxious time. Balmer at length cleared them out, and the visitors made ground on the left Hardman when close in passed to Young, and the latter was about to shoot when Boyle kicked over his own goal line. The subsequent corner was safely negotiated and once again the Sheffielders tried to force matters. Bennett had two unsuccessful tries at beating Kitchen, and then A. Needham gave the Everton goalkeeper a warm handful. The latter, however, wasn’t to be caught napping, and though they tried desperately hard the Blades could not pierce the Everton defence again, half-time arriving with the score 1 goal each.
Half-time score; Sheffield United 1 goal, Everton 1 goal.
The entrance of a typical Yorkshire terrier on to the field of play caused a lot of amusement. The animal got among the players, and it was not until A. Needham seized it by the collar and hauled it off that the play was seriously continued. The play was now of rather more even character, both sides sharing the attack and defence. Everton on one occasion got down on the right, and Sharp sent in a beautiful centre, but McDermott was far too slow, and he lost an admirable chance of scoring. A sustained attack by the Sheffield forwards followed, and this culminated in Lipsham shooting wide of the mark. Everton in turn pressed and McDermott tried another shot, but it went woefully wide of the mark. Following upon this Sharp, Hardman, and Settle were concerned in a very pretty movement, but the last-named player lost possession when within a couple of yards of the goalmouth. The later stages of the game were rather in favour of the home eleven, whose forwards showed splendid combination and trickiness, and it was only the smartness of Everton halfway line that averted disaster. After the homesters had been repulsed Everton made ground but found the opposing defence quite safe. Just before the close the United again attacked strongly and the Everton custodian was beaten, by Bennett and thus a well-contested game ended in a victory for the United by 2 goals to 1. Final Result Sheffield United 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.
Last season Everton returned from Sheffield victorious by 2 goals to nil.

EVERTON COMBINATION v  PRESTON NORTH END
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 12, 1903
Played at Goodison park this afternoon before a good number of spectators. Everton commenced operations and immediately attacked Taylor at once being called upon to save Gerrard and Cotteral worked their way on the left, and pressed strongly, the latter shooting hard and Whitley saving nicely. Then Everton reversed matters and play remained in the North End half some time. Dobson playing a splendid game and preventing the home team from scoring. Subsequently after a little midfield play Chadwick got the leather away and dribble away by himself had a shot but unfortunately it hit the crossbar. The visitors attacked there were unable to score. Everton got within shooting range of Taylor but the visitors backs Dobson and Rome got the ball away and play again ensued in the home half. After some even play Dobson got the ball but was unable to make much headway with it for Billy robbing it nicely. Taylor’s goalmouth was again invaded but Dobson who was playing a grand game saved North End again from disaster. By some splendid forward line work Preston got again going, and Bond and Maher dribbled down, but the ball went too far and Henderson rushing up relieved matters considerably. At this point Preston North End was pressing very severely. From a goal kick the home team changed matters and with the aid of Rankin was the means of Everton once again finding themselves in the visitors half. McEwan centred well but unfortunately Dilly could not get his kick in. even play followed both sides play very well. Bond put in a nice shot but it fell a little too short, a corner resulting. Following this Everton rushed up Sheridan being the more prominent who passed to Dilly who banged the ball right in. Taylor having but little chance in saving. After this success of Everton’s the visitors invaded the home team’s goalmouth but were unable to score. Subsequently Sheridan took the ball up and shot which the North End custodian was able to cope with. From a corner the home team tested Taylor several times without result. Taylor saving one shot sent in by McEwan excellently. Rankin broke through his opponents and centred to Dilly, who was unsuccessful at his shot at goal. Nearing the interval the home team had hard lines in not adding another goal from a magnificent shot by Sheridan, which just went outside the upright, otherwise it would have bene a certain goal.
Half-time arrived with Everton Reserves 1 goal Preston North End Reserve nil.

PORT SUNLIGHT FOOTBALLERS AT TEA
Birkenhead News - Saturday 12 September 1903
At the close of the match between Everton and Port Sunlight on Saturday last, the teams, the committee and a number of invited guests who were interested in local football, sat down to a substantial tea at the Bridge Inn. The Rev. S. Gamble Walker presided, and amongst those present were Mr. W.H. Lever, Dr. Whitford, Mr. Cuff (Everton Club Committee), Mr. Grant, Mr. Maddocks, Mr. Lythgoe, Mr. Case, Mr. Munroe and others. After tea, cigars were handed round, and numerous toasts were prosed. Many expressions of approval of the new ground at Port Sunlight were heard, and the general arrangements for the convenience of the players gave great satisfaction to all. Mr. Hughes made some very interesting observations regarding the tone of football games, urging the new Club to continue playing a straight game and not to resort to shady practices. He considered it more honourable to lose a game straight-forwardly than to win it by under-end and dirty play. In replying to Dr. Whitford’s toast “Success to the P. S. Football Club,” the Rev S. Gamble Walker complimented his Committee who had, he said, done splendid work. He also promised the friends present that the Port Sunlight Club would strive very earnest to earn their good wishes. Mr. Lever in the course of a humorous speech, warmly welcomed the guests to Port Sunlight, and heartily thanked the players and the Committee of the Everton Club, for the valuable assistant rendered that day. He promised Everton that at no very distant date Port Sunlight would beat them. It was their firm determination to win a place in the First League, and then they would make Everton look ton their laurels. The gathering, which like all such meetings, did much to establish a friendly feeling between the teams, broke up at about nine o’clock, after having spent an enjoyable day.

A CHECK TO EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 14 September 1903
By Harricus
The fact that Everton had won their two games at home imbued them with a feeling that they might repeat last year's success at Bramall-lane in their first out match, but the United, likewise, were spurred to further exertions by their victory at Small Heath, and I in common with about 20,000 looked forward to a stem combat for the credit of the two points going to Lancashire’s or Yorkshire’s aggregate.  We had the struggle right enough, but there seemed every probability of the points being divided, for up to ten minutes from time neither side could score the necessary leader. United, however, then managed to chip in with the deciding point, and so won the day by two goals to one. As I left the field I heard two opinions of the game, the one that it was a good one and the other that it was not. Well, it was a sort of half-and-half, and for the best part of the first half there were some fine attempts made on each goal, though I thought that the home forwards put in the most likely shots for scoring, particularly Brown and Archie Needham; in fact, generally speaking, after Everton’s rush off, which produced their only goal, by the way, play was oftener in Everton’s half of the field than United's. Neither team gave us of its best right through the second half, and it was not because the first 45 minutes were particularly fierce. Nor was the ground at all heavy after the recent rain. To my pleasant surprise it was covered with grass. Last year the pitch was pretty bare owing to the “salt cure” of the previous winter, but the ground has been harrowed, the rotten roots disturbed, and there is now a crop of fresh grass. Jack Ulyett,  the groundsman, brother of George Ulyett, “Happy Jack," deserves all credit for the transformation.
A STARTLING START.
The great crowd were hardly prepared to see Everton leading after four minutes' play, yet it was so. The good work originated with a cross from Hardman. Young secured the ball, and after performing the double feat of working for himself a favourable position and bamboozling the defence, he shot straight into the net. It is true that Lewis had not much room to get a sight of the ball, but at the same time he ought, in my opinion, to have prevented the downfall of his charge. In another quarter of an hour the equaliser came. The ball came straight across from the outside left. I don’t know what the Everton backs thought, but they apparently had no cognisance of the existence of Bennett, who ran in and shot the ball against the legs of Kitchen. From the rebound the ball seemed to me to strike the post after leaving Bennett’s boot and then into the net. Thus at half-time the clubs were no nearer than at the start, and for a matter of a further 35 minutes they were still equal. Lipsham, however, was allowed to get another centre when he might have been bowled over, and Bennett rushed in and scored the best goal of the day, which was only fitting, seeing that it gave his side the points.
A LEVEL SIDE.
United gained their victory not because of any superabundant excellence, but rather owing to an all-round equality just in front of the strength of their opponents. They had a big pull from the fact that the forwards worked more for one common end than did Everton’s quintette. Their first thought was to make straight for the Everton stronghold by open play rather than close footwork, and, moreover, their shooting was more telling. These are advantages which, given all else equal, will reap a reward in points. Brown, the Gainsborough boy, for he is only about 19, believes in feeding his outside men and shooting whenever he can. Archie Needham, who came into the team owing to an injury to Priest, if I mistake not, will improve with further acquaintance with first class football. Like the other inside. Common, he is of the ideal Sheffield United stamp, off to goal with the least possible delay. But to the outside men may be attributed the chief cause of success, for it was from a cross by Lipsham that Bennett got both his goals. The veteran, who was almost dispensed with at the close of last season, is still a source of danger. The half-backs were all good, and were the backs, though at times Thickett was bit erratic in his kicking, and Lewis has done better. Everton did not give a bad display, even though it was not their very best, and I think the same eleven should place the club into a prominent position in the table. Young seems to be more himself again, but the forward line generally were just short of that knack of passing the ball to within a yard or two of the proper distance. Certainly Settle put the ball well out to Hardman many times in the second half and the amateur did his duty when Thickett did not frustrate him by returning to the centre. McDermott I have not seen before, but he struck me as an e very heady sort of player. Abbott I thought, was by far the best of the half-backs, but the best man on the side undoubtedly was Kitchen, the goalkeeper, although Crelley played well at hack. Although they lost I should not advise the Everton directors to make any changes in their team, and, after all, there is no shame in being beaten 2—1 at Bramall-lane. Sheffield United; Lewis; Thickett, and Boyle; Johnson, Wilkinson, and E. Needham; Bennett, Common, Brown, A. Needham, and Lipsham.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer, and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman.  Referee; S.R. Carr, London. 

SHEFFIELD UNITED 2 EVERTON 1
September 14, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
For their first away league encounter, Everton had a stiff task on Saturday when they opposed Sheffield United at Bramell lane. Both teams had commenced the season in splendid form, and there was a big crowd present to welcome them. Everton played their usual eleven, but on the home side, A.Needham turned out vice Priest, who was injured. Teams: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer and Crelly, backs Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Sheffield United: - Leiws, goal, Thickett, and Boyle, backs, Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham, half-backs, Bennett, Common, Brown, A.Needham, and Lipsham, forwards. Referee Mr.A.S.Carr. Everton were fortunate in winning the toss, as the United had to face a glaring sun and had also a slight breeze against them. Immediately from the free kick against Thickett for fouling Young gave the visitors a promising position, but in ready stages Bennett and Common worked down the wing, and on the inside man parting to Brown, the last named player skimmed the bar with a beauty. Attacking again, Young cleverly foiled Wilkinson, and Boyle, and finally getting his left foot to the ball he sent in an oblique shot along the ground, and opened the scoring after play had been in progress four minutes. The United forwards for some little time played up in desperate fashion, but when going strongly Brown was ruled off-side, and much headway was lost. Balmer staved off a further attack when the home centre easily robbed Booth, and play was taken to the Everton line. From the throw-in Brown was again put in possession, and Kitchen had to negotiate a clever low shot, and did this in an effective fashion. Sharp was next in evidence, but got no further then Boyle, and on the United breaking away again Balmer came to the rescue, and, taking some risk cleverly broke up a splendidly combined movement on the part of Brown, A.Needham and Common. Beautiful passing by the home forwards culminated in Lipsham sending accurately across the goalmouth, and immediately afterwards Needham drove in a hard shot, but could not defeat Kitchen. At this juncture there could be no doubt as to the intentions of the United players, who, with the least luck, must have equalised. Common next had a clear field, but screwed across the goalmouth-another lucky escape-and then play was directed to the other end, when Needham foiled Booth when in a good position. Within a minute the ball was at the other end, where Kitchen kept out a magnificent shot from Bennett just as it was about to pass into the net. Eventually the persistency of the United forwards was rewarded by a goal from Bennett, who was allowed a clear field but it was only at the second attempt that player was able to beat Kitchen, who was entirely unprotected. Their success came after twenty minutes play, and naturally the enthusiasm of the crowd was high. The ball had no sooner been in motion again than Kitchen was called upon to save from Common. Eventually the visitors got well down, and an effort from Hardman passed wide of the post. Then followed a capital bit of work between Settle and Hardman the outside man finishing up with a magnificent centre under difficult conditions. A corner was conceded but it came to nothing, and during the next few minutes two similar concessions were gained by the United. During this period several shots were levelled at Kitchen, all of, which was lucky, charged down. The next item was a brilliant shot from Lipsham, equalled only by the skill, which Kitchen displayed in diverting its course over the bar. The home forwards continued to play up in spirited fashion, and hereabout they kept the pace at full tension. Everton appeared to have a chance when Young placed in a good position just outside the penalty line, when Thickett pushed him up somewhat vigorously, and nothing came of the free kick. Another dangerous run by Bennett brought Kitchen to his knees, and immediately afterwards Hardman was ruled offside. When about to test Lewis shortly afterwards Young lost a splendid chance of scoring, for he had an open goal when Thickett nipped in and relieved with a corner kick. half time Sheffield United 1, Everton 1.
When the game was resumed there would be fully 20,000 spectators present. Everton had now to face the sun, and wind, and their prospects of victory were somewhat minimised. Immediately on restarting Settle came under the ban of the referee, and as a result the visitors goal was all but captured. A corner followed, and after further pressure Common sent behind. Abbott was kept well employed by Bennett and at length Hardman raced off and forced a corner off Thickett. This was well placed, and Sharp headed in, only to see Lewis fist out, and in a trice play was again in close proximity to Kitchen's charge. There Balmer put in good work, and once again Hardman got off, but was not well supported. The powerful kicks of the home backs troubled the visitors, Sharp and McDermott was next in evidence, and the former opened out a nice chance to Young, but the latter was foiled by Boyle when the parting shot was levelled. The visitors were now having plenty of the game, but against the stubborn defence of the opposing backs they had little chance of finding the net. Bennett scored for the United tem minutes from time, and won by two goals to one.

EVERTON RESERVES 5 PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 0
September 14, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination “A” Division. (Game 2)
Played at Goodison park, in fine weather, before a fair attendance. Both sides were strongly represented. Everton kick off, and the opening play was noticeable for the numerous mistakes on the part of the home forwards, who lost several chances. Dilly at length beat Taylor, and afterwards both custodians were kept busy. North End holding their own. At half-time Everton led by a goal to nil. Two minutes after resuming Sheridan scored a second goal, for Everton, and afterwards Dilly put on three in quick succession, two of than being splendid efforts. North End tried hard, but could not be Whitley. Murray also defending well, and Everton won by five goals to nil. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson, and D.Murray, backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs, Rankin, O'Hagan, Dilly, Sheridan, and McEwan, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
September 14, 190. The Liverpool Mercury
The Everton team on Saturday failed to realise the high expectations, which had been formed by their enthusiastic supporters. In view of the really excellent displays which they given at home it was foundly hoped that, even when faced with a trying ordeal at Bramell lane, they would come through the encounter, if not victorious at least with an equal division of honours. Unfortunately, three anticipations were not consummated the Goodison road team having to accept a two goals to one reverse. While the result was not palatable to those enthusiasts who had travelled to Sheffield, it must be said that the side gave creditable exhibitions against formen worthy of their steel. There was not much difference between the team, but the success of the United players was due, not only to a greater amount of determination in following up chances, but to little slips on the part of the Everton defenders, which unfortunately for them were turned to account by their agile and spirited opponents.
Both goals which Sheffield obtained were rather of the nature which has been described as “soft” not that on the play the Blades did not deserved their goals, but in each instance a little more care might have obviated the downfall of the Everton custodian. For the first goal, Kitchen, who thoroughly gave a masterful exposition was in no way to blame. By some extraordinary means, not one of his co-defenders made the least effort to intercept a swinging centre from Lipsham, and the result was that the dashing Bennett seized a splendid opening and banged the ball from short range at great force towards the keeper. This attack Kitchen gallantly parried, but it was impossible for him to get the ball away to a safe distance, and the brilliant outside right easily placed it into the net. The second goal was equally due to carelessness. From a goal kick, Wolstenholme unfortunately restarded the ball, and this furnished an opportunity of which the alert Sheffield vanguard took full advantage. The ball was instantly sent across to the right wing, where Bennett fastened upon it, and from short range placed it in the net quite out of Kitchen's reach. It is rather curious that in the light of home matches, the Everton team, after opening the scoring should have been beaten. At Goodison Park, both against the Rovers and Notts County, the visitors were the first to find the net, and yet in the end Everton gained an easy victory. The reverse was the case on Saturday. With the sun and wind at their backs, the visitors commenced strongly, and after four minutes play, Young succeeded after a clever piece of maneuvering in opening the scoring. It was a capital movement and somewhat unexpected, and it was from this period onward that the home side realized that a big effort would have to be extended if they were to secure full points. They peppered away, at the Everton goal, with great persistency, and some really brilliant shots were disposed of by Kitchen, who displayed great resource under at times trying conditions. The equalising point eventually came in a matter already described, and with honours even at half-time prospects were none too bright for the visitors, who had now to face the adverse conditions that prevailed. However, play was maintained at full tension, but there was always an air of superiority displayed by the Blades when within shooting range, through it was not till ten minutes from time that they succeeded in bringing the game to a definite issue. The Everton forwards lacked that incisiveness which is usually associated with a great team, and it goes without saying that had their final efforts been in keeping with their general movements quite a different complexion must have been placed upon the result. The centres of the outside men did not compare favourably with those put in by the home wingers, whose shots had far more string behind them, and invariably carried across the goal. Still, both Sharp and Hardman showed plenty of resource, and had Young been more alert their efforts might have brought about better results. Correct shooting was as a rule conspicuous by its absence and in this respect the inside men signally failed. The Half-backs had plenty of work on head, and, though there was occasional slackness noticeable, their work was up to a high standard. Wolstenholme however, was frequently beaten by Lipsham, and at the other end of the line. Abbott had a stiff task on hand in checking the clever attacks of Bennett, and on the whole, came out of the ordeal fairly well. While Booth played a grand game, one might suggest that it is not in the province, nor is it necessary in the case of such a sterling exponent of half-back play, that he should go out of his way to badly foul the opposing captain. And it was fortunate for Booth that the referee did not notice the incident. Coming to the rearguard, Balmer was kept constantly extended, and he did his work well. Crelly had more than his match in the wily Bennett, and was often in difficulties; while sufficient has been stated concerning the sterling worth of Kitchen's efforts in keeping down the scoring.
The United have undoubtedly a powerful side. Their dashing forwards were always a source of considerable anxiety to the visitor's defenders, and the wingmen especially were ever ready to swing the ball across and generally with good result. There was plenty of sting behind their centres, and the best of defences will experience a difficult task in keeping them in check. The half-backs played a hard harassing game, and stopped at nothing whereby they might turn the advantage in favour of their side where the ball dropped there was invariably a United half in its neighborhood, and it was this close following up that placed them more favourably than the opposing trio. Boyle was the better of the backs and Lewis in goal, had really nothing of a difficult nature to negotiate. Taking the game as a whole it was excellently contested, and although the Everton forwards were somewhat deficient in the matter of finishing efforts, still they gave many beautiful exhibition of clever passing, while on the run, and their supporters need not be disheartened by the reverse, for on the form the United displayed, Everton will by no means be the only team that will lose both points at Bramell lane.

SHEFFIELD UNITED v EVERTON
Sheffield Independent - Monday 14 September 1903
UNITED WIN A GOOD GAME
The first appearance of the Sheffield United team on their own ground this season attained a crowd of upwards of 18,000 people to the Bramall lane enclosure, and the spectators had the satisfaction of witnessing a fast and well-contested game terminate in a well-won victory for the home eleven, who succeeded in defeating Everton by 2 goals to 1. The weather was beautiful fine, and the ground in splendid condition. Everton had the same side as last week. United lacked the assistance of Priest, who was hurt in playing in the inter-city match at Glasgow last Wednesday, and whose place at inside left was taken by Archie Needham. Winning the toss, Everton had the advantage at the start of a bright sun and fair breeze. Brown kicked off for United in the direction of Bramall lane. The game had only been in progress a couple of minutes when a promising advance by the Sheffielders ended in Brown sending the ball just over the visitors’ bar. By judicious combination the Evertonians retaliated and, with only four minutes of the game gone by succeeded in scoring, Young, after some manoeuvringtaking a low shot which sent the ball into the far corner of the net. It was only a slow shot and Lewis would doubtless easily have stopped it, but he had his view obstructed, and being at the other side of the goal he could not get across in time. Play continued even so far as general tactics were concerned. United got up well, but Kitchen easily saved a slow shot from Brown. The Sheffielders at length set up up a vigorous attack, and Lipsham swung in a lovely centre from the left, Crelly, however, by good tackling checking the on-rush. Ernest Needham gave Kitchen a stinging shot to stop, but the Everton goalkeeper dealt with it coolly and skilfully. Another dash by the home front rank ended in Brown shooting across the goal mouth, while later Bennett, with a fine long screw, dropped the ball on the top net. Then Everton whose forwards worked well together, had a turn, and from a fine centre by Hardman on the left McDermott headed just over the bar. The visitors by neat combination advanced again, but Wilkinson frustrated them at a crucial moment. Lewis wisely came out to stop a dangerous shot from Hardman, and then United took up the attack again. Wilkinson doing good work and passing out to Bennett, who fired in a fine long shot which, however, Kitchen saved. However, the Sheffielders tried again, and Crelly foolishly neglecting to head away a centre by Lipsham, left the Everton goal at Bennett’s mercy. Kutchen got his foot to the first shot, but Bennett dashing in rushing the ball past him into the net, United thus equalising with about twenty minutes of the first half gone by. The Sheffielders, amid cheers, set up another hot attack, but the ball was put over the bar. By good passing the visitors showed up well, and Thickett had give a corner, which was not improved upon. Neat play by the Everton left sent the ball nicely into the home goalmouth, but Ernest Needham interposed and cleared in brilliant style, saving a certain goal, giving a corner in doing so. The United defence prevailed, and soon play was transferred to the other end where the Sheffielders forced two corners in vain, and Kitchen in splendidly saving a superb shot from Lipsham tipped the half over the bar and give a third. Everton responded with spirit, the game proceeding at a lively pace and being very interesting. Lewis saved a low shot from Settle. Each goal was attacked in turn, the contest being very even. Kitchen just managed to turn aside a skilful header by Brown. From this point up to half-time the Sheffielders by determined attacks had the better of the play, though once Everton were very dangerous, Boyle saving the situation at the last moment. Archie Needham was given offside when well placed at the other end. At half-time the score was still equal-United, 1 goal; Everton 1 goal- and this was a fair indication of the merits of the teams during the first half. On resuming, the Sheffielders advanced at once from a free kick, and loose back play enabled Lipsham to screw in, Kitchen turning the ball aside. Just afterwards Bennett crashed the ball against the side net. Hardman raced away, and forced a corner off Thickett following which Lewis had to save a header from McDermott. At the other end United were granted a free-kick for pushing just outside the penalty limit, but the Everton defence, uncertain as it was, prevailed. The visitors made several threatening advances, but twice Boyle, with good judgment, nipped in and robbed Young when the visitors’ centre looked like getting through. The game continued well and evenly contested, with little to choose between the teams. Johnson did good work at half-back for United, and from a long return Lipsham rushed the ball just wide. Neat combination by the Everton left saw the ball passed over to the right, whence McDermott sent a good shot over the home bar. A determined effort by the Sheffielders saw Wilkinson send a long, low shot just wide. Everton retaliated, and Sharp centring Hardman passed neatly to Settle, who, however, shot wide. From end to end quickly changed the play, but the goalkeepers had little work. Bennett, who worked well on the home right, once shot terrifically hard across the goalmouth. Still the teams proved evenly matched, each side trying hard to gain a winning point. Everton were granted a free-kick in a dangerous position for a foul by Thickett, but the shot was judiciously charged down by a defender. At the other end Johnson, with a low fats drive, just missed the Sheffielders the lead. United were now attacking desperately, and Lipsham centring well, Bennett rattled the cross-bar with a hot shot as he was given off-side. Everton retaliated and Hardman gave Lewis a straight shot to deal with. From good play by Sharp, McDermott had a chance for Everton, but shot badly. From a good long passing advance by the visitors, Sharp shot across the home goal mouth. Both teams continued to make determined efforts for a deciding point. Wolstenholme, by a feeble kick, gave United a corner and from this the Sheffielders pressed. Balmer, by a poor kick, cannoned the ball back from one of his own men, and it going right to Lipsham, the left-winger passed it swiftly across, and Bennett, dashing down, banged it into the net, thus giving the Sheffielders the lead ten minutes from time. A little later the Evertonians got away, and Young put in a good long shot, but Lewis cleverly saved. At the other end Bennett centred squarely, and Brown struck the cross-bar as he was given off-side. Bennett was tripped two yards outside the penalty line, but Balmer cleared from the free kick. United had the best of the remaining play, and ran out deservedly victorious, as follows;-
Sheffield United 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Sheffield United.- Lewis, goal; Thickett and Boyle, backs; Johnson, B. Wilkinson, and E. Needham, half-backs; Bennett, Common, Brown, A. Needham, and Lipsham, forwards.
Referee, Mr. S.R. Car.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 14 September 1903
After achieving two clever victories at Goodison Park, Everton came a cropper at Sheffield on Saturday. But, although beaten by the United eleven, the visitors were by no means disgraced. It was indeed a battle royal from start to finish, and the Sheffielders only snatched their brace of points a few minutes before the call of time. Taken altogether, the game was one of exceptional interest, and it was thoroughly enjoyed. The Evertonians at the outset showed splendid combination, and they were the first to score, Young securing a goal at the second attempt- to use a cricketing phrase. As matters eventuated, the Sheffielders just overplayed their opponents, and, all things considered, they deserved their victory. The Everton forward line again acquitted itself admirably, although several fine openings were missed, notably by Settle and McDermott. The latter was at times far too slow, and, as a consequence, he was repeatedly dispossessed when in an advantageous position. The Everton half-way line was, as usual, thoroughly sound, and it is with regret that we have to allude to one unsavoury incident. This was the seemingly deliberate fouling by Booth of Ernest Needham. Fortunately for the Everton captain, the referee did not see the incident, but thousands of the spectators did. Booth is far too fine a footballer to need to descend to anything like that which happened on Saturday. Both Balmer and Crelly played well, but the narrowest of the margin against the visitors must be placed to the credit of Kitchen, who kept a really brilliant goal.

EVERTON v.  SHEFFIELD UNITED
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 14 September 1903
After two home victories, the Everton team journeyed to Sheffield to meet with defeat, about 20,000 spectators witnessing the discomfiture of the Goodison-road men. Teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Sheffield United.- Lewis, goal; Thickett and Boyle, backs; Johnson, B. Wilkinson, and E. Needham, half-backs; Bennett, Common, Brown, A. Needham, and Lipsham, forwards.

The visitors won the toss, and the United started with their faces to the sun. After the opening exchanges Everton were awarded a free kick, but nothing came of it, and then the home forwards rushed down at top speed, and Brown sent in a terrific shot which passed over the crossbar. The visitors worked their way down on the left, and another free kick put them in close proximity to the home goal. Lewis was forced to run out in order to clear, but Hardman got the return, and passed neatly to Young. The Everton centre, after almost losing possession, regained himself, and sent in a low shot, which took Lewis thoroughly by surprise, and rolled into the net. This success gave added zest to the work of the visitors, but it also stimulated the home team, and the United forwards put in some exceedingly clever work. There was now no mistaking the determination of the home team to get on equal terms if possible, and for a long time they subjected the Everton goal to a terrific bombardment. Smart work on the right ended in Common shooting unsuccessfully, and then Bennett screwed the ball from near the corner flag right on to the net. The Evertonians at length succeeded in raising the siege, and some beautiful passing on the part of Sharp, McDermott, and Settle was seen, but the movement ended in McDermott heading over. The visitors were now reasserting themselves, and another advance terminated in McDermott shooting wide. The visitors continued to enjoy the bulk of the attack, and some extremely clever short passing was seen, but its effectiveness was spoiled by the vigilance of Thickett and Boyle. The next movement of interest was a break-away on the left, and this ended in disaster for Everton. Lipsham, from long range, sent in a dropping shot, and Crelly, instead of attempting to stop it, allowed the ball to pass over his head, and the result was that Kitchen was only able to partially clear before Bennett dashed up and netted the leather amid great cheering. The Sheffielders now played up with renewed vigour, and a moment later a corner was forced, and from this Kitchen just managed to tip the ball over. The visitors, however, kept pegging away, and for a considerable period they kept the Blades within their own territory. A diversion was caused by Needham and McDermott coming to loggerheads, but the referee calmed them, and then United raced down on the right, which ended by Bennett sending in a low swift shot which the Everton custodian dealt with in masterly fashion. Towards the interval the home eleven made desperate efforts to gain to a lead, and the Everton defenders were given an anxious time, half-time arriving with the score 1 goal each. The entrance of a typical Yorkshire terrier on to the field of play caused a lot of amusement. The animal got among the players, and it was not until A. Needham seized it by the collar and hauled it off that the play was seriously continued. The play was now of rather more even character, both sides sharing the attack and defence. Everton on one occasion got down on the right, and Sharp sent in a beautiful centre, but McDermott was far too slow, and he lost an admirable chance of scoring. A sustained attack by the Sheffield forwards followed, and this culminated in Lipsham shooting wide of the mark. Everton in turn pressed and McDermott tried another shot, but it went woefully wide of the mark. Following upon this Sharp, Hardman, and Settle were concerned in a very pretty movement, but the last-named player lost possession when within a couple of yards of the goalmouth. The later stages of the game were rather in favour of the home eleven, whose forwards showed splendid combination and trickiness, and it was only the smartness of Everton halfway line that averted disaster. After the homesters had been repulsed Everton made ground but found the opposing defence quite safe. Just before the close the United again attacked strongly and the Everton custodian was beaten, by Beaten and thus a well-contested game ended in a victory for the United by 2 goals to 1. Final Result Sheffield United 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.

SHEFFIELD UNITED v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 14 September 1903
At Bramall-lane, Sheffield, in beautiful weather, before 16,000 spectators. Priest was away from the United, Needham playing, while Everton were as last week. After four minutes play Young scored for Everton, who displayed pretty football. Kitchen was troubled several times before Bennett beat him after 20 minutes. Both sets of forwards played well, but the Everton defence suffered most.
Half-time-United 1, Everton 1.
In the second half play was decidedly quiet for a long time, and was, for the most part, of a midfield order. Both custodians had some work to do, but it was not difficult, whilst twice Young was dispossessed as he was well placed. After 35 minutes Bennett gave United the lead, but they vainly strove to increase their advantage. Result Sheffield United 2 Everton 1.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Sheffield United.- Lewis, goal; Thickett and Boyle, backs; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham, half-backs; Bennett, Common, Brown, A. Needham, and Lipsham, forwards.

SHEFFIELD UNITED v.  EVERTON
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 14 September 1903
A HARD WON VICTORY
The first home match of Sheffield United took place on Saturday, when Everton were the visitors, bringing with them the same team as had previously appeared for them in their matches at Goodison Park. United had Priest away, through his accident at Glasgow, and Archie Needham took his place, Lewis again being in goal. The weather was very fine, and a crowd of 18,592 was accounted for, the actual number paying gate being 17,984 and the receipts £501 9s. 3d. the game was well contested, but in the end, and ten minutes from the finish, United scored a second goal, and thus secured the victory. Everton won the toss and had the sun behind them, and also what wind there was. Exchanges at the start were very even, but at length Brown got a useful pass, and skimmed the bar with a lovely shot. More than once Settle and Hardman showed pretty combination but Johnson, and Thickett were very safe, though once a loose bit of work made Lewis kick out. Three minutes from the start McDermott who seemed just off-side, pushed the ball back to the centre, whence Young was cleverly beating his man scored a beautiful goal in the corner, and Everton thus took an early lead. United worked hard for an equaliser, but found stubborn backs against them, and once when a pass came Bennett was well offside despite the protests of the crowd. It was left to Wilkinson to split up a very dangerous looking advance in the centre of Everton’s forward line, and the game was again carried towards Kitchen, Brown giving him an oblique shot to dispose of which had little sting behind it. The passing of the Everton wings were very clever, but United were now playing a very sound game, and a fine centre by Lipsham from the flag deserved success. A moment later Needham came through, beating a couple of men and finishing with a lovely shot, cleverly by Kitchen under the bar, and this stage ended Everton again set off the other end. However, this was but transitory, as Lipsham set Brown going down the centre and cleverly evading Crelly, the youngster shot across goalmouth from a very difficult angle, and close in. A smart clearance in front of his goal by Wilkinson was followed by Bennett placing the ball on the top of the net, whilst at the other end a perfect pass across goalmouth by Hardman should have been headed through with ease by McDermott, but went over the bar. Young was penalised for pushing Ernest Needham down close in front of Lewis, and from the free kick Common gave his partner the chance of a fine shot, which Kitchen fisted out. The equaliser was a perfect goal. It came at the end of 20 minutes’ play, Lipsham placing the ball finely across and behind the backs. In the meantime Bennett was full of running, and meeting the ball as it fell down it hard in. Kitchen once repulsed it, but Bennett met it and scored a very fine goal indeed. United from this point were very strong, and Kitchen had to fist out a very fine header by Bennett, the corner coming to nothing. At the other end, Hardman forced a corner from Thickett but A. Needham readily cleared whilst stout work by Johnson helped his side materially. But hardman came again, putting across a perfect centre, and E. Needham unquestionably saved his goal by the concession of a corner, when Young was in the act of shooting. This led to another advance by United, led on by Bennett and a corner was forced on the other wing, Kitchen saving finely only to see Balmer gave another corner directly afterwards. This, like its predecessors, was cleared, but again Bennett was away, and Lipsham responded to his centre by a lightning drive which Kitchen just swept over the bar. A trip by Thickett was punished, but the free kick came to nothing, and again Kitchen’s goal was endangered by Bennett’s splendid shooting from the line. Nor was United’s goal going unscathed, for Hardman put across a shot which Young looked certain to convert just as Boyle came up and forced the ball over the line. Once more Bennett woke to echoes of the ground by two splendid efforts from the latter of which Kitchen made a supreme save in the corner of his goal as Brown headed in, this being a minute or two prior to the interval. For the remainder of this half the ball was well in Everton’s quarters. Halt-time; Sheffield United 1 goal; Everton 1 goal.
At the outset of the second half the home team attacked, assisted by a free kick, and Kitchen was barely able to touch out a cross shot by Lipsham in the first minute. The breeze was now assisting the United considerably, and a good deal of pressure was placed on Everton’s defence. A corner at the other end came through Hardman’s instrumentality, and it appeared as though one of the Everton players was charged in the back as the ball came across, but no notice was taken of the appeal for a penalty, and Wilkinson very cleverly dispossessed Hardman as he went towards Lewis. Once Boyle just intercepted Young as he appeared to have a clear in with the ball at his foot, and a free kick against Common for jumping was readily cleared. Play began to brighten up after this, the balance lying with United, but Sharp got clear away on his wing, and afforded McDermott a sadly wasted opportunity. Then the visitors had a turn but there was little sting in their effort at the finish. Then came a warm attack on Kitchen. Wilkinson closing it with a splendid long shot, barely wide of the post, whilst at United’s end, after Sharp had planted a fine centre across, Settle finished very poorly. Another fine centre by Sharp was neutralised by United’s defence, but a free kick fell to the visitors, close in, a little later, the kick being promptly charged down. A particularly dirty foul by the international half-back, Booth, followed but was unnoticed by the referee. After a very desultory advance by the Everton forwards came a particularly hot shot at close quarters, which struck the guide post and rebounded into play. Next Lewis had to field a low shot, and in taking a goal kick the United custodian slipped, presenting an open goal for the visiting forwards to shoot at. Some pretty work by Common looked like materialising, but unfortunately Archie Needham got in the way, and the opportunity was lost. A beautiful pass by Abbott to Hardman gave the outside left the chance of a centre, of which he availed himself, dropping the ball well in to Sharp who, taking a flying shot, saw the ball pass swiftly in front of Lewis. This escape of their goal appeared to enliven United not a little, and after Bennett had dropped a corner kick on the top of the net, the same player found himself nicely placed with no one in front of him but Kitchen. The result was that he safely piloted the ball into the net. United this taking the lead after the second half had progressed 35 minutes. All at once the players seemed to regain the energy the displayed in the opening half, and Hardman was very prominent with a long shot. This Lewis splendidly cleared, for more warm work to be seen round the visitors’ goal, Bennett putting in once a clever centre, which was cleared. Everton were now done with, but the efforts of United to again get through bore to fruit, and the game ended;- Sheffield United 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.
Sheffield United;- Lewis, goal; Thickett and Boyle, backs; Johnson, R. Wilkinson, E. Needham, half-backs; Bennett, Common, Brown, A. Needham, Lipsham, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer, Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, Hardman, forwards.
Referee. Mr. S.R. Carr, London.

CHESTER 1 EVERTON RESERVES 6
September 17 1903. The Liverpool Courier
At Chester, the home side tried three new man Hardacre Vernon (forwards), Hall at right half back. Everton kicked off, and after some sharp football T.Lipsham got through and Whitley, tipped the ball out, but he met it and scored. Rankin made a fine run on the visitors right, and shot hard, Coventry saved in splendid fashion, them Rankin, Sheridan, both shot, but Coventry saved, put could not stop, Sherdian shot going in. Everton added a second immediately, after Rankin running in, and tipping the ball into the corner of the net. Sheridan scored a third, in splendid fashion. Chester at once attack, and Lipsham sent the ball over, then the Evertonians scored a fourth from Simpson. The second half was characterised by more even play McEwan scored a fifth goal for Everton and Simpson a sixth with a clever shot, and Whitley save from T.Lipsham and Matthews. Everton were awarded a penalty kick, but did not score . Everton: - Whitley goal, Henderson and Murray, backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs, Rankin, O'Hagan, Dilly, Sherdian, and McEwan forwards.

CHESTER v EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 17 September 1903
These teams met on the Whipcord-lane enclosure last evening. Chester played three new men, Hardacre, Vernon, and Hall. Five minutes from the start T. Lipsham sent in a splendid centre, which Hardacre rushed past Whitley. After this the play was interesting, both ends being visited in turn. The Cestrians especially showed up prominently against their more experienced opponents. From a clever pass by Rankin, Sheridan equalised with a shot which gave Coventry no chance. After Chester had a look in from a foul kick, Rankin finished a splendid run by scoring Everton’s second goal. Sheridan shortly afterwards added a third goal. After a smart attack on the part of the Chester forwards the Everton men returned and Simpson scored a splendid goal. Half-time arrived with Everton leading by 4 goals to 1.
On the start of the second half Chester showed up more prominently, but the Everton backs saved Whitley any anxiety. T. Lipsham forced a corner, and Whitley in saving had to concede another corner. From the ensuing free kick the Everton goal had a narrow escape. From a fine centre by Simpson, McAdam headed Everton’s fifth goal, and Simpson capped a fine run by scoring a sixth goal for the blues. Whitley had to save two good shots from T. Lipsham and Matthews.
Result; Everton 6 goals, Chester 1 goal.

CHESTER v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Thursday 17 September 1903
These teams met in a friendly match at Chester yesterday evening, before a fair attendance. Chester tried three new men, Hardacre and Vernon at forward, and Hall (formerly of Crewe) at right half. Everton kicked off, and after some sharp exchanges T. Lipsham got through  on Chester left, and centred. Whitley touched the ball out but Hardacre met it, and scored for Chester. Rankin made a clever run on the visitors’ right, and shot hard, but Coventry saved in splendid fashion. The Chester forwards displayed clever combination, the Lipsham again showing smart play, from a pass by Rankin, Sheridan shot had and Coventry just fingered the ball as it went into the net. Everton added a second immediately, after Rankin running through, dodging clear, and tipping the ball into the far corner of the net, quite out of Coventry’s reach. Sheridan soon added a third in similar fashion. Chester attacked well, and T. Lipsham sent just over. Everton came again, and Simpson shot a fourth on the run. Half-time -Everton 4 goals, Chester 1.
The opening of the second half was characterised by more even play, Chester attacking with admirable dash, and suffering very hard lines at times. From a pass by Simpson, McAdam headed a fifth goal for Everton, and Simpson scored a sixth with the cleverest shot of the match. Chester played up well, and Whitley had to save rasping shots from T. Lipsham and Matthews. Everton were awarded a penalty, but it was shot over. Final-Everton 6 goals; Chester 1.

CHESTER v  EVERTON
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 19 September 1903
Chester entertained Everton on Wednesday at Whipcord-lane before an average attendance. The weather was beautifully fine, and the visitors losing the toss, had to play with the sun in their faces. The teams were;-
Everton;- Whitley, goal; Gordon and Wildman, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, McAdam, Corrin, and Simpson, forwards.
Chester;- Coventry, goal; Lloyd, and Wakefield, backs; Delaney, Hall and Barker, half-backs; T. Lipsham, Hardacre, Matthews, Vernon, and J. Lipsham, forwards.
Immediately after the kick-off the Everton forwards obtained possession of the ball, but were repulsed by Lloyd. J. Lipsham then obtained possession and centred to Hardacre who scored. Everton then made a determined onslaught, but Coventry was equal to the emergency. The visitors forwards were again let in by Lloyd’s missing his kick but Coventry saved. A run up by Chester resulted in the half’s being placed outside. Sheridan ran down and sent in a hot shot, which Coventry accidentally knocked into the net. A foul kick from the centre placed Rankin in possession of the ball, and eluding all opposition, he placed the sphere in the right place. From the kick-off the visitors made another attack, which resulted in Sheridan’s notching another point for Everton.
Play became fast and furious and J. Lipsham shot over the crossbar. Some clever passing by the Everton forwards was then witnessed, and Simpson sent in a shot from neat the corner flag, placing another goal to the credit of the visitors. The home forwards made a gallant attack, but were repulsed and another shot resulted in Coventry’s knocking the ball over the bar. The Chester forwards then obtained possession, and the attack culminated in a corner, which proved abortive. Another rush down by Everton proved fruitless, and the interval arrived with the score-
Everton 4 Chester 1.
Upon the re-commencement of hostilities the visitors pressed, and Coventry was again and again called upon to save. T. Lipsham then obtained possession, and another of his rushes resulted in a corner, which proved fruitless. From a foul Coventry again saved, and McAdam sent in a hot shot, which found its billet in the home goal. Matthews made a brilliant attempt, and skimmed the crossbar. Matthews, again receiving the ball, tipped it to T. Lipsham, who sent in a shot which went wide. Play for a brief period was of an even character, and then Simpson, battling all opposition, ran up and scored. An attack by Chester resulted in another abortive corner. A raid by the visitors was neutralised by Matthews, and T. Lipsham sent in a hot shot, which was cleverly saved by the Everton custodian. Rankin then obtained possession, but was fouled by Wakefield in the goalmouth. The penalty ended in the ball’s being placed over the bar. Chester made several attempts to score, but time arrived with the score unaltered, and as follows; Everton 6, Chester 1.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 19 September 1903
Everton v Newcastle United.
League match at Goodison Park; Kick-off at 3.30
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Everton Combination v. Manchester United Reserves
Combination match at Manchester; train leaves Lime-street Station at 1 o’clock. Kick-off 3.15.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Murray, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, Corrin, and Simpson, forwards.

EVERTON v.  NEWCASTLE UNITED
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 19, 1903
BOOTH OPENS THE SCORE FOR EVERTON
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
Newcastle United are such a genuine hard-working team that they are always welcome at Goodison Park. The Newcastrians have a reputation for being rather erratic, but on the top of their form they seem capable of anything. So far this season they gave not tasted the sting of defeat and clubs enjoying such favourable advertisement are always welcome to the Liverpool crowd. Everton have made a realty favourable impression so far, and it is only a question of the rear division bucking up to make them very formidable. Under the circumstances, the home supporters were justified in anticipating victory to-day at Goodison Park. The weather was not particularly promising in the morning, but up to the moment of starting no rain had put in an appearance. There was at the start a crowd of great dimensions. Teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Newcastle.- Kingsley, goal; Aitkens, and Agnew, backs; Gardner, Veitch, and Carr, half-backs; Rutherford, Howie, Appleyard, McCole, and Templeton, forwards.
Booth lost the toss for choice of positions, and Young had to face a stiff breeze when he kicked off before about 20,000 spectators. The home forwards went right away from the start, and gained a corner on their right, from which Wolstenholme put the ball over the crossbar. A foul against Hardman gave the Novocastrians an opportunity of invading the Everton territory, but Balmer checked them, and Everton went down again and forced another corner, which was of no advantage to them. McDermott broke through and had a try at goal, after which the Newcastle men went away in fine style. McColl passed out to Templeton, who raced along and finished with a shot which passed by the side of the Everton goal. End to end play ensued, during which Everton gained a further useless corner, and McDermott headed over the crossbar. At the other end Appleyard tried hard to make an opening, but just checked in time by Booth. The game was being very grimly contested now, and both of the forward lines were in grand trim, and swept from end to end in such sensational style that the advantage could not be placed on either side. The half-backs did not shine to much advantage, and could not hold the attack, so that the rival custodians were called upon to exert themselves to the uttermost, and Kitchen had twice to rush out to his stronghold to stave off the strenuous exertions of the Newcastle left. Luckily the defence was firm at both ends, but it was quite evident that any chance opening would be taken full advantage of. A fine bit of half back play by Abbott let in the Everton left wing, and some good passing ensued between Hardman, Settle, and Young. At length Gardner broke up the combination and Howie and Rutherford got beyond Booth, but they were beaten by Crelly before they got within shooting distance. A little later on Rutherford got well placed, but missed his kick; and then the Evertonians made a couple of strong attacks, the end of the first coming when Young shot wide. On the second occasion Booth, Settle, Hardman, and Young joined in, a ding-dong battle being the result, Hardman putting the ball wide at the finish. The visitors advanced on both wings, but although their tactics were excellent, they were not able to get beyond Balmer on the one side and Crelly on the other. Wolstenholme made an excellent effort to put his wing in possession, and Sharp responded gamely enough; but Gordon was watchful, and checked the intrusion. Young, however, made himself very busy, and got the Newcastle backs in trouble. The ball came back to Booth who put in a low swift shot, which found Kingsley unprepared; and though he made a brave effort to intercept the ball, the leather proved too nimble, and entered the net after fifteen minutes of play. Resuming operations, the game was of a very stubborn character, the balance of attack resting with the blues. For some time after the restart play was evenly and fiercely contested, without either side getting very much the best of it. A free kick was given against McColl when he was making headway for the Everton goal, but the homesters were unable to go much beyond the half-line, and on the Newcastle right wing making a bold bid they were utterly routed by Crelly. Play again settled in the centre of the field for a few moments, and then Everton shone brightly on the right, but Sharp was eventually worsted. A little later on the ball was passed up the centre, and after Young had worked it along he passed to Settle, who banged the ball in for all he was worth the result being a miss by about a foot. Great efforts were made by the visitors’ wings to advantage, but Balmer, Crelly, and Wolstenholme responded with such spirit that their efforts proved quite ineffectual, and it was a real treat to find the home clique so impenetrable. Veitch gave his left a nice chance, and then retook possession and steadied himself for a long drive, but the ball collided with Balmer. Rutherford next came away with a dash, but found Abbott too much for him through the half back went to grass in the effort. Balmer nipped round and gave to Sharp, who was promptly backed by Agnew. McDermott made a big effort to maintain the advantage, and the movement wound up with a long shot from Sharp which sent the ball behind the posts. Plucky play by the Everton backs stayed a general advance on their territory. Balmer working the ball along and sending to his right wingers. Sharp started down again, but was beaten by Carr, and then a return move was made by Templeton, who, before he became dangerous, was pronounced off-side. The sphere was sent across, and smart play by Booth enabled Hardman and Settle to pass prettily. Young joined in the move, and at the finish Hardman essayed to lower the Newcastle colours, but his shot was again wide of the mark. After a brief break away, the Evertonians came back in full force, and clustered in front of the Newcastle goal. Kingsley was having a very rough time of it, and had Everton’s attack been made with more combination and method, it is very likely the Newcastle defence would have succumbed once more. But though the Blues could take the ball up with advantage they lost ground through replying on individual effort, whereas it was obvious that a little judicious short passing at close quarters would have puzzled the Newcastle backs. Appleyard and Howie then took the leather in front of Kitchen, who evidently considered Howie offside. The whistle did not sound, however, and Kitchen’s hesitation nearly proved fatal as both the forwards were on top of him, but put so little heart into their work that they made a wretched ness of a magnificent opportunity, and Kitchen cleared all right. Appleyard restarted and after  the ball had been sent out to the right wingers Booth and Abbott became busy, and Young got clean away and shot into Kingsley’s hands. The goalkeeper fell, and the ball rebounded to Hardman, who put it across to Sharp, this player sending it wide of the mark. Soon afterwards Balmer and Crelly were hard pressed, and finally the last named was beaten. Appleyard jumping in and making a brave effort to score. The visitors kept pegging away, and were at last rewarded with a corner, but this was rather badly managed, and they gained no advantage from their great efforts. Settle was putting in a fine run on his own when he made a most injudicious pass, and Veitch promptly taking advantage, relieved the pressure on his side and enabled his front line to come up threateningly. For a moment or two the home defence seemed paralysed, and it was a relief when a long shot from Howie sent the leather over the bar. Abbott was next in possession, and took the ball along in very businesslike style, finally putting over to Hardman, who was covered. The Evertonians were well in front of Kingsley now, and the measure of the defence taken. McDermott had a fine opening and received all right, but to make sure, made a remarkably neat pass to Hardman, who had the leather netted in a trice. It was a brilliant movement, and was perfectly executed to the finish. Everton continued to monopolise the whole of the attack, and their passing was as quick and brilliant as to completely mystify the Newcastle defence. Kingsley was within an ace of being defeated a dozen times, but he gave a masterly exhibition. In the latter stages there was only one team in it and Young finally beat Kingsley with a long straight shot, which was entirely the result of his individual effort. Only a few minutes had elapsed when Everton came again on the left, and after a momentary scramble Settle scored again with a capital shot. Final Result; Everton 4 goals Newcastle United 1 goal.
At Goodison Park last season the United overcame Everton by 2 goals to 1.

MANCHESTER UNITED v  EVERTON
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 19, 1903
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION-DIV A
At Clayton, before 6,000 spectators. Dilly started for Everton, who were quickly dangerous, Corrin being near the mark with a fast shot. United retaliated, but the visiting backs defended strongly, and Whitley not seriously threatened. At the other end Sheridan tried a shot that was only just too high, the United custodian at this point being kept very busy. At half-time neither side had scored.

NO GOALS AT CLAYTON
Athletic News - Monday 21 September 1903
Fully 7.000 spectators visited the Manchester United enclosure to witness the Everton match. True, Everton were the superior side on the day's play, and had they been successful, would have got no more than they deserved; but, at the same time, chances were thrown away on the United side by feeble marksmanship, and at times the visiting defence had quite as much as they could manage. A goalless draw was the result, and with their depleted team it was a smart performance on United part to divide the points, and to the defence must be awarded most of the credit. Moger, in goal, was a host in himself, his clearances being wonderfully safe. Stafford and Blackstock at back rendered him every assistance, and this pair were most difficult to circumvent. At half, Christie played a sound game, and Herbert Rothwell also did well, whilst amongst the forwards Hall at inside right took the eye for tricky and dashing work. McCartney and Street did some smart things, but the left wing was very weak. For Everton Corrin was most prominent forward, followed by Simpson and Rankin. Makepeace was prominent amongst a well-balanced half-back line, and both backs defended well, whilst Whitley in goal did all that was required.

EVERTON’S PROMISING FORM
Athletic News - Monday 21 September 1903
By Junius
Everton have now played three matches at Goodison Park, and in audition to annexing full points have scored ten goals to their opponents three.  Whatever their weaknesses were at Sheffield a week ago, there has been no possible cause of complaint in their home games and the manner in which they have achieved their successes is sufficient to warrant high hopes for the future.  In each case the Everton players have shown their finest form after the interval, for, after setting a tremendous pace in the opening half, they have completely over-played their opponents in the second moiety.  The victory over Newcastle was all the more pleasing because of the fact that the Tynesiders had not been beaten for three years at Goodison Park, and they were fancied in many quarters for the match on Saturday.  Everton have got a team together that should make a name for itself in the League, and they have been fortunate in being able to play the same side since their opening match.  Their exhibition against Newcastle was exceedingly fine, and Young is evidently returning to his best form,.  Last year Everton were sadly handicapped in this position, and the want of a capable leader in the forward line was frequently apparent.  Now that Young has resumed in seemingly good health, the change has already worked wonders, and no longer can the Everton team be designated one of defence alone.  The forwards are doing their fair share of the play, and it is many a long day since I saw an Everton front rank display such dazzling form as was shown in the match against Newcastle. 

BRILLIANT DISPLAY BY EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 21 September 1903
By Junius
The eject of Newcastle have usually found Goodison Park a happy hunting ground for points, but they received a rude shock on the occasion of their visit on Saturday, which, to some extent, compensated for previous failures on the part of the Everton players. Two years ago a goalless draw was the result of the meeting of these teams, whilst last season the Novocastrians secured full points by scoring the only goal of the game. They, however, in the match under notice met Everton in their happiest vein, and as a result were completely outplayed and vanquished by the decisive verdict of four goals to one. In fact, it was not until the last minute of the game that the visitors managed to obtain their solitary goal, and had they failed to open their account, the final figures would not have over-represented the superiority of the home players. Both sides were at full strength, and the weather was ideal for football, so that everything was in favour of a fair test of the merits of the combatants. As in their previous home matches Everton outstayed their opponents, and had them well beaten at the finish.
A FEW DETAILS
The game opened at a tremendous pace, and continued thus throughout the greater part of the first half. Everton early on gave evidence of what they were eventually to accomplish and capital efforts by Sharp, Young, and McDermott narrowly failed to achieve their object. Some twenty minutes had elapsed before the first goal was obtained, and this followed a neat movement between McColl and Rutherford, which had resulted in the latter securing a fruitless corner. Settle received and ran down, and his centre was sent across again by Hardman; but Agnew intervened, and drove the ball to midfield, where Booth pounced upon it, and rushing in sent the leather out of Kingsley's reach into the net. McColl should have equalized a moment later, but Crelley, smartly recovering himself from a previous blunder, charged down the shot. Everton were the more dangerous side, and led by a goal at the interval, but shortly after breathing time that they exhibited their superiority in most decisive fashion. Kingsley saved brilliantly from Young in the first minute, and after Balmer had let in Appleyard, who nearly scored, and another raid had narrowly resulted in an equaliser whilst Kitchen was out of goal.  Everton commenced their triumphal march. McDermott tipped the hall over Aitken’s head to Hardman, who raced in and gave Kingsley no chance. Still maintaining their excellent form, the Everton forwards bore down repeatedly on the United goal, and Young receiving from his halves, dashed between the backs and netted in beautiful style.  More pressure followed, and Settle put on the fourth, the visitors being at this stage simply bewildered by the brilliance of the home attack. Close on time Templeton managed to get away, and from his centre Howie appeared to tip the ball past Kitchen.
GENERAL CRITICISM
Everton’s exhibition was superior to anything they have shown for some time their footwork was of the most delightful description. This was of the most noticeable in the forward line, where the judicious passing,  the excellent combination between the centre and the wings, and the necessary infusion of dash which was lacking the previous week, made a combination which proved too strong for the opposition in every respect. The finest forward on the field unquestionably was Young, whose display, even in his palmiest days of two years ago, never exceeded the heights which his play against the United reached. Feinting first to right and then to left, he maneuvered for openings for his comrades, and kept the wing men moving in concerted fashion, so that the whole machinery of attack worked with the utmost precision, and presented no jarring tendency.  He repeatedly outwitted the Newcastle centre-half, and to him must be attributed, more than to any other individual, the credit for the fine victory obtained by his side.  McDermott was another great success, his midfield work being most enticing to witness, and he only requires a bit more sting behind his shots to make him an exceedingly dangerous forward.  Sharp gave a fine exhibition also; Settle played wonderfully well, and Hardman was strange to say, the weakest member of a forward division that fairly covered itself with glory.  The halves were best represented by Abbott and Booth though the only defect in Wolstenholme’s play was a tendency to take matters too easy at times, and it was owing to this that Templeton managed to lead the way to the scoring of his side’s only goal.  The complete understanding between the halves and forwards was one of the features of the match, and I don’t think Everton will go far astray so long as they can command these players in their customary position.  The full-backs were inclined to be rash on several occasions, but they invariably recovered themselves and made amends for their mistakes to such an extent that Kitchen had little to do in goal.  As for the Tynesiders, it is difficult to single any department of the team out for special mention.  The forwards were disjointed, and did not display the combination which previous teams from Newcastle have done.  The left-wing was extremely disappointing, and although Templeton accomplished an occasional flash along the wing, he seemed to forget that there were four other forwards in his team.  McColl gave him abundant chances, but received little in return and Appleyard was rarely allowed to get away.  The right-wing was the most effective portion of this line, but their finishing touches were lacking in sting, whilst all along the line there was a marked tendency to indulge in dribbling at the expense of shooting.  Gardner was the pick of the halves, but the backs did not impress me as being particularly sound.  Kingsley could not be blamed for the heavy defeat, and no doubt the inability of the United front line to get away from the attentions of the Everton halves was a more sustainable cause of the overflow.  In addition the home forwards acted in harmony with each other which is more than can be credited to the losers.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman.  Newcastle United; Kingsley; Aitken and Agnew; Gardner, Vietch, and Carr; Rutherford, Howie, Appleyard, McColl, and Templeton.  Referee; T.Kirkham, Preston. 

EVERTON 4 NEWCASTLE UNITED 1
September 21, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
At Goodison-park on Saturday Everton were opposed to Newcastle United. Although dull weather was warm, and favourable for a fine exhibition of football. Both sides were at full length, and long before the start a large number of people put in an appearance. The teams were: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly backs Wolsenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Newcastle United: - Kingsley, goal, Aitken, and Agnew, backs, Gardner, Veitch, and Carr half-back, Rutherford, Howie, Appleyard McColl, and Templeton, forwards. Referee T. Kirkham. Newcastle won the toss, and naturally selected to play with the wind in their favour. Young started in the presence of fully 18,000 spectators, and the home side at once made progress on the right, Agnew conceding a corner from Sharp. The corner kick was well placed, but Wolstenholme sent wide. Some fine passing between Settle and Young and Young enabled the latter to have a shot, but the ball went inches the wrong side of the upright. There was more clever passing by the Everton forwards and McDermott dribbling through, dashed in a grand shot, which grazed the crossbar. The United got away for the first time on the left wing, but Templeton's attempt was not accurately directed. Soon Everton were again on the move and another corner resulted, while McDermott shot into Kingsley hands. Retaliating the United made headway in good style, and Rutherford finding himself favourably placed, had a shot at goal. Kitchen was waiting for the ball, but Balmer intercepted it, and granted an abortive corner. Howie was conspicuous with smart tactics, but was finally robbed by Settle, who gave the leather to Young, the latter running through and trying his luck with a flying shot, which went high over the bar, in a twinkling Newcastle were at the other end, where McColl forced a corner, following which the ball came out to Rutherford, who made a very feeble effort to open the score for his side. Tricky play by Hardman was applauded, but still the United defence was not to be beaten, though Everton were more than holding their own. After twenty minutes play Settle prevented the ball going over the line, and passed to Hardman. The later missed his chance, and Aitken kicked up the field. Booth however, found himself in position, and with a terrific shot completely defeated Kingsley. This success for Everton was well deserved, and was vociferously applauded. No sooner however, had the ball been kicked off again than the home goal was in jeopardy, Crelly who had previously blundered, intercepting a rattling shot from McColl. The Everton forwards soon returned to the attack; indeed the whole team were giving a decidedly effective exhibition. From another dash along the wing, Sharp centred, only to see the ball get beyond the reach of Hardman. They still maintained vigorous pressure, and Abbott being especially meritorious rained shots in upon Kingsley, one effort. The pace was terrible and it was evident that both teams were in conditions, McDermott was prominent with a capital work, but owing to a misunderstanding its efforts was nullified. Next Sharp received from McDermott, and sprinted down the wing eventually sending the ball across the goal mouth, only to find no one ready to turn the opportunity to account. Kinsgley fisted out from Hardman, and a moment later had also to use his hands, while after that Young called upon him with a high dropping shot. Next Newcastle had a look in, but after Kitchen had been ruled offside spoiled their chances. Hardman failed to turn clever play to advantage, and United became more aggressive, but their forwards were by no means as deadly as had been anticipated. Half-time Everton 1, Newcastle 1. There must have been upwards of 20,000 people present when operations were resumed. Everton display had been so satisfactory in the opening half the great things were now expected of them. Moreover, the very first minute of play might have produced another goal. Young brought Kingsley to his knees and Hardman crossed nicely Sharp who, with a fine chance quite missed his mark. The visiting attack was not disposed to lag behind, and Appleyard, after tricking two or three opponents, sent a dangerous shot only a little wide. A movement later Kitchen fisted out a high shot from Rutherford, and with the custodian out of his goal there was a rare chance for an equalising goal. However, the ball was got away somehow, and the spectators were relieved. Away to the other end dashed the Everton quinette, and Kingsley beat Settle in a race for possession, the Newcastle custodian clearing his lines with a hugh kick. Still the Everton attack stuck gallantly to their work, and from a pass by McDermott, Hardman scored a second goal with a beautiful shot, with which, Kingsley had not the slightest chance. A series of throws in somewhat detracted from the interest of the game, but soon the teams were at it again in ding-dong fashion. Abbott being heartily cheered for a splendid effort. He banged the ball in with great force from a long distance, and it took Kingsley all his time to get it away Everton monopolised the attack, and Young as the outcome of a brilliant individual effort scored a third goal. This was followed a few minutes later by a fourth from Settle. Newcastle being completely outplayed. From a sudden breakaway Howie scored for the United just before the finish. Result Everton 4, goal, Newcastle United 1.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 0 EVERTON REVERSE 0
September 21, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 3)
At Clayton. The United had a poor team. In the first half, Everton were the superior side and only a excellent defence of the United to kept the goal intact. There was no score at the interval. The game was fast and exciting in the second half, but neither side could score. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson, and Murray, backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs, Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, Cotton, and Simpson forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
September 21, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury Everton furnished further evidence of what a strong side they are this season by completely overplaying Newcastle United, and this verdict of 4 goals to 1 in their favour does not by any means over represent their superiority. Both teams were at full strength, and the day was idea for football, so that there could be no excuse put forward by the Novcastrians in mitigation of their downfall, except that of inferior play. The game opened at a tremendous pace, and continued so throughout the first half, but after the interval Everton, as in their previous matches, were apparently staying the better. Having once got the upper hand of the opposition, they brought full pressure to bear, and made their victory sufficiently decisive to satisfy, even their most exacting supporters. During this period, Newcastle goal was thrice captured, and so spirited were the Everton attacks that a continual bombardment was maintained, which tested the ingenuity and resources of the defenders to the utmost. Having worn down their opponents, Everton made the most of the opportunity thus gained, and credited themselves with their biggest triumph of the season thus far, in a fashion which was almost identical with that which accounted for the Rovers and Notts County. The second half saw them at their best, but it should not be forgotten that the stern struggle witnessed prior to the interval, had paved the way for their ultimate triumph.
To recount in detail the varied movements of the players during the game would serve no useful purpose, but some idea of the character of the play may be gleaned from the manner in which, the goals were obtained. It was left to Booth to open the scoring, after about 20 minutes play, during which, both sides had experienced spells of pressure, but even at this juncture it was apparent that Everton were the more finished in their efforts. Settle smartly prevented the ball going over the goalline, after a raid on the home right, and sending across to Hardman, the latter returned only to find Aitken drive the leather to near midfield. Booth pounced on it, and working his way between several opponents, flashed in a low delightful shot, which beat Kingsley all the way. McColl should have equalised almost immediately, after but Crelly charged down his shot when close in. thus for the first time this season in their home matches, Everton led at the interval, and afterwards there was only one team in it, for Hardman prettily took a pass from McDermott, and getting close in gave the custodian no chance, whist after some really fine passing, Young gained possession, and dashing between the backs, scored a lovely goal. There was no holding the home forwards, and when Settle added a fourth, after a series of exchanges neat the visitors goal, it was no more than the side deserved for their splendid play. Then some loose defensive work on the Everton right wing let in Templeton, who whipped across a beautiful centre, after some bustling work near Kitchen, in which Appleyard was injured, Howie apparently scored the United's only goal close on time. Rarely have the Everton forwards been seen to such advantage, for the combination was excellent, whilst there was just that dash infused into their movements-which was lacking the previous week- that was necessary for the successful termination of their endeavours. If there was a weak spot it was on the extreme left, where Hardman did not seem as sprightly as in previous matches and was evidently slightly off colour. But in the centre, Young was in brilliant form, and the Scot had no superior on the field. His passing was judicious and he controlled his wings finely, whilst when it came to a tussle for the ball between him and Veitch, the latter had invariably to acknowledge defeat. Sparkling in his movements, and ever ready to make the utmost out of everything which came his way, the Everton centre fairly bewildered his opponents, and at the same time clearly demonstrated that he has completely recovered from the troublesome weakness that so severely handicapped him last season. McDermott also played a very fine game, and the cool manner in which he tricked the opposing half, and placed with equal skill to the men on either side of him, were alike extremely creditable. Sharp was likewise in a happy mood, even though not successful in utilising one easy chances of scoring, and up to the present the dashing outside right has displayed commendable consistency. The left wing was scarcely so effective, as the right, but Settle exhibited some pretty football and he was the primary cause of the first goal being scored, whilst himself put on the fourth. The whole line of forwards however, seemed to have one common object in view, and the men played to each other with an unselfishness and cleverness that was bound to brings its due reward. The halves backed them up grandly, and were continually lobbing the ball forward, whilst at the same time dispossessing the tricky United forwards, and completely upsetting all their plans of progression. The backs were not altogether free from fault, for although they kicked strongly, they made many weak clearances at times, still, the chief point in their favour was that they gallantly recovered themselves, and almost invariably rectified their previous error. Kitchen was seldom requisitioned, and for this the feeble work of the United front rank near goal chiefly to blame, for they made poor use of many chances which their clever midfield work had secured. From the foregoing sentence it will be gathered where Newcastle's weakness lay. There could be no mistaking the deftness of their foot work and occasionally they bore down in dangerous fashion on Kitchen's charge, but they generally bungled matters at the finish. In addition their forward play was one-sided, the right wing being the most prominent feature of their attack for the two clever players on the left-McColl and Templeton-were too smart to permit of their play assimilating. Each, with a less skilful partner might have created a more effective combination, but as it was nothing but disappointing was furnished by their movements. Appleyard was allowed little latitude by Booth, and rarely got going, and the best work in this division came from Rutherford and Howie. At half-back Gardner was the most effective player, but the full backs did not show too prominently, their tackling being weak, and they only returned well when allowed plenty of room. Kingsley kept a good goal despite the severe of the defeat, and it was not to say solitary individual that the work could be attributed, that arose from the foot of Everton were a better side all round, and on the evidence from this match they will have a reckoned with in the distribution of this season's honours.

EVERTON V. NEWCASTLE UNITED
London Daily News - Monday 21 September 1903
Fully 30,000 spectators witnessed this fixture at Goodison Park, Liverpool. Both sides relied on the elevens previously representing them. Everton played fine football at the outset, and it was only the admirable defence offered by Kingsley and the backs that prevented a considerable score being run up against the United during the first portion. As it was, a fine goal from a long shot by Booth for the Lancashire side was the solitary point obtained before crossing over. Afterwards, the Everton forwards played with the utmost briloliancy, and at the intervals Henderson, from a pass by McDermott, Young, and Settle added goals, and though Howie scored in the last minute for them, Everton won with some ease by four goals to one.

TOM DILLY A SUCCESS
Dundee Evening Post - Monday 21 September 1903
His Play at Centre Forward
Everton may have to find a place for Dilly in the League team at an early date (says an English correspondent). Signed on as an outside left, he has adopted himself to the centre forward position, and evidently knows where the goal lies. He credited himself with four goals out of five against North End reserves recently.

EVERTON v  NEWCASTLE UNITED
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 21 September 1903
Played in fine weather, at Goodison Park, before 20,000 spectators. Both sides were fully represented. Everton, playing against the wind, were in great form, and, after Kingsley had been busily employed, Booth scored with a fast shot from long range. Afterwards both goalkeepers were assailed, but Kingsley had much more to do than Kitchen. Half-time.- Everton 1; Newcastle United nil.
In the second half Everton showed splendid football, the forwards being especially smart, Kingsley had his hands full, and kept out many fine shots. However, he was beaten by Hardman, Young, and Settle, Everton completely outplaying their opponents, whose attack seemed demoralised. Just before the finish Howie scored for the United.
Result; Everton 4 Newcastle United 1.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Newcastle United.- Kingsley, goal; Aitken and Agnew, backs; Gardner, Veitch, and Carr, half-backs; Rutherford, Howie, Appleyard, McColl, and Templeton, forwards. Referee, Mr. T. Kirkham.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 21 September 1903
Everton’s display against Newcastle United at Goodison Park reminded the spectators of the club’s palmiest days. The Blues played high-class football, and the three divisions worked together like a perfect piece of mechanism. Neither Sharp nor Hardman were allowed to show much individual brilliancy, but this only served to give better chances to the inside men, and the neat and clever passing of the quintet was delightful to watch. To the half backs belonged the credit of opening the score and Booth stimulated his men greatly when he beat Kingsley with a brillaint shot. The play was fairly even during the first half, though the United forwards were always held in check by Crelly and Balmer, and they seldom effected a combined movement of a dangerous character, on account of the harassing tactics of the Everton halves. Booth and Wolstenholme paid great attention to Templeton, and the latter seldom managed to effect a centre, though he frequently dashed off at top speed. Hardman further enhanced his reputation by a fine exhibition, and scored into the bargain. Young has never played such a good sound game for a long time, and there seem excellent grounds for thinking that he will soon be at the top of his form. If it should turn out so, it will be rare good fortune for Everton. The United’s solitary goal was due to Templeton’s initiative. He infused his own determination and dash into his colleagues for a few moments, during which the home defence was absolutely mastered.

EVERTON v  NEWCASTLE UNITED
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 21 September 1903
A fine afternoon attracted some 20,000 spectators to Goodison Park to witness this match.  Everton went clean away from the start, Young and McDermott each failing to score. Templeton made tracks for the home goal, but was pulled up, and the home forwards got to work again. Corner kicks to each side followed. Rutherford failed to take advantage of an easy chance, and then Settle got away and shot across, and from this move Booth scored. From the restart the visitors got down. Crelly charging McColl’s shot at close range. McDermott, Young, and Settle displayed good football, the last-named just missing with his parting shot. The game proceeded at a great pace, Everton always being dangerous, Kingsley bringing off one clever save from a shot by Sharp. The interval came with Everton leading by 1 goal to nil. From the restart Everton at once took up the work, but Sharp made a mull of an easy chance. After some give-and-take play McDermott gave to Hardman who, had no difficulty in defeating Kingsley. From now to the finish, Everton pressed hard on the visitors’ defence, and but for the clever work of Kingsley and his backs the score would have been heavy. As it was Young and Settle added goals, and during a little laxity on the part of the homesters towards the close Howie scored for United. Result; Everton 4 goals, Newcastle United 1 goal. Teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Newcastle.- Kingsley, goal; Aitkens, and Agnew, backs; Gardner, Veitch, and Carr, half-backs; Rutherford, Howie, Appleyard, McCole, and Templeton, forwards.

MANCHESTER UNITED v  EVERTON
The Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, September 21 903
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
At Clayton. The United had a poor team. In the first half Everton were the superior side, and only the excellent defence of the United kept the goal intact. There was no score at the interval. The game was fast and exciting in the second half, but neither side could score.
Result; Manchester United nil, Everton nil.

NEWCASTLE BADLY BEATEN BY EVERTON
Newcastle Daily Chronicle - Monday 21 September 1903
The Newcastle United team was at Goodison Park, Liverpool, on Saturday, opposing Everson in the League tournament. A great game was expected for both clubs had opened the present season in meet promising fashion. Everton began with a couple of victories, over Blackburn Rovers and Notts County, and were then defeated by the odd goal by Sheffield United, at Bramell Lane. On the other hand. Newcastle, after a drawn game with Aston Villa, had beaten West Bromwich Albion and Small Heath, so that Everton bad secured four points out of six, and Newcastle five. Saturday's meeting was the 11th in the history of the clubs, Newcastle having won on five occasions and drawn thrice, thereby obtaining 13 points out of a possible 20. Although United had the best of the two games with Evertonlast season, they were lower on the table, the " Toffees." by reason of a superior goal average being two rungs higher. The teams were accorded a hearty welcome as stay stepped on to the field, and after the usual preliminaries, they lined up. It wassoon seen that Everson had won the toss, and that the visitors would have to kick off against the wind. The opening changes resulted in the ball going out to touch off Crelly, and from the throw-in, Rutherford got away, and dashed off, reaching the corner before anyone could stop him, and succeeding in sending in a capital centre. Unfortunately he had been too speedy, and before Appleyard could get to it, the ball had flown across the goal, and had gone harmlessly out to the other side. Play for a time was around the home goal, but Crelly at last got the ball away, and in turn McDermott got down. He did not travel far, having hardly crossed the half-way line before he was robbed by Carr, who tackled him promptly, and succeeded in tricking him off the ball. Crelly cleared cleverly, and then Everton raced away but they were driven back quickly, and Appleyard shaved the uprights.
After this the visitors' forward string troubled Kitchen, McDermott then got past Carr, and ought to have scored, but dallied when he ought to have shot, and as a consequence was robbed of the ball. The visitors got the leather in the goalmouth, but Kitchen was quite safe. Then the homesters broke away, and compelled Kingsley to handle. Young soon after shot wide. The homesters again pressed, McDermott being ruled off-side. Again the homesters attacked, pressing severely, but could not score, try as they would. The visitors now woke up, and took a turn at pressing, but were driven back. So gain the Everton men became dangerous. Clever tackling by Gardner was the next feature of interest. He overtook his man after he had been passed, and then succeeded in wresting the ball from him. A throw-in, followed by a foul in midfield, brought the ball within measurable distance of the home goal. Appleyard shot in. this was fisted out by the home custodian. It went to the toe of McColl who in turn tried his luck, without success. Though he backs got the ball away, the relief was only temporary, for Veitch got possession, and sent in a long shot that hit the upright and glanced over the bar. The ball came out to Booth, who at long range tried a shot. The ball flew high and straight, and Kingsley failing to reach it, the leather went into the net, scoring the first goal for Everton. After Sharp had executed a run on his own account three-parts the length of the field, the homesters got going, and were soon in the vicinity of the visitors’ goal. Shot after shot was rained in, and but for sterling goal-keeping of Kingsley, the goal must have fallen. As it was, it had several narrow escapes, the ball once hitting the cross-bar and rolling on to the top of the net. The centre of United giving to Templeton, that player had an opportunity of scoring, which he was not slow to seize. Running quickly round the opposing halves he followed up his success by out-witting Balmer. Then he swung the ball right across the goal mouth. He was, however, rather too speedy, for neither of his comrades was up to utilise the chance that had come so nicely to hand, and the ball went harmlessly over the line to the far side of the post. Then visitors were playing a forcing game, and gave their opponents little rest. Dashing along, Appleyard passed out to his extreme left, and that player failing to get an opening, passed it back. Out it went again, this time to the opposite wing, and Howie shot the ball, which missed its mark by a few inches. The visitors worked the ball gradually down the right wing, and when tackled by the opposing backs, the outside men passed broadly across goal, and the ball seemed likely to reach the net, when Kitchen rushed out in the nick of time, and succeeded in getting it nicely away. It was a good effort, deservedly cheered, for there was just a chance of its being bungled into the goal. Once more the Newcastle men tried to get away, but this time they were pulled up, and play was transferred to midfield were things were uneventful. The exchanges favoured neither side to any appreciable extent. At length a foul against the visitors gave the opposite side a free kick, and from this their forward rank soon swarmed the Newcastle goal. The visitors’ custodian punched away, and then, with the ball in a good position for a shot, it was spooned high over the bar, and what seemed a good chance for goal was lost. Pretty passing by the home left looked dangerous, and Agnew, by rushing across, managed to avert the danger. At the other end a corner was forced, which yielded nothing. So far the game had been keenly contested, and the ball travelled rapidly from end to end, the backs of each side having plenty of work to do. Carr robbed McDermott as he was in the act of shooting, and Kitchen cleared cleverly from McColl, whose shot came in from an awkward angle and at a great speed. Some long kicking between the opposing backs was followed by a good combined attack by the visiting forwards, but the effort was spoiled by hesitation in front of goal. The ball, in fact, was got away as Howie was steadying himself for a final shot. From a free kick McColl missed the posts by inches. Magnificent play by Sharp aroused the enthusiasm of the spectators, but there was too much dallying in front of goal for his run to be effective. The home right attacked again, and Sharp proved too speedy for Carr. Getting well into the corner he swung the ball splendidly across the goal. Young rushed in the meet it, and though he got his head in the way, he was hardly enough the ball glancing to the wrong side of the post. Every bit of play was followed closely by the crowd, who cheered impartially any good play by either side. Appleyard sent in a terrific shot from some 20 yards distance, but the ball swerved out of its course, and went outside. The interval now arrived. Half-time;- Everton 1 goal, Newcastle United Nil.
Crossing over, the players soon got away, play opening fast, Kitchen was called upon to save from Templeton. He diverted the course of the ball which travelled to McColl, and that player should have scored, but instead he sent the ball against the side of the net. A moment later, the visitors were attacking again, and the corner well placed produced an active struggle in the Everton goal, which was ultimately cleared by Kitchen. At this stage play was very fast and exciting, and the United forwards made rush after rush, Rutherford being particularly prominent Crelly, hard pressed, had to kick out on several occasions. At the other end, Sharp nearly scored with a terrific shot, which went only a few inches wide of the mark. Once more Everton, playing with irresistible rush, dashed down the field, and Hardman sent in a shot, which hit the uprights and glanced into the net, thus scoring Everton’s second goal. Kingsley was cheered for stopping a fine shot from Young, and then, after some pretty passing, McDermott centred, and Young headed in. Kingsley only saved with difficulty by tipping the ball over the bar. Several shots were made during the next few minutes, but Kingsley successfully repelled them, and did wonders in front of the net. Relief came with Rutherford, who got to the other end, and sent into Kitchen’s hands. This for a time was Newcastle’s only good effort. Everton, still pressing, forced a further goal, Young being declared the scorer. Later, Settle added a further goal for Everton and towards the finish Howie scored for Newcastle.
Final;- Everton 4 Newcastle United 1
Newcastle United.- Kingsley, goal; Aitken and Agnew, backs; Gardner, Veitch, and Carr, half-backs; Rutherford, Howie, Appleyard, McColl, and Templeton, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Crelly and Balmer, backs; Abbott, Booth (Captain), and Wolstenholme, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, Hardman, forwards.

EVERTON AT BLACKPOOL
Lancashire Evening Post - Tuesday 22 September 1903
Probably by way of compensating Blackpool for the loss of Hardman, REverton took a team down there last evening to engage in friendly combat. There was a very good gate, the general desire being to see how Hardman would fare against his old associates. but he was too well watched by Threlfall and Birkes, to do anything great; still, he did well well, and it would apopear as if his connection with first class footballers had improved him. Everton did not play their full team, Henderson, Murray, Rankin, Taylor, and Dilly appearing in place of Balmer, Crelly, Sharp, McDermott, and Young. Blackpool had only one alteration from the team which drew with Lincoln City, Edwards of Holywell, North Wales, taking bennett's place at outside left. Hardman partenered Settle on the left wing, playing on the outside. Hardman was the means of putting Everton ahead after 20 minutes' play, by centring to Taylor, who beat Hull with a shot he had no chance of dealing with. The visitors held the upper hand up to the interval, and crossed over leading 1-0. Blackpool had a chance of equalising, Parkinson passing to Edwards, who shot just a trifle wide, when he had no one to beat but Kitchen. The new wing man had another chance from a free kick taken by Jones, but this time his shot went over bthe bar. Both sets of forwards tried hard to score, but nothing further was done, Everton winning a very pleasant match 1-0.

BLACKPOOL 0 EVERTON 1
September 22, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
This friendly match took place at Blackpool yesterday. A stiff breeze blew across the ground, making good football impossible. The teams were fully represented, Hardman the former Blackpool players, turning out with the visitors. Both sides strove hard to score, but it was not until near the interval that Taylor scored for Everton. Very little vigour was imparted into the second half. Blackpool tried hard to equalised, but unsuccessful. Result Blackpool nil, Everton 1 .

BLACKPOOL v. EVERTON.
Leeds Mercury - Tuesday 22 September 1903
Bloomfield-road, South Shore. Everton played a fine game in the first half, amd after twenty minutes' play Taylor scored from a centre by Hardman. In the second half Edwards, of Holywell, who made a first appearance for Blackpool at outside left, missed an easy chance of equalising. Everton easily held the balance of play, and might have won by greater margin than one goal nil.

EVERTON AT BLACKPOOL
Lancashire Evening Post - Tuesday 22 September 1903
Probably by way of compensating Blackpool for the loss of Hardman, Everton took a team down there last evening to engage in friendly combat. There was a very good gate, the general desire being to see how Hardman would fare against his old associates, but he was too well watched by Threlfall and Birket to do anything great; still, he did well, and it would appear as if his connection with first-class football had improved him. Everton did not play their full team, Henderson, Murray, Rankin, Taylor, and Dilly appearing in place of Balmer, Crelly, Sharp, McDermott, and Young. Blackpool had only one alteration from the team which drew with Lincoln City. Edwards of Holywell, North Wales, taking Bennett’s place at outside left. Hardman partnered Settle on the left wing, playing on the outside. Hardman was the means of putting Everton ahead after 20 minutes’ play by centring to Taylor, who beat Hull with a shot he had no chance of dealing with. The visitors held the upper hand up to the interval, and crossed over leading 1-0. Blackpool had a chance of equalising, Parkinson passing to Edwards, who shot just a trifle wide, when he had no one to beat but Kitchen. The new wing men had another chance from a free kick taken by Jones, but this time his shot went over the bar. Both sets of forwards tried hard to score, but nothing further was done, Everton winning a very pleasant match 1-0.

BLACKPOOL v  EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 22 September 1903
At Bloomfield-road, South Shore, before about 1,500 spectators. Everton, who brought a strong team, played fine football in the first half, and after twenty minutes play Taylor scored from a centre by Hardman. In the second half Edwards of Holywell who made his first appearance for Blackpool at outside left, missed an easy chance of equalising. Everton easily held the balance of play, and might have won by a greater margin. Result; Everton 1 goal, Blackpool nil.

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 22 September 1903
Everton, by their brilliant victory on Saturday, have created exceptional interest in this match at Birmingham next Saturday, Messrs, C.W Bullock and Co., 22 Lime-street, Liverpool have arranged with the Great Western railway to run a fast special train, leaving Central (Low-Level) at 11.30 a.m., James-street 11-32-a.m., Stage 11.15, Woodside 11.35., due at Birmingham at 2.15 p.m. kick-off 3.30 p.m. The Great Western Railway have a well-earned reputation for punctuality with football excursions, as in no instance have they arrived late for the match-in fact, this excursion is timed faster than their express trains. The return leaves Birmingham at 8.15, due in Liverpool at 11.15.

HARDMAN
Football Chat and Athletic world-Wednesday, September 23 1903
Everton’s diminutive outside-left is looked upon as one of the smartest and most brainy players in his position throughout the country. It will be unfortunate for Everton should his law examinations necessitate him standing out of the team in November.
CRELLY
One of Everton’s finest men is young Crelly, whom Millwall tried in one match a couple of years ago, Millwallians would open their eyes to see his play nowadays.
McDERMOTT.
Celtic have allowed a grand forward to escape them in McDermott, the Dundonian.
G. BUCKNALL
G. Bucknall (right back) has played for Everton, now with melling; also plays for Lancs.

ASTON VILLA V  EVERTON
Sports Argus - Saturday 26 September 1903
VILLA BEAT EVERTON
IN A FAST GAME THE LOCALS COME OUT ON TOP
By “Argus Junior”
Few matches on the Villa card are more popular than those with Everton, for the struggles between the two wealthiest organisations in the League have invariably produced fine football. Last season the Villa claimed all four points, winning at home by 2 goals to 1 and away by 1 goal to nil, but just at present the toffee team is at the top of its form, and it was evident that the task which awaited the Villa to-day would be no easy one of they were to continue the sequence of successes. Next to Sunderland, the Everton men have so far proved themselves possessed of the most effective attack of any club in the tourney, and last Saturday Newcastle United were routed at Goodison Park by 4 goals to 1, making the third win out of four matches. Favoured by ideal September weather, the fixture naturally proved a popular attraction with Onion Fair visitors, and there was a splendid gate. The accommodation had been increased by the provision of seats on the cycle track behind the goals, and by the time the teams appeared the concourse of people around the arena had swelled to close upon 30,000. The shout which greeted the Evertonians showed at once that the Northerners had brought a big following. Both sides were as advertised, the only change from last Saturday being in the Villa’s ranks were Johnson replaced bache. The teams were;-
Villa;- George; Spencer, Noon; Pearson, Wood, Wilkes; brawn, Garratty, McLuckie, Johnson, Niblo.
Everton.- Kitchen; Balmer, Crelly; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, Hardman. Referee; Mr. H, Shelton (Nottingham).
Winning the toss gave the Villa no advantage Everton started off in fine style. Within half a minute the nimble Sharp had worked the ball right in front of the home posts as the result of clock-work passing, and his shot saved the upright. Again the visitors spread themselves across the field and carried the ball into the home half, and Spencer had to be smart to clear. The back reached the ball just in time to anticipate Young, and his kick sent the Villa well up the field for Niblo to shoot outside. This was only the beginning of a strong invasion, the Villa forwards shaking themselves together as if to show their opponents they also knew the passing game. Once McLuckie dashed through, and there was an exciting moment as Kitchen rushed forward, and was struck by the shot, which rebounded behind the goal. It appeared, however, the home centre was offside. Garratty tried Kitchen, but the latter was in excellent form, and punched the ball well out of danger. Matters were transferred by Sharp racing off in possession and leading Noon a merry dance. The sprinter’s shot went wide of the mark. Most of the danger came from the right wing, Wilkes performing very poorly against the clever pair opposed to him. At length, however, Hardman had a chance to shine, and George saved a well-directed shot. Had their shooting been of the same standard as their field work, the Everton men must have scored, for the whole line showed brilliant combination, and their half-backs supported them splendidly. The Villa were having by no means the better of the game, though the visitors found that Niblo needed careful watching. The lively work of this wing looked more promising, but Balmer intervened in the nick of time. Going in for the principle of retaliation, Booth run up and struck the cross-bar, and Settle followed by forcing George to throw round the posts. The corner kick was nicely placed, and the goalkeeper had some difficulty in getting the ball safely over the heads of several opponents. At the other end Johnson, when well placed, lifted high over the bar. The home half-backs, who had started very weakly, were now doing better, and Brawn, given a chance, drove the leather hard and high at goal, Kitchen saving amid cheers. There was more persistency about the Villa just now, and the visiting defence was kept busy. Brawn took a brace of corners, and Balmer and Crelly had hard work to prevent the downfall of their charge, and the latter twice headed away at close quarters. A quick rush by Everton sent the ball just wide. Brawn, who was dribbling in irresistible form, swung well across, and enabled Johnson to shoot a capital goal. This was a few minutes before the interval, and the success was received with wild enthusiasm. It had been hard earned. The Villa, after opening unpromisingly, steadily asserted themselves and finished up the first portion with something in hand.
Half-time; Villa 1 Everton 0
The second half was started before 35,000 people. Sharp, as before, soon struck out a line for himself, but the Villa were sent off by Noon’s clearance, and some triangular trifling between Brawn, Garratty, and Pearson kept Everton un suspense. Pearson finished the effort by shooting wide. No opportunity was lost by Everton in feeding their right wing, and another sprint by Sharp brought them a corner. It was well placed, and McDermott was rather unlucky not to head through. The ball went too high by only a few inches. The escape stirred the Villa a little, and McLuckie led the side up the field, and unselfishly parted with the ball to Brawn. With only Kitchen to beat, the outside man shot weakly against the net. This was a stroke of luck for Everton and they raced in with another good passing movement. Settle received in front of goal, but George, falling full length, effected a marvellous save by turning the ball outside the upright. The corner proved fruitless. Everton’s weakness lay in shooting, their attacks falling off in the last twelve yards in surprising fashion. On the other hand the Villa kept Kitchen busy whenever they came within easy range. Within a couple of minutes he fisted and kicked out a trio of accurate efforts, Wood and Garratty here being conspicuous marksmen. McLuckie kept the home vanguard together with excellent judgement. He was showing splendid command over the ball. Quick in receiving an opening he dodged Booth and Balmer, and going straight through easily beat Kitchen with a second goal. The pace was not so hot as it had been in the first half, but Everton continued to have a good share game, and George had to save twice from McDermott. Spencer and Noon broke up the next attack and then the Villa had a turn. For some minutes the ball hovered round the goal, but eventually it came to Wilkes and he turned it into the net. The ball in its flight glanced off the post and took Kitchen completely by surprise. Everton were now clearly beaten, but they struggled on, and Jones scored with a long shot. It went through yards out of George’s reach. The visitors pressed hotly during the last five minutes, but they were unable to reduce the margin further, and the Villa were left with a decisive victory after a game that had been of a very high order from start to finish.
Result;- Aston Villa 3 Everton 1
GOSSIP ON THE GAME
It was a glorious day for cricket- With two great teams good football was inevitable, and it also seemed that the players would show signs of distress before the end of the game.
Overcoats were at a discount. The weather suggested straw hats and flannel suits. Before the kick-off the 30,000 spectators present were uncomfortably warm- and the excitement had yet to come.
Kifford, the Albion back, was an interested spectator. Perhaps he wanted to see how the game should be played- according to Mr. John Lewis.
Everton’s opening dash prepared us for a fast game. Settle has lost none of his cleverness. His pretty touches gave his comrades an excellent chance, and within the first two minutes two unsuccessful shots were made at goal.
It was early evident that Spencer was in form. The Villa forwards were slow in settling down, Niblo being very erratic, but Howard was very safe when the Everton halves set their forwards going.
Noon’s speed was also of great service to his side. On one occasion Sharp seemed certain to score, but Niblo was a yard or two the faster.
Wolstenholme was more than a match for Niblo, yet the left wing was fed, and Brawn and Garratty were for a time idle. This was a very doubtful policy, for Brawn, in almost hopeless dashes for the ball, was showing fine speed.
The Villa halves were not distinguishing themselves. They worked hard, but their judgment in feeding their forwards was very faulty. The pace of the game seemed to worry them, and Noon and Spencer had a very sultry time.
A word of praise must, however, be awarded to Wood. He gave Settle and Young no rest, and tried desperately hard to set his forwards going.
Still it was a beautiful display of football, played by teams who know the game. The home half-backs gradually settled down to their proper form, and it was indeed a battle of giants. Two cleverer team have not been seen in opposition in Birmingham for many years.
Booth, the Everton centre half, is a very dangerous shot. One occasion he tested George with a high drive which would have beaten nine goalkeepers out of ten. One would have to travel many miles to find the superior of the Villa custodian. And he was seen at his best this afternoon. He was as cool that one might have imagined the game to be a practice match.
It was a notable circumstance that for the first twenty minutes Kitchen, the visiting custodian, did not touch the ball. He was admirably covered by Crelly and Balmer. But that he is a competent man he proved by stopping a very hot one from Brawn. It was a glorious save.
Brawn was undoubtedly the best forward on the field, but he was not well fed, and had to make openings for himself. Garratty did his best for his brilliant partner, but Pearson seemed to devote too much attention to Settle. Abbott and Crelly were thus able to keep the Villa right wing in check.
The first goal proved the value of Brawn. Pearson gave him a pass. He tricked Abbott and centred splendidly. Johnsons head did the needful, and the Villa were one up. It was a very neat goal and thoroughly deserved.
The first half was finely contested. For the greater part it was a battle between the Villa defenders and the opposing forwards, but the Villa attacks were perhaps the more dangerous, and a lead of one goal represented the slight superiority of the Villa.
The Everton forwards combined beautifully but, thanks to the vigilance of Noon and Spencer they were given few opportunities of shooting in the first half. Thus it happened that there were only four really good shots, and three came from the Villa forwards. The visitors were very clever; their football was beyond criticism, except in the all important matter of shooting.
It was curious to note that the speedy men on both sides were right wingers-Sharp and Brawn being conspicuous in lightning runs. But for the untiring energy of Noon, the former would often have caused serious danger to the Villa defence.
The referee’s decisions on off-side did not meet with general approval. Some were indeed a little doubtful.
What a great player McLuckie is! His goal was a splendid effort. A better had not been seen this season. Well played Mac!
The goal scored by Wilkes was the result of a good shot, but it appeared that Kitchen might have saved. He let it pass through his hands. Still Wilkes is entitled to credit for the effort.
Young deserved his goal. The Everton centre played a clever and sportsmanlike game throughout.
Well, the Villa won, and, what is more to the point, deserved to win. They played like a winning team all through the second half. That first goal made all the difference. In the early stages Everton were their equals. But what a change after the interval.
To come to individual play it must be admitted that as a trio, Abbott, Booth and Wolstenholme were better than Pearson, Wood and Wilkes. Wood compared favourably with his rivals, but his comrades were off colour, and McLuckie had often to fall back to help.
Thus it was that the Villa forwards were never together. Brawn was the best, his display being perfect but for a bad miss in the second half, when he had an open goal.
Niblo improved in the second half, Garratty was always a trier, and Johnson proved himself worthy of the first eleven. McLuckie filled two positions-half-back and centre forward. He was a great success.
Noon and Spencer were safer than the Everton backs, and George was at his best. No higher praise could be awarded him.
Settle and Sharp, forward; Booth at half; and Balmer, back; were the pick of the losers.

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, September 26 1903
EVERTON 1 GOAL DOWN AT HALF-TIME
After their handsome victory over Newcastle at Goodison Park, on Saturday last, the Everton team journeyed to Birmingham this morning full of confidence and hope of reversing last year’s defeat which the Villa inflicted by 2 goals to 1. The popularity of the Evertonians was strikingly emphasized by the large crowd of enthusiasts that travelled from Liverpool in order to witness the match. Several special trains were run for the occasion, and all of these were crowded. The weather was delightfully fine and warm, and in the expectation of an exciting game a crowd of fully 25,000 spectators filled the Villa Park enclosure before the start. Everton of course, relied upon the team which had so far done so splendidly, and the Villa were at full strength. In brilliant sunshine the teams lined up as follows;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Villa;- George, goal; Spencer and Moore, backs; Pearson, Woods and Wilkes, half-backs; Brown, Garratty, McLuckie, Johnson, and Niblo, forwards. Referee Mr. Shelton.
The Villa won the choice of ends, and had a distinct advantage, inasmuch as their opponents were set to face a glaring sun. nevertheless the Evertonians at once went off at a great stride and a smart pass from Wolstenholme to Young brought them almost within close range. The Everton centre deftly put the ball to Settle, and the latter was only a trifle wide of his mark. The goal kick availed the Villa notching, for Settle and Young between them again and again raced down in splendid fashion, and the final effort from Sharp was also only slightly wide. The Everton forward thus far gave evidence of being an extremely dangerous lot, but eventually Niblo got away and Balmer was only just in time to prevent him putting in a dangerous centre. Again the Villa threatened disaster to the Everton goal, but there was not the same suggestion of determination and dash which characterised the movements of the visitors. Then followed a brilliant exhibition of combination between the Everton halves and forwards and this culminated in a clever individual effort on the part of Sharp which deserved though it did not gain a tangible result. McLuckie was next seen with a clear field, and racing down he shot strongly, but Kitchen running out saved the situation. The fact that McLuckie was ruled offside did not detract from the cleverness of Everton custodian’s clearance. There could be no mistaking the earnest intentions of the Evertonians, but unfortunately their brillaint work in the field was greatly discounted by feeble finishing touches. Several instances of this was furnished by Young, who practically had an open goal, but his shot went nowhere near the net. A rather dangerous breakaway by Brown and Garrity was splendidly checked by Balmer who rushed to the rescue after Crelly had been beaten. It was not long before the Everton forwards again got moving and for some considerable time the Villa were kept strictly on the defensive. The leather was passed across to Hardman and the amateur sent in a somewhat difficult shot, which George got over the bar. Following upon this Settle have an exhibition of splendid manoeuvring, and it was unfortunate that his final pace to Booth for whom the opening was worked that the ball should have been placed so ridiculously high over the bar. It was not to be inferred that the Villa forwards were at all idle, for they put in many smart touches of play which must have been productive against a less capable trio than Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott. These three were especially prominent in breaking up the Villa attack. Time after time they completely spoiled promising attacks. After some midfield play, the visitors made progress on the right, but when close in McDermott shot with stupid feebleness, and a fine chance was lost. The Villa then took up the attack, and Pearson, from long range, sent in a swift shot, which just went outside. Play was now more even in character, and both ends were visited in turn, but without any result. Sharp on one occasion got away very cleverly, and passed to Young, but it later was ruled offside. A few minutes afterwards a similar fate befell Johnston just as he was about to shoot. The next movement of interest was a smart bit of work on the part of the home right, which ended in McLuckie being sandwiched between Balmer and Crelly when within a few yards of the goal. Once more the Evertonians took up the running, moving down the field like a piece of machinery; and Booth sent in a terrific shot, which George coped with very cleverly. Still the visitors persisted in their attentions towards the home goal, and Sharp after making rings round Wilkes and the Noons, centred finely; but Settle shot yards wide. A breakaway by the home left was rendered dangerous through the granting of a free kick against Balmer; but Sharp charged the ball down. The first real opening that the Villa had was entrusted to Johnson, who lay within a dozen yards of Kitchen, but the marksmanship like that of the Everton side was at fault. The game at this period was not nearly so fast and a lot of desultory work was seen near the centre line. At length, however, Hardman sped away, and challenged by Spencer, a fine race half the length of the field was seen. The veteran International back had just the better of it, but he had to give the leather to George for the latter to clear. The Villa forwards immediately after this got going, and McLuckie passed the leather over Crelly’s head to Brown, who, after a splendid sprint, put in a magnificent shot-in fact the finest so far in the game. Kitchen, under the circumstances, did well to partially clear, and he looked like beaten when first Crelly, and then Balmer, by throwing themselves full length, saved the goal from almost certain downfall. Towards the interval the Villa made desperate efforts to score, and they enjoyed for a long time all the best of the argument. Wilkes was in splendid condition for shooting, but he dallied too long, and Balmer was enabled to nip in and clear. Still the home forwards persisted in their efforts, and after both Brown and Garrity had tries, the Everton goal was subjected to a terrific bombardment. Sharp relieved and after a fine run down the field he centred strongly, and Abbott shot in but the ball touched the referee and glanced outside. From the goal kick Brown ran down at a terrific pace, and, putting in a long swinging shot across the goal Johnson got his head to the ball, and netted it just out of Kitchen’s reach. The cheers that greeted this success had scarcely died away before half-time had sounded, the score standing;- Aston Villa 1 goal, Everton nil.
There was an estimated attendance of 30,000 when play was resumed. After the opening exchanges Sharp was loudly cheered for a brilliant run, which was, however, not productive of success owing to Spencer intercepting his pass to Settle. There was the same keenness that dominated the play in the first half, and it was presumably owing to this that the forwards on both sides shot inaccurately through being over anxious. Sharp was next prominent by forcing a corner. He placed cleverly, and Abbott headed just over the bar, a distinctly lucky escape, for George would have been hopelessly beaten had the ball been a few inches lower. The smart passing of the Everton forwards at this juncture was greatly admired but its merit was distinctly nullified by the poor finishing touches. A breakaway by the Villa found Crelly at fault, but first McLuckie, who brought Kitchen out of goal, and then Brown were equally at fault. Settle was then in turn presented with an open goal, and it was marvellous how George effected so brilliant a save as he did. It was at the expense of a corner, but this came to nothing. At length the Villa pressed strongly, and McLuckie added a second goal, which was followed soon after by a third from Wilkes. Towards the close Young scored for Everton.
Final result; Aston Villa 3 goals, Everton 1 goal.
At Birmingham last season Everton lost the game by 2 goals to 1.

EVERTON v.  LIVERPOOL LEEK
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, September 26, 1903
Liverpool Leek were the visitors at Goodison Park this afternoon, when glorious weather favoured the meeting, and there was consequently a good attendance of spectators. The teams were constituted as follows;-
Everton.- Dent, goal; Gordon and Balmer, backs; Chadwick, Russell and Wildman, half-backs; Rankin, Williams, Dilly, Corrin, and Simpson, forwards.
Leek.- Thomas, goal; Lamb and Williams, backs; Barwis, Taylor and Othy, half-backs; McDonnell, Roche, Griffiths, Brown, and Chadwick, forwards.
Griffiths kicked off for the Leek against the sun, and the opening exchanges were in the visitors favour, the game being contested in Everton territory for some time. Gordon with the aid of Wildman, temporarily cleared the threatened danger, but Leek came again, and Griffiths made a capital, but unsuccessful, attempt to open a score on behalf of the visitors. Splendid tactics were shown by Leek, who maintained the pressure, and kept Everton in their own half. Everton eventually got away, but nothing tangible resulted. Leek then went to the other end a fruitless corner being awarded them. Everton again took up the running, and Dilly shot within a few miles of goal. Corrin made a splendid effort to lower the colours of the Welshmen, but he was knocked over when close in goal, and his appeal for a penalty was disallowed. Some good work was put in by Everton after this, but the Leek defence was very sound, and all the efforts of the home eleven to draw first blood were futile. Corrin made a magnificent shot at goal, the leather just topping the crossbar. The Leek goalkeeper was kept busy for a time, and he brought off a grand save from Dilly. At the other end Brown shot over. Everton were pressing at the interval. Half-time; No score.
Final.- Everton Reserves 1, Liverpool Leek nil.

ASTON VILLA V EVERTON
Derby Daily Telegraph - Monday 28 September 1903
At Aston, before a crowd of 33,000 people. The Villa substituted Johnson forn Bache. The game rather favoured the visiting side, although Niblo and Johnson did not use chances which came their way. Young missed a nice opening after good play by the visiting forwards. A few minutes before half-time Johnson scored from Brawn's pass. Interval Villa one, Everton none. In the second half the Villa had the better of the game at the start, and McLuckie scored a second point for them, Wilkes following with a third. Then Everton showed skilful football, and Settle was able to score a well deserved point. It was a fine game to watch. Result;- Aston Villa 3, Everton 1.

A BATTLE OF GIANTS
Athletic News - Monday 28 September 1903
By Brum
Generally speaking the habitués of the Aston Villa ground can count on witnessing as good an entertainment as any provided in the country, for the Villa's home form is apt to be of a superfine type. If their home defeats in the League were to be calculated the average per season would come out very small, and no visitors to Birmingham, taking the history of the League right through, have given finer exhibitions than Everton. How grand were the evolutions of Chadwick and Milward in the old days, how exhilarating the dashes of Fred Geary; how stirring the runs and centres of Alex. Latta! Times have changed, and the composition of the teams has changed, but thank goodness it is still possible to see football of the highest class when the Villa and Everton meet. Their coming together is sure to mean a big gate, for everyone here recalls one of the “greatest” of all English Cup finals, in which the teams engaged at Aston on Saturday were the heroes thereof. Shall we ever see another Everton and Villa final? Is the remark one often hears. Well, we may, but it will take a lot of equaling. We saw a very fine game, a very delightful game, in fact, on Saturday. Everything favoured the fixture, the weather was summerlike, indeed, the voice of the cricketer could be heard complaining of the juxtaposition of the seasons, so to speak.  It was the Birmingham onion fair, too, and fifty special trains came into the city from different parts of the country. Some the excursionists probably went to the fair, but it is quite certain that a larger percentage of them visited the football ground before yielding to other fascinations. There were 30,000 people round the railings when the game began on as perfect a stretch turf as one need desire for the purpose of the so-called winter game. Johnson and Niblo formed the Villa left wing, still, they have such an assortment to choose from that it is difficult to say which is their best eleven.
A FAST GAME.
The pace was very fast, John Sharp put in a good many of his flying runs, and on his early form he looked like being the star performer of the game, but Brawn was not far behind him, and it would not be easy to pick a pair of fleeter and cleverer men, although Brawn is now the more solid man of the two. The onlookers, or those who favoured the Villa, and I presume that they were in a slight majority, did not quite like the way in which the game was going. You could not help entertaining the idea that the Villa were not quite so smart as their rivals. There was not much in it, but the Everton forwards played more systematic football than the Villa vanguard did to begin with. Sharp was often too good for Noon, and Hardman is a capital player, but the shooting was not A1 registered at Lloyd’s. It was faulty. Settle and Young are supposed to be experts at this phase of the game, but although they got in some good shies they did not look like beating George. Still, they had more chances of beating him than the Villa had of defeating Kitchen.  A splendid goal headed by Johnson from a centre by Brawn enabled the Villa to lead at the interval, but they could not claim to have been the better side. The game went on at undiminished pace, Everton having none the worst of it, but when the Villa make up their minds to go all the way they are hard to hold in, and from this point they literally ran away with the game, McLuckie scored after a superb dodgy run, and Wilkes obtained third goal with a long shot. Young then beat George, and Everton pressed in the last five minutes, but the Villa had won handsomely.  They were the better team, but their opponents retired honorably defeated.
A FINE EXHIBITION.
It was an exhibition of football such as we see none too often, a game which made the folks go home and declare emphatically that it is all rubbish to say that football is deteriorating. It was a game which made one feel that the afternoon had been well spent, and that next week’s game might also be worth watching. Brawn played admirable football, and my estimate of him is that he is the best man in his position in the country. I am prejudiced (?), maybe, but that is my unbiased opinion. Sharp also showed up well, and McLuckie was a bright star. Booth, Abbott, Spencer, and Pearson were also first-class, and there were no moderate men. Aston Villa; George; Spencer, and Noon; Pearson, Wood, and Wilkes; Brawn, Garrity, McLuckie, Johnson, and Niblo.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer, and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman.  Referee; H. Shelton, Nottingham. 

ASTON VILLA V EVERTON
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Monday 28 September 1903
At Aston, before a crowd of 33,000 people. The Villa substituted Johnson for Bache. Young missed a nice opening after good play by the visiting forwards. A few minutres before half-time Johnson scored from Brawn's pass. Half-time; Villa 1, Everton 0. After the interval the play was again very fast. Brawn missed an open goal after McLuckie had got through. Settle appeared a certain scorer, but George effected a brilliant save. McLuckie scored aftr twenty minutes and Wilkes added a third, while Young got through for Everton. Result; Villa 3, Everton 1.

ASTON VILLA 3 EVERTON 1
September 28, 1903. The Liverpool Courier.
This match at Birmingham attracted very great interest in view of the fine form shown of late by both teams, and with fine weather prevailing the attendance as the start numbered fully 25,000. Everton relied upon their usual side, while there was a slight alteration in the Villa eleven. The teams were: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Aston Villa: - George, goal, Spencer, and Noon, backs, Pearson, Wood, and Wilkes, half-backs, Brawn, Garraty, McLuckie, Johnson, and Niblo, forwards. Referee Mr. Shelton. The Villa won the toss, and Young started, Everton were the first to get to close quarters, but Settle shot wide. From the goal kick the Villa went away, but Booth stopped McLuckie, and the Evertonians were soon swarming round the home goal, McDermott shooting the wrong side of the upright. Again the Evertonians returned, but Noon kicked clear for Young. Everton continued to press until offside relieved the situation. Spencer pulled Hardman up nicely and the Villa right moved off in nice style, Brawn swinging across to Niblo, who being hard pressed by Crelly, ran the ball out. The play for a time was confined to midfield and then Hardman eluding Pearson ran down and put out to Settle, who shot wide. A foul against McDermott enabled the home lot to find their way into the visitors quarters, but Johnson placed the ball over the line. Garraty and McLuckie were prominent in a desperate effort to get through Balmer, however, kicking away. Brawn receiving a long pass from McLuckie made headway, only to be pulled up by Abbott. Wilkes hard pressed by Sharp had to kick back to George, and a moment later Settle put outside. The Everton prevented the Villa forwards settling down, and Everton pressing again George only saved a long dropping shot by Young at the expense of a corner. The visiting side continued to show to advantage until Wolstenholme sent high of the bar. Spencer robbed Settle neatly just as he was about to shoot, and the Villa rattled away, only to be stopped by Abbott in clever fashion. A foul against Young relieved further pressure on the home goal, but it was only temporary, for the Evertonians playing a dashing game came on again, and the Villa were in some difficulty to keep them at bay. Garraty was penalised for tripping Settle, but from the free kick the ball was got safely away. The Villa now got down, and several nice passes enabled McLuckie to test Kitchen, who threw clear. Johnson from the rebound, fastened on the ball, but sent it wildly outside. Noon was checked for pulling up the Everton right, and a minute later Young, when in front of the goal, was pulled up for offside. Again Sharp was responsible for a good run, but George was all there, and saved Young's shot splendidly. Spencer next cleverly checked the Everton right wing, and Pearson sending the ball forward put the Villa on the move. Smart work by Niblo took the ball well in, the visiting backs clearing easily. The Villa were now playing better, but the Everton halves prevented them getting dangerous. At last a shot from Garrity passed over the bar, and from the goal kick, play went on in the home half. Wilkes eventually relieves the situation with a well-timed kick. Once more the Villa worked down to the other end, Johnson bungling s shot from McLuckie, and the effort was foiled. A long shot by Booth was wide of the mark, and then following a fine run by Brawn, Kitchen saved splendidly. The Villa were now doing the entire pressing, and excitement ran high when Balmer intercepted a good shot from Johnson. A mistake by Pearson let the visitors in, but Spencer covered and saved the situation. At the other end a bully in the Everton goal saw Crelly head away from Garrity. Returning to the attack the ball was sent across the goal, and Johnson being well up, put it out of Kitchen's reach into the corner of the net. This success for the Villa cans three minutes from the interval. Half-time Villa 1, Everton nil.

The Villa were distinctly fortunate in crossing over a goal to the good as Everton had most of the play. On restarting the players seemed disposed to take things somewhat more easily until Sharp livened matters with a smart run which ended in Wilkes conceding a corner. From this Sharp put the ball nicely, but Abbott headed outside. Villa again worked down, and McLuckie getting past Balmer, who fell, shot the ball against Kitchen. It went out to Brawn, who, with an open goal sent it against the side of the net. A moment later the home goal had a narrow escape, George saving from Young at the expense of a corner. Everton were trying desperately hand to equalised, but experienced no luck in front of goal. McLuckie scored a second goal for the Villa, and Wilkes added a third. Towards the finish Young scored for Everton, who lost by three goals to 1.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 LIVERPOOL LEEK 0
September 28, 1903. The Liverpool Football Echo
Liverpool Leek were the visitors at Goodison park this afternoon, when glorious weather favoured the meeting, and there was consequently a good attendance of spectators. The teams were constitution as follows: - Everton: - Dent, goal, Gordon and R.Balmer, backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Wildman, half-backs, Rankin, Williams, Dilly, Corrin, and Simpson forwards. Liverpool Leeks: - Thomas, goal, Lamb, and Williams, backs, Lewis, Taylor, and Othy, half-backs, McDonnell, Roche, Griffiths, Brown, and Chadwick, forwards. Griffiths kick off for the Leeks against the sun, and the opening exchanges were in the visitor's favour, the game being contested in Everton territory for some time. Gordon with the aid of Wildman, temporarily cleared the danger, but Leek came again, and Griffiths made a capital but unsuccessful attempts in opening a score on behalf of the visitors. Splendid tactics were shown by Leek, who maintained the pressure, and kept Everton in their own half. Everton eventually got away, but nothing tangible resulted. Leek then went to the other end, a fruitless corner being awarded them. Everton again took up the running, and Dilly shot within a few yards of goal. Corrin made a splendid effort to lower the colours of the Welshmen, but he was knocked over when close in goal, and his appeal for a penalty was disallowed. Everton put in some good work after this, but the Leek defence was very sound, and all the efforts of the home eleven to draw first blood were futile. Corrin made a magnificent shot at goal, the goalkeeper was busy for a time, and he brought off a grand save from Dilly. At the other end, Brown shot over, Everton were pressing at the interval. Half-time Everton nil, Leek nil. Final Time Everton 1 Leek nil.

EVERTON REVIEW
September 28, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Once again the jubilation engendered by Everton's magnificent display against Newcastle United has been followed by disappointment. The team and an unusually large number of their supporters journeyed to the Midlands on Saturday in the expectation of witnessing the discomfiture of Aston Villa. Unhappily, these fond hopes were not realised, and as the outcome of a really spirited and well-contested game, the Evertonians acknowledged defeat by three goals to one. On the face of it, this represents a serious reverse; but while points have been lost, there is some consolation in the fact that the final score was by no means as accurate reflex of the varying fortunes of the play. Indeed with a little luck, but it must be admitted with reasonable marksmanship on the part of the visiting forwards, the result might easily have been the other way. During the first half, and especially until a few minutes from the interval, Everton were distinctly the superior side. In finesse, in combination, and in all the finer features of the game, they were in advance of their old and famous antagonists. In view of this, it seems singular that the visitors were unable to pierce the Villa defence. It is strange, but none the less true, that their admirable footwork, and determination brought no fruition; simply, it must be said, owing to an almost inexplicable incapacity when the moment came to turn to real account splendid bits of play, which delighted even the Villa spectators. Having allowed so many chances to go abegging, it was not altogether surprising that when the Villa a turn did come they, by reason of none accurate shooting, should have made victory assured. Time and again the Everton forwards had the better of the Villa defence, but some of their efforts to score were ridiculously feeble, even at times when the keeper was the only player that had to be overcome. Weak and wide shooting characterised many of their efforts, and had they established themselves, as they should have done quite early in the game, probably a different tale would have to be related. The only really dangerous shot during the first half-hour came from Abbott, but unfortunately for his side, the referee was in the way of the ball, otherwise a certain goal must have accured. Then followed the first success of the Villa. Garrity, who all along had been a troublesome player to Everton halves, put the ball out to Brawn, with the result that this speedy player ran round Crelly, and swung it across to Johnson, who completely defeated Kitchen. It was a capital movement, and deserved success, while at the same time, it apparently decided the game, for from this point onwards the Everton side played like a beaten team. The second half opened in brisk fashion, and quite early on George kept out a fine shot from settle, while at the other end, and one of the best saves of the day was effected by Kitchen, who kept out a ball from Johnson that looked like beating him all the way. The Everton defence for some time had been showing signs of weakness, and the alert Villa forwards for a long period ran the rearguard off their feet. McLuckie eventually got the better of Balmer, and put on a second goal, and a third came from Wilkes, though the latter point should have been prevented, as the keeper handled the ball, but unluckily placed it into the net. A big effort was made to reduce the lead, and Young scored a clever goal, while both Settle and Hardman had no luck with capital shots. As has been suggested, the Everton forwards missed many opportunities of laying a foundation to success early on in the game, but this was not the only weakness discernible, for the backs did not strike one as being particularly safe. Balmer was occasionally easily beaten, but there were times when he and Crelly extricated their sides from difficulty. Wilstenholme and Abbott had plenty of work, on hands, and a pleasing feature in their display was the fact that they endeavored to do what the forwards should certainly have accomplished-shot at goal. Both put in rattling good shots, but levelled from long range they had little chance of defeating George. In the centre, Booth was fitful, and some of his efforts to score were decidedly feeble. The forwards did everything but find the net. Their footwork was greatly admired, and though Young showed the prevailing weakness, he kept his men well employed, and on the whole played a satisfactory game, Sharp on the extreme right was always a source of anxiety to the Villa defenders, while at the other end of the line Hardman put in a good work early on, but appeared to tire towards the finish. The Villa players, after once finding their position comparatively secure, played a most confident game, and for a time nothing could go wrong with them. McLuckie was a capable centre forwards, for he distributed the play in such a fashion that the best efforts of those on either side of him were distinctly brought out. Brawn and Niblo got in many fine runs and accurate centres, and the dash of the inside players, Johnson and Garrity, who rarely failed to take chances, stamped the forward line as capable of securing many succession. The half backs played a harassing game, and further behind Spencer showed that he has lost none of his skill. Noon was often beaten by Sharp, especially in the early stages of the game, but as played progressed he improved, and with his confreres and George formed a sound defence.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 28 September 1903
The Everton eleven met with their second reverse on Saturday, when Aston Villa scored a somewhat lucky victory by 3 goals to 1. The result scarcely indicate the trend of the play, for the first half was altogether in favour of the visitors. Indeed, they went off with such dash and determination that it quite looked as though they would eventually run away with their formidable opponents. Brilliant combination and exceedingly clever passing are, however, comparatively useless if the final shooting is inaccurate. This was Everton’s great and glaring fault on Saturday. The leather time after time was worked to within a few yards of the goal, and then one or other of the forwards gave it a ladylike tip which either landed it gently in George’s arms or sent it sailing wide of the mark. Young, Settle, and Sharp were the principal offenders in this respect, all three missing several fine opportunities of scoring. The half-backs on the other hand, played the proper game by driving in from long range whenever an opportunity arose and twice they nearly succeeded in beating the Villa custodian. One shot from Wolstenholme was charged down very luckily, and another from Abbott was diverted from its course- accidentally, of course-by the referee. If the front line had only put half the vigour into their shooting the result would certainly have been different. As it was, the Villa took heart of grace when they saw so many fine chances going begging, and in the second half they completely turned the tables on Everton, who, for a time, fell all to pieces, so to speak. Towards the close they made a great effort to reduce the margin, but the home side kept a sound defence, and a crowd of 30,000 spectators acclaimed their victory. Enough has been said as to the play of the forwards and half-backs. The former were always tricky and clever, though towards the close Hardman seemed to tire. The three halves all played sound football, and the backs were fairly good. Kitchen kept goal magnificently and but for his agility the score against him might easily have been heavier. The Birmingham contingent are again a strong lot of the season, and they should secure many “scalps” when appearing on their own spacious enclosures.

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 28 September 1903
A crowd nearly 30,000 strong witnessed this game on the Aston Villa Ground, Birmingham. Both clubs were fully represented though F. Johnson played in the home side in place of Bache. The following were the teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer, and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Villa.- George, goal; Spencer and Moore, backs; Pearson, Woods and Wilkes, half-backs; Brawn, Garratty, McLuckie, Johnson, and Niblo, forwards.
The visitors forced the game at the start, Sharp in particular being busy. Young early on had a chance of scoring, but made a most disastrous kick, and missed a great opportunity. However, after George had cleared his goal, McLuckie also blundered. The game was well contested and fast, and at one period Settle went very near beating George. So far as play went, Everton displayed the best tactics, but all their efforts were spent against a grand defence. Close upon the interval, Johnson taking a good pass from Brawn, managed to net the ball, and at the interval the Villa were a goal to the good. The homesters opened the second half in more businesslike style than they had previously displayed. Abbott shot in for George to clear, McLuckie taking up the work and dribbling well along the field, but was checked by Kitchen, who ran cut and got the ball away. Brawn afterwards got possession. He had an open goal, but was unfortunate in driving the leather against the side of the net. Everton retaliated, but without effect; and then McLuckie scored a second point for the home side. At this juncture Kitchen’s charge was fairly bombarded, but it took some time to add the third point, which was gained by Wilkes. The result now was practically a foregone conclusion though Everton kept pegging away, and before the end of the game Settle obtained Everton’s solitary goal close on time.
Result; Aston Villa 3 goals, Everton 1 goal.

ASTON VILLA v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 28 September 1903
At Aston before a crowd of 33,000 people. The Villa substituted Johnson for Bache. The game rather favoured the visiting side, although Niblo and Johnson did not use chances which came their way. Young also missed a nice opening after good play by the visiting forwards. A few minute before half-time Johnson scored from Brown pass. Half-time- Villa, 1; Everton, nil.
In the second half the Villa had the better of the game at the start, and McLuckie scored a second point for them. Wilkes followed with a third. Then Everton showed skilful football, and Settle was able to score a well-deserved point. It was a fine game to watch.
Result- Aston Villa 3 Everton 1
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
Aston Villa,- George, goal; Spencer and Moore, backs; Pearson, Woods, and Wilkes, half-backs; Brown, Garratty, McLuckie, Johnson, and Niblo, forwards.